Denali National Park

North America's tallest peak towers above all else in this incredible national park. Founded in 1917 to protect Dall sheep from over hunting, this park has now grown to 6 million acres! Much of the park is devoid of human development, making it an incredibly wild place to explore. Here is all you need to know about visiting Denali.

WHEN TO VISIT

The best time to visit Denali National Park is between the beginning of June and the beginning of September. First of all, the road into the park isn't even open to personal vehicles until around May 20th each year. Visiting during these summer months will allow you to experience all of the wildlife, wildflowers, activities, and warmest weather the park has to offer.

Things start to warm up in Denali in June, as the summer solstice comes closer. During June and into July you will experience the midnight sun. The wildlife viewing is also great during the summer months, because the animals love the warmth as much as we do! There is also an abundance of food for them, as the wildflowers bloom and the park turns green again. 

 Although the park can get snow any day of the year, it is much less likely during the summer months. June is when the lodges begin to open for the summer; if you go before this you will find it difficult to secure lodging. Many other businesses open for the summer in June, like the white water rafting and other tour companies. Denali is a wild place, so many activities require a guide.

July is peak wildflower season, so if you like plants this is your time to come! The warm weather lasts through July, and August starts to bring Fall in this northern national park. The days begin to get shorter and the evenings are chilly in August. Snow is much more common towards the end of August, and the foliage starts to change color. At the end of August and beginning of September the businesses in the park begin to close for the season. 

ACTIVITIES

Many of the activities in and around Denali National Park are outdoor activities, so bring your outdoor gear. Here are a few of the must-do's!

HIKE THE SAVAGE ALPINE TRAIL

There are only a few trails in Denali National Park, and most of them are near the road and/or the park entrance. However, one unique opportunity in Denali is off trail hiking. While this is not allowed in most areas in order to protect the plants and prevent erosion, Denali National Park is an exception. If you plan to hike off trail, make sure your navigation skills are on par, and that you are well prepared for the wild environment!

If you prefer to stick to the well traveled path, the Savage Alpine Trail is perfect! This trail includes stunning views (of Denali if you're lucky and the clouds are on your side) and opportunity to see wildlife. Dall sheep and Arctic ground squirrels are also users of this trail. Moose are very common in the park as well, so make sure to keep your eyes out!

The caveat of this hike is that it is a point to point hike, meaning you end in a different place than where you begin. The park service does provide a shuttle, so you can get back to your car after completing the hike. 

Begin the hike at either Mountain Vista Rest Stop (Mile 13 on Park Road) or the Savage Rest Area (Mile 15 on Park Road). I recommend starting at Mountain Vista because it is a more gradual hike up, and it saves some of the most unique aspects of the trail for last. 

The trail is fairly well travelled, and the path is easy to follow. Overall it is a fairly easy hike, although make sure you are prepared for 1400 feet of uphill walking. Make sure to bring bear spray and keep an eye out for wildlife on the way!

More information on hiking in Denali National Park can be found at the park website.

GO WHITE WATER RAFTING

The Nenana River runs right along the boarder of Denali National Park. This river provides a lovely float, or an epic rapid run through the canyon. The scenery is gorgeous! When we were in Denali we went with Denali Raft Adventures. They have the option for a scenic float or a whitewater trip. Their guides were very energetic, and fun. We don't want to be overly critical, but our only complaint was that the borrowed gear was slightly damp in comparison to other guided experiences on the water that we have done in the past. Overall the experience was a ton of fun!

GO FOR AN ATV RIDE

This is an activity that Hunter and I would not normally do, but my family was visiting us in Alaska, and there was a combo deal on ATV driving and white water rafting. We went with Denali ATV Adventures, and it was a blast! The guides shared interesting facts about the landscape when we took breaks, and the scenery was incredible. 

This activity is a bit conflicting for me. I believe that the wild space in and around Denali, and any natural environment for that matter, should be free of pollution. By driving ATV's into nature, we're adding noise pollution, releasing Greenhouse gases, and causing incredible erosion. On the other hand, there are people who would never get to experience the beauty of the backcountry without methods like four-wheeling, due to physical disabilities. I want everyone to be able to see the wonders that this world has to offer, in the hopes that it will inspire them to protect these wonders. So, although it's conflicting for me, I'm sharing this activity. It is a great way to see the natural beauty of Denali National Park if rafting or hiking is not an option for you. 

TAKE THE DENALI BUS TOUR

Similar to my thoughts about the ATV tour, the Denali bus tour is a great way for folks to explore deeper into Denali National Park without exerting much physical effort. The wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, and the bus takes you to spectacular mountain and river views.

Personal vehicles can only drive into the park on Park Road up to mile 15. Past this point, only tour buses can venture. Park Road continues almost 100 miles into the wilderness, eventually ending at the Denali Backcountry Lodge. In August of 2021, there was a landslide around mile 43 of Park Road, rendering this section impassable. As of March, 2023 the road is still closed at mile 43, so any bus tours will turn around at this point. The conditions of the road can be found here, but Park Road is expected to stay closed past mile 43 until the summer of 2024.

Even just traveling to mile 43 is breathtaking. There is a morning option and an afternoon option for the bus tour, and I recommend choosing the earliest possible departure time. Although you may be tired rolling out of bed at 5am, this is the best time to see wildlife. We departed early in the morning, and saw at least ten moose before we were even 10 miles into the park. We also saw caribou and Dall sheep.

Although the bus tour was beautiful, it is long (around 5.5 hours), and I have seen caribou, Dall sheep, and moose in the first 15 miles of Park Road, and on the Savage Alpine Trail. If you are able, I highly recommend forgoing the bus tour and hiking the Savage Alpine trail instead. If you have extra time, there are many other hikes in the park that allow you be much closer to nature than the bus tour, and hiking doesn't support the guzzling of gasoline!

VISIT THE DENALI SLED DOG KENNELS

DRIVE PARK ROAD

If you have very limited time in Denali National Park, the best thing to do is to drive in to mile 15 on Park Road. Personal cars are allowed 15 miles into the park, and this is a great way to look for wildlife and enjoy the scenery of the park. There are viewpoints along the road where Denali is visible on a clear day, but don't get your hopes up too high; due to the constantly changing weather in the park, only 30% of visitor catch a glimpse of the elusive mountain. If possible, this drive is great to do in the early morning hours, or at dusk (if dusk is not obscured by the midnight sun during the time that you are visiting). These times are when you are most likely to see wildlife, so make sure you drive slow! Head out to the turn around at Savage River, stretch your legs and enjoy the sound of the water, then get on to your next adventure!

FOOD

The area around Denali National Park is, as you can imagine, very rural. Thus, the restaurant options are limited. I would highly recommend making reservations ahead of time if possible, as it can get very busy around dinner time in most places. Remember to have patience and be kind - many of the restaurants are short staffed these days! Another thing to keep in mind is that, in most places in Alaska, the food is very expensive. It has a long way to travel before arriving at its destination, and those shipping costs add up. Here are a few of the best dining options!

THE BLACK BEAR

For brunch, The Black Bear is the place to go! They are a counter service restaurant, and they source their proteins and produce locally. They have an in-house bakery where they make all of their breads from scratch, and they can accommodate gluten free and vegan! This is a great place to stop if you just want a drink as well. The Black Bear was chosen as 'BEST COFFEE SHOP IN ALASKA' by Food Network online, and they also have smoothies, shakes, tea, and locally brewed kombucha.

THE CACHE CAFE

Another great coffee spot! The Cache Cafe is located close to the Denali Raft Adventures shop, so if you arrive early for your rafting trip, stop by the cafe. This place is super cute, and they also have local art for sale.

THE PERCH RESTAURANT AND BAR

If you only have one night in the Denali area, eat dinner at The Perch. This restaurant is top notch! Perched atop a glacial moraine, this restaurant offers a beautiful deck for outdoor dining. They "make everything from scratch and work with local organic famers to ensure the smallest carbon footprint." Best of all, they offer homemade ice cream for dessert! It's the best ice cream I've ever had!

PANORAMA PIZZA PUB

Also owned by The Perch, the Panorama Pizza Pub is a more casual option for dinner, complete with corn hole, foosball, horse shoes, and a fire pit. They are able to make gluten free pizzas, and they have a variety of appetizers and salads as well. 

MCKINLEY CREEKSIDE CAFE AND BAKERY

If you're hungry at any time of day, McKinley Creekside Cafe and Bakery is a great place to stop. They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. They have a deck with lovely views, so you can sit outside and sip your coffee. McKinley Creekside Cafe offers a mix of traditional favorite and Alaskan seafood. We sampled the reindeer sausage when we ate here. They can even make you a bag lunch for your adventure in Denali (pick it up as early as 6am) if you order by 9pm the night before!

THE OVERLOOK

Finally, if you're looking to dine someplace closer to Healy, The Overlook at the Crow's Nest is a good option. Although not the most vegetarian/vegan friendly place, they do have one vegan option. That's pretty good for Alaska! They are mostly a seafood place that also offers a club sandwich and a burger. Like the McKinley Creekside Cafe, they can also prepare you a bag lunch for your day in the park. If you're staying in Healy, this place is conveniently located and offers great views!

LODGING

Similar to the restaurant situation, lodging in the Denali area is hard to come by, and expensive. If you are traveling to the area this summer, make sure to book well in advance! There are a few cabin style options, some hotels, Air Bnbs, and a backcountry lodge. Although Hunter and I usually boondock when we have our car with us, we have never done this in the Denali area. Here's what you need to know about lodging options near Denali!

DENALI BACKCOUNTRY LODGE

The Denali Backcountry Lodge is probably one of the most remote places on Earth where you can stay. Currently only accessible by helicopter, you get to experience the park from the air on your way in. All meals are provided, and the lodge staff offers a variety of activities for you to enjoy throughout your stay. Top it off with a luxury spa, and you've got everything covered! If you're the kind of person who likes all inclusive resorts, this place is for you. This place is popular, so book in advance. 

DENALI PRINCESS WILDERNESS LODGE

The Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge offers hotel style accommodations. The location is extremely convenient, with less than a five minute drive to the park entrance. It is also within walking distance of many of the restaurants in the area. There are also options for dining right at the hotel, as well as activities for kids, a fire pit, and a gift shop.

MCKINLEY CHALET RESORT

The McKinley Chalet Resort is maybe one of the cheaper options for lodging in the area, starting around $229 per night. This hotel offers dining on site, and a unique dinner theater experience: a musical comedy portraying the first men to reach the summit of Denali. The McKinley Chalet Resort is also placed in a convenient location, a five minute drive from the park and within walking distance of multiple restaurants. 

DENALI GRIZZLY BEAR RESORT

If you are looking for lodging even more affordable than the McKinley Chalet Resort, the Denali Grizzly Bear Resort is your place. They offer everything from hotel accommodations to cabin rentals to camping. There is a food truck court and a general store right on side. From $36 for a tent site, this place is one of the most affordable options. 

DENALI CABINS

The Denali Cabins are a great place to stay, nestled into the woods, and a 12 minute drive from the entrance of the park. We greatly enjoyed the hot tub when we stayed here. The cabins are cute, but rather packed together. There is a restaurant on site: the Prey Pub & Eatery. They provide "an Alaskan twist to classic pub favorites." You can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner here, and there is also a full-service bar is onsite. They will also pack lunch for your daily adventure, if requested the night before. 

TONGLEN LAKE LODGE

The Tonglen Lake Lodge, although one of the more expensive options, is probably the top place I would recommend staying, other than the Denali Backcountry Lodge. It is removed from the road, the owners are incredibly friendly, and the location is gorgeous! Tonglen Lake is right there, with stunning views across the water. They offer yoga classes in their beautiful yoga room, as well as nature walks. There is a delicious breakfast provided every morning, and a three course evening dinner service. Tonglen Lake Lodge provides the cutest cabins, all of which have their own spot, offering peace and quiet to enjoy the beautiful woods. There is also a guest house, perfect for larger groups looking for accommodation. 

BEAUTIFUL CABIN NEAR DENALI

If you are looking for the most affordable options near Denali National Park, Air Bnb and VRBO are great places to look. When my family came to visit us, we stayed at this Beautiful Cabin Near Denali that we found on Air Bnb. It was a bit of a drive from the park entrance, but since we had a kitchen we were able to cook our own meals instead of going out, which saved money. There's a deck and grill, so you can enjoy cooking and eating outside. There are laundry machines, which enabled us to wash and dry our wet and muddy clothes after the ATV tour and rafting. The yard and forrest around the cabin was incredible, and we enjoyed exploring the quiet area.