Towering 20,310 feet above the Alaskan interior, Denali is the largest mountain in North America. It’s located within Denali National Park and Preserve, a beautiful mix of tundra, rivers and mountains across 6.1 million acres. But it’s not just Denali’s snow-capped peak that makes this place so special.
The park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including 37 mammal species, including the “Big Five” – brown bear, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and caribou, and 130 bird species. It’s no wonder Denali National Park is one of the top destinations for visitors to Alaska. Make the most of your Denali experience by planning ahead, booking and preparing in advance. Read our insider tips for traveling to Denali to learn how to get the best experience in Denali National Park this summer.
Important information for visitors from 2024 to 2026:
The Denali Park Road will remain open to mile marker 43 until 2026 for road improvements. Narrated bus tours and transit buses will continue to serve park guests, operating to mile marker 43. The main visitor center will remain open along with four campgrounds and numerous trails accessible from the park road. Check with Kantishna area businesses for lodging and tour operation plans through 2026. During peak times, free shuttle bus service will run every 15 minutes from the Denali Bus Depot/Denali Visitor Center to Mountain Vista and the Savage River Trailhead.
Getting to Denali
Most people get to Denali by train, bus or in their own car. Take the train from Fairbanks, Talkeetna or Anchorage for a memorable scenic journey. Multi-day packages and a la carte buses also depart from Fairbanks, Talkeetna and Anchorage. Driving by personal vehicle is popular with tourists and locals alike, so vehicle-accessible areas fill up quickly. Arrive at your destination early to find parking.
stay
When planning a trip to Denali, make sure you book your accommodations first. There are a variety of hotels and lodging options around Denali, but they book up quickly, so book early. If you can’t find lodging around Denali, try Talkeetna, Fairbanks, or other communities around Denali.
Visit the park
Near the park entrance, you can meet the Denali Dog Sledders and explore most of the park’s designated hiking trails. Or take a scenic flight departing from Denali or Talkeetna to experience the vast views from the air, and even land on a glacier for an up-close look at the mountain.
Located near the park entrance, the Denali National Park Visitor Center is the best place to start your Denali adventure. Here you can view interpretive exhibits, pick up park maps, and ask rangers questions about the park. Popular bus tours to Denali National Park are operating at 100% occupancy and masks are mandatory. Both narrated tours and shuttle buses are available, but with reduced schedules and routes, book your tour early to ensure a spot. For a complete list of operational updates, visit Denali National Park’s Current Situation page.
If you can’t book a bus tour, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy Denali National Park. The park offers free shuttles that run every 15 minutes during the summer. These include the Savage River Shuttle (which takes you to Mountain Vista and the Savage River trailhead), the Riley Creek Loop Shuttle (which connects all the main visitor facilities in the park), and the Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle (the only way to get to the Sled Dog Demonstration other than by walking). The Savage River Shuttle is a great choice if you’re limited on time and want a scenic two-hour round trip through the park or if you want to take in some of the popular hiking trails, such as the Savage River Trail or the Savage Alpine Trail. Keep an eye out for wildlife that can be seen throughout the park. For a complete schedule, see the park’s shuttle page.
Other Activities
There are plenty of adventures to choose from around Denali, from ATVs to ziplining. There are also a variety of activities available, including rafting, fishing, hiking, and photography tours. Again, book early to guarantee your spot. Be flexible and have a multi-day or hourly window in mind in case your first choice is booked.
restaurant
All that activity will make you hungry. During the summer, Denali Park is home to a variety of restaurants, from fine dining with amazing views to local brew pubs, pizza and Thai cuisine. During peak summer season, restaurants fill up early and wait times can be long. If possible, stock up on snacks before your Denali trip to ensure you’re well-fueled for your adventure.
If you’re planning on visiting Denali or other popular Alaska destinations this summer, book early, plan ahead, and be flexible — these small steps will help you have the ultimate Alaska adventure.
