Denali National Park, Alaska: Information for Independent and Tour Travel

With over six million acres of wilderness, Denali National Park is one of Alaska's top tourism destinations. Although the park is open year-round, it is most accessible from mid-May through mid-September when the park's single road is cleared of snow and more park facilities are available. Denali is home to the highest peak in North America, the 20,300 foot Mount McKinley.

Transportation

Travelers generally arrive at Denali from Anchorage (240 miles south) or Fairbanks (120 miles north). The only road that leads directly to the park entrance is Alaska Route 3, also known as George Parks Highway. Public transport options include bus and railway, although it can often be cheaper for parties of two or more to rent a car for the trip. RV rentals are available in Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Within the park, private vehicles are only allowed up to Savage River Area. Shuttle buses and tour buses are available for trips along the park's 92-mile Park Road.

Camping and Backpacking

Six campgrounds are located within the park, one of which is open year-round. None of these campgrounds have RV hookups, and some are only tent sites. Pets are not allowed in wilderness areas or on trails and must be kept on campground roads and Park Road. Read more about the different campgrounds at nps.gov/dena.

Permits are required for backcountry trips. Each member of the hiking party must visit the Backcountry Information Center (BIC) and complete an hour-long process that includes itinerary planning, watching a backcountry video, talking with a ranger, delineating maps and purchasing shuttle bus tickets.

Indoor Accommodation

Remote wildnerness lodges are located within the park's Kantisha Area. These include Kantisha Roadhouse, Denali Backcountry Lodge, Camp Denali Lodge and North Face Lodge. Options near the park entrance include Denali River Cabins, McKinley Chalet Resort, Denali Princess Lodge and McKinley Village Lodge.

You can also stay along the highway or in the nearby communities of Healy (11 miles) or Cantwell (30 miles). Area options include RV campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, cabins, lodges, hotels and motels. Budget travelers not planning to camp can check rates at Denali Mountain Morning Hostel.

Outdoor Activities

For many travelers, exploration of Denali starts with a shuttle bus ride along Park Road. The park also runs a variety of field seminars, ranger programs, walks and day hikes. Opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, cycling and hiking abound. To see Denali from above, book a flight seeing tour in a small aircraft.

All mountaineers attempting Mount McKinely or Mount Foraker must register at least 60 days in advance. The region's mountaineering headquarters is located in Talkeetna.

Package Tours

Many Anchorage and Fairbanks based tour operators offer one-day and multi-day package tours that feature a visit to Denali National Park. Alaska Tour and Travel has a variety of options including a seven-day tour that combines Denali and Kenai Fjords. Go Alaska Tours offers day tours, hiking and adventure packages and multi-day packages. If you plan on arriving in Alaska by cruise ship, you may be able to book a land and sea excursion that includes a day or two at Denali.

Sources:

NPS.gov: Denali National Park

Lonely Planet: Alaska

Denali Park Resorts

Alaska Travel: Denali Park

Denali Chamber of Commerce