National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS / Tim Rains · Public domain
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
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Denali Visitor Center (park entrance area) (opens in a new tab)
Denali Visitor Center (park entrance area)Main
Denali Park, AK · Park open year-round (no entrance gate); visitor center open mid-May to mid-September; Park Road open to private vehicles only to mile 15
- Directions to Talkeetna (Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station) (opens in a new tab)
Talkeetna (Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station)
Talkeetna, AK · Ranger station open mainly April–September (mountaineering season)
South side of the park; no road into the park from here (flightseeing and climbing access)
Airports
- FAI
Fairbanks International Airport · Fairbanks, AK
ClosestMid-size airport - ANC
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport · Anchorage, AK
Major airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Towns to stay in
Talkeetna, AKSouth side; no road into the park
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.
Best Time to Visit Denali
Best time to visit: June–August
The best time to visit Denali National Park & Preserve is June–August. Buses run their peak season on the park road, with the best odds of wildlife sightings and the warmest, longest days of Denali's short summer.
In those months, average highs are 61–66°F at Denali Visitor Center. August is the busiest month on average.
Monthly averages at Denali Visitor Center (1,770 ft). Climate normals (1981–2010): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
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.
