Denali National Park
Home to Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), North America's tallest peak at 20,310 feet, and vast tundra wilderness with abundant wildlife. The park offers unparalleled opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and experiencing pristine Alaskan landscape.
Things to do
- Denali Summit Attempt — Climb North America's tallest peak at 20,310 feet, requiring mountaineering experience and typically a 2-3 week expedition via the West Buttress route.
- Denali Park Road Shuttle — Take the 92-mile park road shuttle bus to see wildlife including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves in their natural habitat.
- Wonder Lake Hike — Hike to Wonder Lake for stunning reflections of Denali on clear days, accessible via shuttle bus to mile 85 of the park road.
- Savage River Loop Trail — Day hike through tundra habitat offering wildlife viewing opportunities and accessible without a shuttle, located at mile 15 of park road.
- Backcountry Camping — Camp in designated backcountry sites away from roads to experience pristine wilderness and potentially encounter wildlife.
- Horseshoe Lake Trail — Walk an easy mile-long trail to a scenic oxbow lake formed by the Nenana River with good chances of moose sightings.
Food to try
- Alaskan Salmon — Fresh-caught salmon from local waters, prepared grilled or smoked, is a signature regional specialty found in park lodges and nearby restaurants.
- Musk Ox Qiviut Products — While not a food, locally-made qiviut yarn from musk oxen represents a unique food-adjacent regional craft available at park visitor centers.
- Wild Blueberries — Tundra blueberries harvested locally during summer months are served fresh or in pies and desserts at park accommodations.
- Reindeer Sausage — A regional Alaskan specialty made from domesticated reindeer, offered at lodges and restaurants near the park entrance.
- Fresh Halibut — Pacific halibut sourced from Alaskan waters is commonly featured on menus at park lodges and nearby Healy restaurants.
Local customs & good to know
- Prepare for Weather Variability — Weather in Denali changes rapidly and visibility of the summit is never guaranteed; flexibility and patience are essential Alaskan virtues.
- Respect Wildlife Distance — Maintain at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from bears and wolves, following park regulations and local guides' instructions.
- Book Accommodations Early — The short summer season (June-August) fills accommodations quickly, and advance reservations are a practical necessity for any visit.
- Learn Leave No Trace Ethics — Denali's remote wilderness requires visitors to practice strict leave-no-trace principles and pack out all waste to preserve the ecosystem.