National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo / Nathan Kostegian
Denali National Park & Preserve
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' Mount McKinley. Wild animals large and small roam un-fenced lands, living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility and wilderness await.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
5.4 mi · 1,700 ft gain · out & back
Steep climb from forest into alpine country, reaching a ridge with potential views of Denali. The most rewarding maintained trail near the entrance.
Starts at: Denali Visitor Center
2 mi · 250 ft gain · loop
Descends to a lake surrounded by a ghost forest of white spruce killed by permafrost changes.
Starts at: Horseshoe Lake Trailhead
2 mi · 50 ft gain · loop
Mellow riverside walk alongside the braided Savage River through subarctic terrain.
Starts at: Savage River
8 mi · 1,500 ft gain · out & back
Steep trail climbing above treeline into alpine tundra with panoramic mountain views.
Starts at: Savage River area
Upcoming Events
In the winter (mid-September through mid-May), the historic Sled Dog Kennels are open on weekend afternoons only. Come visit with Denali's friendly canine rangers! The dogs may be out on the trail, but a ranger will be available to chat.
Denali's most popular ranger program, featuring Alaskan huskies! Visit the historic Sled Dog Kennels to meet and learn about Denali's canine rangers. Some seating is available for the demonstration, and there is plenty of standing room. No parking is available at the kennels, so please plan on using the Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle or walking the two miles from the Denali Visitor Center to the kennels via the Roadside Hiking Trail.
Denali's most popular ranger program, featuring Alaskan huskies! Visit the historic Sled Dog Kennels to meet and learn about Denali's canine rangers. Some seating is available for the demonstration, and there is plenty of standing room. No parking is available at the kennels, so please plan on using the Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle or walking the two miles from the Denali Visitor Center to the kennels via the Roadside Hiking Trail.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: May
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Summer is typically cool and wet, with highs typically in the upper 50s to low 60s, and lows in the 40s. On occasion, summer highs reach the low 80s, though this is rare. Snow can fall any month of the year, so be prepared for chilly weather even in summer. Fall colors emerge on the alpine tundra in August and in the low valleys in early September. Winter generally starts in mid-September, with temps often getting down to -40 by January. Spring is a short season in April / May, with highs above freezing.