Stretching across six million acres of untamed Alaskan wilderness, Denali National Park and Preserve is a land of superlatives. It is a place where towering peaks pierce the sky, immense glaciers carve valleys, and iconic wildlife roams free across a vast, roadless landscape. At its heart stands the colossal Denali, North America’s highest peak at a staggering 20,310 feet (6,190 meters). A journey here is more than a vacation; it’s an immersion into one of the planet’s last great wild frontiers. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a nature lover seeking solace, Denali offers an unforgettable experience. Here are the best things to do in this magnificent park.
The Best Things to Do in Denali National Park
1. Journey the Denali Park Road on a Bus Tour
For most visitors, the 92-mile Denali Park Road is the sole artery into the park’s interior, and private vehicles are only permitted for the first 15 miles to Savage River. To venture deeper, you must take a bus, and this is truly the quintessential Denali experience. The journey is an adventure in itself, offering the best chances to spot wildlife and witness the staggering scale of the landscape.
The Denali Park Road Beyond Mile 15 (image: NPS)
- Narrated Tours: These tours, such as the Tundra Wilderness Tour, feature a trained naturalist driver who provides fascinating commentary on the park’s geology, history, and ecology, while actively scanning for wildlife.
- Transit Buses: These are a more flexible, hop-on, hop-off option for independent hikers and campers. They are less expensive and follow the same route, but the drivers don’t provide a full narration, though they will stop for wildlife sightings.
Pro Tip: Book your bus tickets far in advance, especially for peak season (June to August). The farther you travel into the park, the higher your chances of seeing Denali on a clear day and spotting diverse wildlife.
2. Scan the Horizon for the “Big Five”
Denali is a sanctuary for wildlife, and the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat is a primary draw. The park is famous for its “Big Five”:
- Grizzly Bears: Often seen foraging for berries on the tundra or digging for roots.
- Moose: Frequently spotted in the forested, marshy areas near the park entrance.
- Caribou: Recognizable by their large, branching antlers, often seen in herds on the open tundra.
- Dall Sheep: Look for white specks high up on the mountainsides; binoculars are essential to see these agile climbers.
- Wolves: The most elusive of the five. Spotting a wolf pack is a rare and thrilling experience.
Beyond these, keep an eye out for foxes, marmots, golden eagles, and ptarmigan. Remember to always maintain a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife.
3. Go for a Hike (On or Off the Trail)
Lace up your boots and experience the Denali wilderness on foot. The park offers a unique range of hiking experiences for all fitness levels.
- Maintained Trails: Near the park entrance and the Denali Visitor Center, you’ll find a handful of well-maintained trails. The Savage River Loop Trail is a popular, relatively flat two-mile walk that offers a great taste of the subarctic landscape.
- Off-Trail Hiking: This is the true Denali hiking experience. The park encourages visitors to explore its trailless wilderness. Simply pick a direction and start walking. This allows for unparalleled freedom and solitude. Be sure to pick up a backcountry permit, carry a map and compass (and know how to use them), and be well-versed in bear safety protocols.
4. Get a Bird’s-Eye View with a Flightseeing Tour
To truly comprehend the immense scale and breathtaking beauty of the Alaska Range, you must see it from the air. A flightseeing tour is a once-in-a-lifetime splurge that offers jaw-dropping views of Denali’s icy peaks, sprawling glaciers, and deep crevasses. Many tours offer a glacier landing, allowing you to step out of the plane and onto an ancient river of ice, surrounded by a cathedral of silent, snow-covered mountains. It’s an experience that will leave you speechless.
5. Visit the Sled Dog Kennels
Denali is the only U.S. National Park with a working team of sled dogs. For a century, these incredible canine rangers have been instrumental in patrolling the park’s wilderness during the long winter months. In the summer, visitors can visit the kennels, meet the dogs (and often, puppies!), and watch a fascinating demonstration of how they work with the rangers. It’s a fun, free, and educational activity that highlights a unique aspect of the park’s history and management.
6. Photograph the Unforgettable Landscapes
Denali is a photographer’s paradise. The dramatic landscapes change with the light, offering endless opportunities for stunning shots. The reflection of the Alaska Range in Wonder Lake is an iconic, albeit hard-to-reach, shot. Polychrome Pass on the Park Road reveals a panorama of multi-hued volcanic rocks, while the vast, braided riverbeds create beautiful leading lines toward the mountains. Be patient, as the weather is famously fickle, but when the clouds part to reveal Denali in all its glory, you’ll want your camera ready.
7. Chase the Aurora Borealis
If you visit late in the season (from mid-August onwards), you have a chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays: the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). As the nights grow longer and darker, the skies above Denali can come alive with shimmering curtains of green, purple, and pink light. To see them, you’ll need a clear, dark night and a bit of luck. Head away from any artificial lights for the best viewing experience.
8. Raft the Nenana River
Float peacefully or take on whitewater thrills on the glacier-fed Nenana River. Tours provide dry suits and gear, making this a fun and refreshing way to encounter Denali’s dramatic landscapes.
9. Explore from Talkeetna and Its Viewpoints
The charming town of Talkeetna, just south of Denali, serves as a hub for flightseeing tours and offers excellent vantage points of the Alaska Range—especially at its scenic pullouts and riverside pathways.
10. Stay Deep in the Wilderness
Extend your adventure by staying at remote lodging:
- Kantishna Roadhouse: accessible only by air, this rustic yet exclusive lodge offers solitude, guided activities, and even gold panning.
- Backcountry lodges like Denali Backcountry Lodge deliver wilderness immersion plus unexpected comforts like limited spa services
Planning Your Denali Adventure
- Best Time to Visit: The main visitor season is from late May to mid-September when the buses are running. June and July offer the longest daylight hours, while late August and September bring stunning fall colors and a chance to see the aurora.
- Getting There: Most visitors fly into Anchorage (ANC) or Fairbanks (FAI) and then drive or take the Alaska Railroad to the park entrance.
- Where to Stay: Accommodation options are clustered near the park entrance in an area often called “Glitter Gulch.” You can find everything from large lodges to rustic cabins. For a truly immersive experience, consider camping in one of the park’s six established campgrounds.
A trip to Denali is a powerful reminder of the raw, untamed beauty of the natural world. It’s a place that commands respect and rewards the adventurous spirit. By bus, by foot, or by plane, exploring this subarctic wilderness is an experience that will stay with you forever.