Denali National Park Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by State of Alaska/Matt Hage
Photo provided by State of Alaska/Matt Hage
Denali featuring mountains, tranquil scenes and landscape views
Denali featuring tranquil scenes
Denali showing tranquil scenes

This vast Alaskan wilderness of rock and ice includes hiking trails, grizzly and black bears and the highest mountain in North America.

Take a wild Alaskan adventure through Denali National Park and Preserve’s 6 million acres (2.4 million hectares). This enormous subarctic landscape of glaciers, mountains and forests surrounds Denali, North America’s highest peak, formerly known as Mount McKinley. Rising 20,320 feet (6,194 meters), the park’s centerpiece is often shrouded in clouds. Build time into your plans to let clouds clear for the best view.

To protect the wildlife and terrain, park traffic is restricted. Only one road leads into Denali, the 92-mile (148-kilometer) Denali Park Road. The first 15 miles (24 kilometers) are paved and can be accessed by all vehicles. Walk, bike or take the bus to venture farther along the road and deeper into the park.

Two types of bus lines serve Denali. Informal shuttle buses let you hop on and off anywhere along their routes. Tour buses provide narration and stop at designated places. Visit Denali National Park’s official website for timetables and ticket prices.

Explore the park on foot, a great way to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Select from numerous trails ranging from moderate to strenuous. One popular walk for experienced hikers is the Mount Healy Overlook Trail, an arduous trek taking 3 to 4 hours. An easier choice is the Savage River Loop Trail, a moderate 2-mile (3-kilometer) walk. Hiking off trail is also possible obtain a permit in person no more than a day before you begin your journey.

Many people come to Denali to see the wildlife. Among the animals that roam freely here are grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, caribou, moose and Dall sheep.

Camp under the stars in a designated campsite or pitch a tent almost anywhere in the wilderness. Alternatively, stay at a lodge.

The park is 240 miles (390 kilometers) north of Anchorage and 120 miles (190 kilometers) south of Fairbanks. Both cities have airports. The entrance to the park is located along Alaska Highway 3.

Access Denali National Park and Preserve year-round, but be prepared for unpredictable weather. Winters are long and very cold, with heavy snowfall, while summers are damp and cool. Some trails close during winter.

Denali Bluffs Hotel

Denali Bluffs Hotel

3 out of 5
Mile 238 4 George Parks Hwy, Denali National Park, AK
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Denali National Park. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (784 reviews)
"Nice new modern lodge up in the hill just up the road from Denali Park entrance. The Denali Park tour bus picked us up right at the front door, so this is a very convenient place. There is an on-site bar and Grill as well as a convenience store. It’s about a mile from other dining options, but we ..."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Denali Bluffs Hotel
Denali Grizzly Bear Resort

Denali Grizzly Bear Resort

2.5 out of 5
Mile Post 231.1 George Parks Highway, Denali National Park, AK
The price is ฿8,744 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
฿8,744
฿9,400 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Denali National Park. Enjoy free parking, 2 coffee shops/cafes and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (626 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
Holland America Denali Lodge

Holland America Denali Lodge

3.5 out of 5
Milepost 238.5 George Parks Hwy, Denali National Park, AK
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly resort in Denali National Park. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise ...
8/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"We liked the buses that helped us get around the property. We liked the variety of restaurants and shops. We also liked the activities, games, music, and s’mores offered on the property. It was a beautiful location on the river and very close to Denali National Park."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Holland America Denali Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Carlo Creek Cabins

Carlo Creek Cabins

2 out of 5
181 Carlo Creek Rd.Mile 224 Parks Hwy., Denali National Park, AK
Stay at this campsite in Denali National Park. Enjoy free parking, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge).
8.4/10 Very Good! (18 reviews)
Great place for Denali NP
"Amazing location, close to the park. Very nice owners."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Carlo Creek Cabins
Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals

3 out of 5
17351 E Michele Drive, Talkeetna, AK
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Talkeetna. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (421 reviews)
A Great Family Experience
"We stayed for three nights at the Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge with our grandson. The hosts were fantastic. They offered to loan a fishing rod and lures to our grandson so he could fish in Montana Creek a few hundred feet from the cabin. A campfire and s’mores were available every night near the lodge ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals
Denali Tri-Valley Cabins

Denali Tri-Valley Cabins

3.5 out of 5
1/10th Mile Lester Road, Healy, AK
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Healy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions Tri-Valley Community Library and Black Diamond Golf ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (441 reviews)
"Clean, spacious, and a short drive to Denali's National Park and Preserve."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Denali Tri-Valley Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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