Denali National Park and Preserve, United States

What to do in Denali National Park and Preserve, United States

Hiking the Denali Wilderness

Denali National Park and Preserve offers an extensive network of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscapes, from low-elevation forests to high alpine tundra. The popular Savage Alpine Trail provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife sightings. For experienced hikers, the challenging but rewarding Mount Healy Overlook Trail offers a stunning vantage point of the park’s wilderness. Guided hikes are also available, providing an educational and immersive experience into the park’s natural and cultural history.

Wildlife Viewing and Photography

Denali is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and a variety of bird species. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers flock to the park for the chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The park road offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, and visitors can also opt for bus tours led by knowledgeable guides who help spot and identify the park’s diverse fauna.

Scenic Bus Tours through the Park

Exploring the vast wilderness of Denali National Park and Preserve via a bus tour is a popular way for visitors to soak in the park’s awe-inspiring scenery while learning about its ecological and geological features. The park’s buses traverse the park road, providing access to stunning viewpoints, wildlife sightings, and narrated information about the park’s history and conservation efforts. These tours offer an immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the park’s grandeur and untamed beauty.

Flightseeing Tours over Denali

For a truly unique perspective of Denali National Park and Preserve, many tourists opt for flightseeing tours. These aerial excursions provide an unparalleled view of Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), North America’s tallest peak, as well as the park’s glaciers, valleys, and remote expanses. Visitors can witness the park’s vastness from above, capturing unforgettable aerial photographs and gaining an appreciation for the sheer scale and rugged allure of this Alaskan wilderness.

Rafting and Kayaking on the Nenana River

Exploring the Nenana River within the park boundaries is a thrilling adventure for visitors seeking water-based activities. Rafting and kayaking trips offer a dynamic way to experience the park, with options ranging from leisurely floats suitable for families to adrenaline-pumping whitewater excursions for more adventurous travelers. As visitors paddle through the river’s scenic canyons and braided channels, they are treated to stunning views of Denali and its surrounding landscape, creating unforgettable memories of this iconic Alaskan destination.

Example Two-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Morning

Start your day early with a visit to the Denali Visitor Center. Here, you can learn about the park’s history, wildlife, and ecosystems through interactive exhibits and films. Get oriented with the park’s layout and pick up any necessary permits or information for your visit.

Midmorning

Embark on a bus tour into the heart of Denali National Park. Opt for the Tundra Wilderness Tour, which takes you deep into the park, providing ample opportunities to spot wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep. The tour offers unparalleled views of Denali and the surrounding landscapes.

Afternoon

Head to the Eielson Visitor Center, which is the turnaround point for the Tundra Wilderness Tour. Take some time to explore the center and enjoy the panoramic views of the Alaska Range and Denali if the weather permits.

Evening

Return to your accommodation or set up camp at one of the designated campgrounds within the park. Relax and unwind while reflecting on the day’s adventures.

Day 2

Morning

Prepare for an outdoor adventure with a hike on one of the park’s many trails. Consider the Savage River Loop Trail for a moderate, picturesque hike with a good chance of spotting wildlife, or the more challenging Mt. Healy Overlook Trail for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Midmorning

Make your way to the Murie Science and Learning Center, where you can participate in educational programs or talks offered by park rangers and scientists. This is an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of the park’s ecology and conservation efforts.

Afternoon

For a memorable experience, consider a scenic flightseeing tour, allowing you to witness Denali’s grandeur from the air. Alternatively, indulge in some leisure time and explore the quaint shops and galleries in the nearby town of Denali.

Evening

Conclude your journey with a relaxing evening, whether it’s enjoying a campfire at your campground or savoring a delicious meal at a local eatery while recounting the experiences of your two-day adventure in Denali National Park and Preserve.