Alert: Road Open to: Mile 30 (Teklanika River)

National Park & Preserve

Denali

a white colored sheep standing on a mountainside overlooking a green valley
Congress originally created Denali National Park (called Mount McKinley National Park, at the time) to protect wildlife, particularly Dall sheep NPS Photo / Nathan Kostegian

Overview

Denali is six million acres of wild land, bisected by one ribbon of road. Travelers along it see the relatively low-elevation taiga forest give way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America's tallest peak, 20,310' Denali. Wild animals large and small roam un-fenced lands, living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility and wilderness await.

State: AK9076839532

Hours

  • Sunday: All Day
  • Monday: All Day
  • Tuesday: All Day
  • Wednesday: All Day
  • Thursday: All Day
  • Friday: All Day
  • Saturday: All Day

Fees & Passes

  • Entrance - Per Person:  15.00

    Denali charges an entrance fee year-round. Youth age 15 or younger are free. For people age 16 or older, the $15 entrance fee provides a 7-day entrance permit. Be prepared to show your receipt or pass (digital or physical) if requested by park staff.

Map

Things To Do

Category

6 Results
    a trail leading through a forest of spruce and aspen trees

    Hike a Short Trail From the Denali Visitor Center

    Free

    Description

    At 6 million acres in size, Denali is incredibly vast, and hiking is possible almost anywhere in the park. However, there are only a handful of established trails in the park, and here you'll find a few suggestions for one or more short hikes from the Denali Visitor Center.

    More info
    Time:1-3 Hours
    snowy forested landscape

    Explore Denali's Winter Trails

    Free

    Description

    Whether on foot, skis or snowshoes, winter is a great time for you to explore Denali! Snow starts falling as early as September, although in some years the conditions aren't good for skiing until December, and it sticks around until April or May.

    More info
    Pet FriendlyTime:1-12 Hours
    a person riding a bicycle on a dirt road

    Bike the Denali Park Road

    Free

    Description

    Biking the Denali Park Road is a rewarding way to explore the park at a slower speed than vehicles allow. Experience a variety of terrain over the course of just a few hours as you pedal from forested areas up to expansive views of the tundra, then coast back downhill towards a river.

    More info
    Pet FriendlyTime:1-12 Hours
    woman looking at her smart phone and a plant on a trail

    Discover the Boreal Forest: Identify Plants While Hiking in Denali

    Free

    Description

    Denali is home to a beautiful variety of plant species, from tall Aspen trees to short Moss campion. With a diversity of habitat types that support water-loving to drought-tolerant plants, Denali is an excellent place to immerse yourself in the subarctic flora. The DenaliFlora App is the perfect companion for your botanical explorations.

    More info
    Time:1-4 Hours
    two women picking berries in a shrubby meadow, a huge snowy mountain visible in the distance

    Berry Picking in Denali

    Free

    Description

    Alaska is well known for it’s amazing and abundant berries in August and September—just ask any of the grizzly bears in Denali! A family friendly activity would be to strike off into the tundra and search for berries. Bring your bucket (or empty water bottle) to fill, or simply snack on the go.

    More info
    a shallow river flowing between mountains

    Explore Mountain Vista & Savage River

    Free

    Description

    While most of Denali’s sole road is restricted just to bus traffic, anybody can drive out to Mountain Vista and Savage River. Located about 15 miles inside the park, the area is scenic, featuring several trails (some short, one long) and a picnic area.

    More info
    Time:2-6 Hours

More Images

a white colored sheep standing on a mountainside overlooking a green valley
a white colored sheep standing on a mountainside overlooking a green valley
snowy mountains reflected in a pond
snowy mountains reflected in a pond
A huge snowy mountain looming over a landscape of forests and water
A huge snowy mountain looming over a landscape of forests and water
a vast white mountain looming over a brown landscape
a vast white mountain looming over a brown landscape
a man standing next to a green bus
a man standing next to a green bus
light turns a snowy mountain shades of pink and purple
light turns a snowy mountain shades of pink and purple
a park ranger leading hikers up a steep mountainside
a park ranger leading hikers up a steep mountainside
three brown bears walking along a dirt road
three brown bears walking along a dirt road
a bus on a gravel road behind a large caribou that is trotting on the road
a bus on a gravel road behind a large caribou that is trotting on the road
a large seated crowd faces a park ranger and a small group of sled dogs
a large seated crowd faces a park ranger and a small group of sled dogs