Denali National Park and Preserve
Guide

Get out your bike for an incredible adventure exploring the amazing wild lands of Denali National Park. You can bike along all 92 miles of Denali Park Road, seeing all the incredible sites, most of which are only otherwise accessible by bus. If the conditions are right, cyclists can even try their hand at bikejoring, a fun hybrid activity where you can have a sled dog pull your bike!

Experienced climbers can try their hand climbing the highest peak in North America, Denali. Mountaineering enthusiasts can brave the elements and traverse through the harsh, raw wilderness of Denali National Park. Beyond Denali, there are many opportunities to get in the mountains like climbing the vertical rocks and ice walls that line Ruth Gorge. Registration is required at least 60 days before your planned climb.

Denali National Park is an incredible place for hiking for people of all ability levels. On warmer spring days, you can traverse through a plethora of self-guided trails, each offering breathtaking views and unique surroundings. From the hillside trek of Mount Healy Trail to the lush forests route of Roadside Trail, this national park is an amazing oasis for hikers.

For an unforgettable adventure, you can enjoy life-changing views of Denali that you can’t experience any other way than from the sky. Hire a private company to take you on an airplane tour of Denali National Park. On these chartered tours, pilots will fly you over the country’s largest mountain, as well as pass by gorgeous glaciers and enchanting wilderness.

The spring is a great time to get out those binoculars and see the myriad of species that fly through Denali National Park and Preserve. There are so many incredible birds to spot, including the raven, black-billed magpie, and the trumpeter swan. You can catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures all around the park, from as close as the Visitor Center to farther reaches of the park like the hiking trails.

For an aquatic adventure, unlike any other, hire a private company to go whitewater rafting down Denali National Park’s mighty rivers. You’ll coast down winding rivers and crash on thrilling rapids in the rustic waters of the Nenana River. White water rafting is a great way to get intimate with Denali National Park’s natural serenity and take in majestic views you can’t see in any other way.

The summer is the ideal time of year to visit Savage River, a magical waterway that was carved out by glaciers. The Savage River Loop Trail lets you hike along the river through a canyon with Mount Margaret and Healy Ridge on either side. While you are exploring, keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of wildlife and wildflowers. Seeing the natural side of Denali up close and personal is something that you won’t want to miss.

Since the shuttles run during the summer, this is the best time of year to take a scenic bus tour while you attempt to catch a glimpse of the amazing creatures that call this park home. On an active-wildlife day, you might be able to spot grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, moose, and Dall’s sheep, which are just some of the 39 species of mammals located at the park.

During the summer you can take an engaging hike guided by park rangers to experience the majestic wilderness of Denali National Park. You’ll learn about all the native species and plants from the experts while traversing through Alaska's tranquil scenery. Two hikes are offered each day, and they both begin at the Wilderness Access Center. You’ll want to stock up on your outdoor gear and bring plenty of water with you so you will feel comfortable and ready to explore on your guided expedition.

If you want to discover the enchanting wilderness of Denali National Park on horseback, hire a private company for a riding tour. You’ll ride through open meadows and lush forests while taking in all the scenery that surrounds you. You’ll be able to soak in views of native wildlife and flora while learning about the area from an expert guide.

You can get up close and personal with Alaska’s famous sled dogs at a free dog sled demonstration at Denali National Park. You’ll learn about the history and exciting adventure of dog sledding from the experts. Get your camera ready for some adorable dog pictures or a pose by the dog sled to save those unforgettable memories. Now, mush!

If you want to explore Denali National Park and Preserve in a truly unique way, you’ll love an ATV adventure tour. You can hire a private company to take you on a guided off-roading tour that gets you up close and personal with some of the most scenic wilderness in North America. Get a thrill splashing through water, catching a glimpse of wild moose, and getting incredible views of Denali. There is no better way to get more excitement on an Alaskan RV trip in autumn.

If you’re in the park in early fall, learn all about Denali's unique features and the natural history of the park — from bears to glaciers — right from the experts, the Denali Park Rangers. Gather around the campground or hang out in the amphitheater to join one of these regularly-scheduled, ranger-led programs. If you have questions about the park, bring them with you. It's always fun to hear how the rangers explain the varying aspects of the park.

Whether you’re an amateur camera enthusiast or world-class photographer, Denali National Park is a haven for photography. On a clear day, you can capture gorgeous views of the largest mountain in North America, Denali. There are several viewpoints along Denali Park Road where you can catch the awe-inspiring view of this mammoth peak. Not only that, but this national park is a great place for wildlife and landscape photography of all kinds since raw wilderness surrounds you at every turn.

If you’re looking for an extraordinary way to explore Denali National Park, hire a private company to give you a guided horse-drawn carriage ride tour. You’ll learn all about the unique cultural and natural history of the area from the experts as you ride along through rustic scenery. Some companies offer family-style meals during your tour so you can enjoy some delicious bites while taking in jaw-dropping views of Alaska’s backcountry.

Open during the winter, the Murie Science and Learning Center is a great place for the whole family to learn about the incredible natural history of Denali National Park. You can check out interesting wildlife exhibits and see a film about the park’s dog sledding activities. Plus, you can grab a bite to eat before you head out for some winter exploring.

It's hard to trek through the deep snow that blankets Denali National Park in the winter. However, don't let the snow stop you from visiting. You can traverse through this winter wonderland by cross-country skiing. Coast through incredible views of Denali and soak in a fantastic experience when surrounded by unsurpassed beauty during the winter. If you don't have cross country skis, there are many opportunities to rent nordic equipment from local outdoor outfitters.

In case you left your sled dogs at home, you’re in luck. Hire a private company to take you on a one-of-a-kind dog sled expedition. Also known as dog mushing, this is a popular sport in Alaska, so you can hit the trail like a local and let the incredible sled dogs take you through the windy trails and snow-capped mountain views of Denali National Park. There is no better or more authentic way to experience Alaska than with a dog sled tour.

Located just three miles from the park entrance, you will be in for a treat with a visit to the Sled Dog Kennels. You can meet and greet the incredible sled dogs that live and work at the park. Rangers are on hand to provide in-depth information about the history and exciting details of Alaskan dog sledding.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of the most magical sights in the world if you visit Denali National Park in the colder months of the year. The Northern Lights, otherwise known as Aurora Borealis, are a phenomenon that is uncommon in the Lower 48, making Denali National Park and Preserve one of the few places in the United States where you might be able to spot the colorful celestial performance. The Northern Lights decorate some of the darkest skies in the country with colorful rays ranging from red, green, and white to bright blue and purple.