Denali

North America's Highest Peak

One of Alaska’s most popular destinations, Denali National Park and Preserve, is wild and breathtakingly beautiful. The park’s varied terrain includes majestic mountains, pristine rivers and lakes, colorful tundra, alpine meadows, sweeping vistas, and abundant wildlife. The legendary crown jewel of the Alaska Range, Denali, means “the Great One” or “High One” in the Athabascan language. Viewing Denali is an experience like no other.  

Rising 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) into the sky, Denali is North America’s highest peak. Denali National Park and Preserve consists of six million acres of pure wilderness. Visitor services are available along the Parks Highway, near the entrance into the park, at campgrounds and visitor centers, and in Kantishna and remote lodges. Whether you choose to simply take in the pristine wilderness or explore the rugged backcountry, there are plenty of options to help you discover Denali. 

Getting to Denali

There are several ways to get to Denali- train, tour, car, or even by airplane. The park is an easy drive, just over two hours, or a four-hour train ride from Fairbanks. Traverse the Denali Park Road in your own vehicle to mile 14 or journey deeper into the park via tour bus.  

Check out our transportation page to learn more about getting to Denali, and the best ways to explore the park and Interior Alaska. No matter which path you choose, all journeys to Denali are breathtakingly beautiful. 

Year-round Adventure 

Denali is one of the best places in the world to find unforgettable year-round adventure. Each winter, blankets of snow transform the park into a wonderland, offering premier skiing, biking and snowshoeing adventures. Be sure to stop by the Murie Science and Learning Center, the park’s winter visitor center, where you can learn more about how to maximize your experience for adventure and winter safety.  

Dressing for the cold is an important part of enjoying Denali and Alaska in the winter.  Check out our tips on how to dress for winter.  

In the summer, you can find lush tundra, vibrant wildflowers, and endless sunshine. Summer in Denali is the peak time for wildlife viewing, and visitors often spot “The Big Five”- moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears. One of the most beautiful times of year in Denali National Park and Preserve is autumn. The vast tundra turns all shades of red, yellow, and orange. With the arrival of autumn, days grow shorter and early chances to catch a view of the aurora emerge.  

No matter the season, we guarantee that your trip to Denali will be the adventure of a lifetime. 

Unforgettable Wildlife 

Denali is the first U.S. National Park created for wildlife conservation: to protect the Dall sheep. Visiting Denali is a bucket list item for many visitors, and seeing the “Big Five” is a lifelong dream. On a trip inside the park, you may spot moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, wolves or any of the hundreds of other species that call the area home. Be sure to look towards rocky ridges and steep slopes to spot the legendary Dall sheep and keep your ears alert to hear the captivating howl of wolves. Denali hosts an incredible amount of species diversity. To learn more about the variety of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates of Denali, take a look at this Species Checklist. 

Discover more in the Denali area

The area in and around Denali is full of everything that you’ll need for the experience of a lifetime. Find the perfect things to do, places to stay, and restaurants and shopping. Alaska-style dining, shopping, lodging, adventure activities, attractions and tours are all easily accessible in the Denali area.  

Local businesses can help get you into remote areas, take you on guided adventures, help you plan your adventure, or provide the equipment you need to accomplish all of the above. 

Adventure awaits!