National Park Guide

Denali National Park

Alaska, US

North America's tallest peak presides over six million acres of raw Alaskan wilderness teeming with grizzlies, wolves, and caribou.

6,045,153
Acres
35
Trails
1917
Established
591,399
Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season
Year-round (Park Road beyond Mile 3 open June-September)
Entrance Fee
$15 per person
Nearest Airport
Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), 2 hours 15 minutes
Best Months
June, July, August

Highlights

  • Denali summit visible on clear days from Wonder Lake
  • Bus tour deep into the park on the 92-mile Park Road
  • Grizzly bear and caribou viewing from the Eielson Visitor Center
  • Flightseeing around Denali's summit and Ruth Glacier
  • Hiking off-trail across open tundra with no established paths
  • Northern lights viewing in late August and September

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Denali National Park

Horseshoe Lake Trail

Easy
3.2 miles round trip
200 ft gain

Savage River Loop Trail

Moderate
2.0 miles loop
200 ft gain

Eielson Alpine Trail

Moderate
1.0 miles round trip
400 ft gain

McKinley River Bar Trail

Strenuous
10.0 miles round trip
200 ft gain

Triple Lakes Trail

Strenuous
9.5 miles one way
1,200 ft gain

About Denali National Park

Denali National Park and Preserve encompasses six million acres of wild interior Alaska centered around Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet. The park has only one road, most of which is accessible only by park bus, keeping the vast tundra and boreal forests in a near-pristine state. Grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, moose, and caribou roam freely across a landscape that stretches from lowland spruce forest through alpine tundra to permanent glacial ice.

In-Depth Guide

Denali National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Denali National Park. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Alaska.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Where to Stay

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Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge

$$$

A sprawling riverside lodge on the Nenana River just outside the park entrance, offering rooms and bungalows with mountain views, multiple dining options, and organized excursions into the park.

1 mile from park entrance$280-450/night
Check on Hotels.com

Denali Bluffs Hotel

$$

A hillside hotel near the Denali park entrance with stunning mountain views from private balconies. Close to the Denali Visitor Center and shuttle stops.

1 mile to park entrance$180-320/night
Check on Hotels.com

McKinley Chalet Resort

$$

A large resort along the Nenana River canyon near the park entrance, offering multiple room categories, a dinner theater, and rafting excursions. Popular with tour groups exploring Denali.

2 miles from park entrance$180-310/night
Check on Hotels.com

Compare Denali National Park

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Park Details

Highest Point
Denali (Mount McKinley), 20,310 ft
Camping
Available
Wilderness Areas
Yes
Pet Friendly
Limited (developed areas only)
Region
Alaska/Hawaii
Established
1917