The ultimate guide for first-time visitors to Denali National Park and Preserve

In a vast expanse where few people roam, the landscape features majestic spruce forests, taiga, tundra, and serene lakes, all dominated by the towering presence of Denali, standing at 20,310 feet.

Denali National Park and Preserve offers everything you'd anticipate from Alaska, the northernmost state in the USA—breathtaking views, rich wildlife, and countless outdoor adventures year-round.

It's one of the most accessible national parks in Alaska, thanks to the George Parks Highway and Alaska Railroad that run along its southeastern edge, linking both Anchorage and Fairbanks. This is just one of the many reasons a trip to Denali shouldn't intimidate you; we've compiled all the essential info for first-timers before they set out.

When is the best time to visit?

Denali National Park and Preserve welcomes visitors year-round, but most guest services are concentrated from late May to mid-September to cater to the influx of summer visitors.

During this peak season, visitor centers, hotels, restaurants, and tour companies operate at full capacity, while the park and nearby communities like Cantwell, Healy, and Nenana Canyon (often referred to as “Glitter Gulch”) are alive with activity.

In winter, operations are quieter, with only the Murie Science and Learning Center serving as the primary visitor center. The park service maintains the trail systems here, providing excellent conditions for cross-country skiing and fat biking. Furthermore, Park Road is closed to vehicles beyond this main area, allowing visitors to ski, snowshoe, or ride freely without worrying about traffic.

Learn more about seasonal attractions with our insider tips on the ideal times to explore Alaska.

How long should I plan to stay in Denali?

First-time visitors often assume they can see all the park's highlights in just a day or two before moving on to other Alaskan attractions. While it's possible, this approach isn't ideal for those who wish to fully experience the park's unique and stunning landscape.

We recommend spending at least three nights in the Denali area, with one entire day dedicated to exploring the Park Road, whether via a tour or shuttle bus, or by hiking the numerous trails throughout the park. Use the other days for activities like rafting, biking, visiting sled dog kennels, and dining in nearby communities.

Is navigating around Denali easy?

Access Denali National Park & Preserve via the George Parks Highway, traveling north from Anchorage or south from Fairbanks. The Alaska Railroad operates daily in summer and weekly in winter. Additionally, motorcoach services are available from Seward or Anchorage, and van transfers can be arranged from Fairbanks.

However, getting around within the park can be challenging. Visitors can only drive their personal vehicles for the first 17 miles up to the Savage River Check Station; beyond that point, a bus is required to explore further.

The park features several campgrounds, but having a private vehicle is essential if you plan to stay outside the park. You can easily rent a car in either Fairbanks or Anchorage for daily visits.

If you're staying south of Denali, the Sheep Shuttle offers convenient door-to-door transport to various attractions, restaurants, and trailheads.

Narrated tour bus

For those looking to delve deeper into the park's history, flora, and fauna, the Narrated Tour Bus is an excellent choice. It features a trained naturalist who drives the bus and provides commentary throughout the journey.

Two types of these tours are available for visitors to Denali National Park, operating from late May to early September. Prices range from $50.75 to $144 per person, depending on the tour and age, and the buses are a distinctive tan color.

The five-hour Denali Natural History Tour runs from the entrance to Primrose Ridge at Mile 15, with multiple stops along the way, allowing passengers an hour to explore off the bus.

The Tundra Wilderness Tour is the park's longest-running tour, offered in various forms since 1923. This 5.5-hour journey explores the open stretches of the Park Road corridor in search of wildlife and seasonal landscape changes.

All tour bus trips start and conclude at different locations near the park entrance. They do not pick up passengers at campgrounds along Park Road and are not intended for passengers to disembark and re-board outside of designated stops.

These tours are ideal for those with limited time, mobility challenges, or travelers looking for detailed insights about the park. Wheelchair-accessible buses are available, and all stops are designed to accommodate wheelchair users.

The daily schedule for each bus tour varies based on demand—visit the official booking page for more details.

Non-narrated transit buses

These green buses provide service beyond Mile 17, departing and arriving at the Denali Bus Depot. Reservations are required and cost $33.25 per person (children under 15 ride for free but must have a reservation). Operated on a hop-on-hop-off basis, these buses offer visitors greater flexibility than a narrated tour bus. However, reboarding is subject to seat availability, and you might experience some waiting.

Camp buses

This option is ideal for travelers needing access to campgrounds or backcountry areas deeper in the park, with extra space for gear and bikes. Tickets are $33 per person, and children under 15 can ride for free (reservations required).

Free shuttle buses

These shuttles run along three routes—Savage River, Riley Creek Loop, and Sled Dog Demonstration—connecting the visitor center and various facilities. They are free for park visitors, operate daily in the summer, and are wheelchair accessible.

Transport tip: In 2014, an ongoing landslide at Pretty Rocks kept national park crews vigilant against potential damage that could obstruct travel along this stretch of Park Road. However, in 2021, the entire section at Mile 45.4 was closed due to significant surface failure. This section remains closed and is expected to stay that way until the Park Service agrees on a mitigation and construction plan.

Top activities in Denali

Thanks to the efficient operations of the National Park Service, visitors to Denali receive a wealth of printed and online resources to help plan their activities upon arrival. Your first stop should be the main visitor center, located a few miles from Parks Highway, where you can pay admission fees, obtain maps, learn about ranger-led programs, and explore exhibits on park history, wildlife, and mountaineering.

Murie Science & Learning Center

This educational hub is located just across the parking lot from the visitor center and highlights the natural science aspects of Denali National Park. It also functions as the winter visitor center, where a popular activity is borrowing snowshoes for some free fun during the quieter season.

Explore the trails

Surrounding the entrance is a network of fully accessible trails that meander through birch, aspen, and spruce forests. In the summer, listen for the cheerful songs of numerous birds and keep an eye out for wildflowers, especially the lupine that blooms in open spaces and along roadways.

Check out the McKinley Station interpretive trail leading to Riley Creek Campground, where you can discover the original locations of the railroad station, a hotel, and other historic buildings from the park’s early days. You can also take a hike on the Rock Creek Trail to stretch your legs between the park visitor center and the sled dog kennels.

For those eager to hike deeper into the park, your best option is to drive or take a shuttle bus to either Mountain Vista Day Use Area at Mile 13 or Savage River at Mile 15. The Mountain Vista Loop Trail is a short, level (0.6-mile) trail that's ideal for enjoying a view of Denali on a clear day.

The Savage River parking area serves as the trailhead for two popular hikes: the Savage River Loop Trail and the Savage Alpine Trail. The loop trail allows you to hike along either side of Savage River through a picturesque canyon, passing Healy Ridge and Mt. Margaret, winding through meadows and scrub for about a mile before crossing the river.

The Savage Alpine Trail is more challenging, connecting Savage River Campground (next to Mountain Vista) at Mile 13 to the Savage River Canyon, traversing a high section known as the Outer Range. In the summer, you can use the Savage River Shuttle for transport between these two trailheads.

Denali is distinctive in that off-trail hiking is allowed in the park’s backcountry, though occasional restrictions may apply due to wildlife kills, animal dens, or bird-nesting sites. It’s essential for backcountry hikers to check in with park rangers at the visitor center before embarking on a non-trail adventure. Additionally, all party members must watch the park’s backcountry video series, either before their visit or upon arrival.

Denali Sled Dog Kennels

Meet the National Park Service's only canine ranger team. Hop on a shuttle from the main visitor center to catch a demonstration of their work (three times a day during peak season) and learn about the history and significance of these remarkable four-legged rangers.

If you prefer to forgo the shuttle and enjoy a walk, take the Roadside Trail from the visitor center to the kennels—a two-mile trek through stunning birch and spruce forests.

My top activities in Denali

I’m a huge admirer of America’s national park system, and Denali is no exception. I enjoy camping overnight at either the Riley Creek or Savage River campgrounds, exploring the nature trails and attending ranger talks, and meeting fellow travelers who share my enthusiasm for this untouched wilderness.

My favorite time to visit is late August when the nights start to cool and a subtle shift toward fall becomes evident in Denali’s landscapes. Wildlife becomes more active, grasses and shrubs change from green to shades of brown and red, and mornings often greet you with a delicate frost covering the ground. It’s a marvel to witness nature’s seasonal clock in such a northern location.

How much should I budget for Denali?

Like much of Alaska, prices for goods and services tend to be higher compared to other parts of the US. Expect to pay around $300 per night for a basic hotel room from May to September, with slightly lower rates for rustic cabins. For those camping or in RVs, spots range from $30 to $60 per night (note that there are no electrical or water hookups within the park). It’s wise to plan ahead and book as far in advance as possible—don’t expect to find accommodations if you arrive without a reservation.

Within the park boundaries, there is only one sit-down restaurant next to the visitor center. The nearest dining options outside the park can be found in the Nenana Canyon area, famously known as “Glitter Gulch” for its collection of tourist shops. A cup of coffee averages $4, a full meal will set you back at least $25, and alcoholic drinks range from $7 to $20, depending on the type. Nearly all businesses accept credit cards.

Common questions about Denali

Will I encounter bears?

Bears are a popular subject among Denali visitors, and if you take a bus into the park, you’re likely to spot several grizzlies wandering the tundra.

Hikers must remember that bears inhabit every inch of Denali National Park, so it's essential to hike in groups, make noise, and carry bear spray. Attending a bear safety lecture or viewing safety videos at the Denali Bus Depot is also highly recommended. Note that firearms are not allowed in any US national parks.

What should I wear?

Denali's weather can be unpredictable, so prepare for a range of conditions throughout the year. At the very least, wear non-cotton base layers with a fleece or sweater, topped with a rain jacket. Don’t forget a warm hat and lightweight gloves for chilly mornings or evenings, and sturdy footwear is crucial for navigating the rocky trails.

Can I camp anywhere I want?

To camp outside designated campgrounds within the park, you'll need a backcountry permit. These free permits are available from May 12 to September 21 at the Backcountry Information Center at the Denali Bus Depot, but they can only be obtained in person no more than one day before your planned trip.

This permit is necessary to purchase Camper Bus tickets as well. It specifies the area where you'll be camping, and hikers can find a map in the Backcountry Unit Guide on the Denali National Park website.

Is Denali suitable for children?

The National Park Service excels at ensuring that young visitors feel welcome and engaged in all types of indoor and outdoor activities. Here are some tips to make sure your little adventurers have an unforgettable experience.

• Don’t stress too much about the Park Road bus trips, especially with young kids. Instead, concentrate on activities in the entrance area and along the road to Savage River (17 miles from the entrance), where you'll find ranger-led walks, talks, hikes, wildlife encounters, and interactive activities.

• Make sure to visit the Denali National Park sled dog kennels and catch the demonstration. There’s often a litter of future sled dogs to admire as well.

• Experience the park from a different perspective by taking a float trip down the Nenana River. It’s a fantastic chance to appreciate Alaska’s waterways with gentle rapids, ensuring plenty of fun!