15 Reasons Why You Should Visit Denali National Park

Denali National Park is for sure one of the most epic places to visit in Alaska.

Known for being home to Denali (the tallest mountain in North America!) and also an incredible variety of wildlife like grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and wolves; this park is a must-visit for any nature lover.

It is also one of the largest national parks in the United States, covering an area of 6 million acres.

The thing about Denali however, is that it is not really close to Anchorage, or any other major city in Alaska. In fact, it is quite a trek to get there (I would know, since I hitchhiked there all the way from Anchorage!) and that makes some people think twice before visiting the park.

But trust me: visiting Delani is 100% worth it.

In this post, you will find all the main reasons to visit this wonderful place.

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The history of Denali National Park

Denali National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the United States, and it has a long and rich history.

The park was first established as a national site in 1906, and it quickly became a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers. However, the park really came into its own during the 1920s, when the newly created National Park Service began to develop its infrastructure.

During this period, roads and visitor centers were built, and ranger programs were established. These improvements made the park more accessible to the general public, and they helped to boost tourism. In recent years, Denali National Park has continued to grow in popularity, and it now receives over two million visitors each year.

Thanks to its wide range of attractions, from its majestic mountains to its abundant wildlife, Denali National Park is sure to remain one of America’s favorite destinations for years to come.

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How to get to Denali National Park from Anchorage

Denali National Park is located about 225 miles from Anchorage, which means that it is not exactly close to the city.

The best way to get to the park from Anchorage is to rent a car and drive. The drive takes about four and a half hours, and it is very scenic.

If you do not want to drive, you can also take a bus tour or a train from Anchorage.

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15 Wonderful reasons to visit Denali National Park

Now that you know a little more about Denali, here are some of the best reasons to make your way to this incredible national park:

1- To see Denali close and personal

Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, is the highest peak in North America. Located in the Alaska Range, it stands at 20,310 feet tall and is famous for its majestic size and its remote location.

The name “Denali” means “the high one” in the language of the local Athabascan people. Yearly, climbers from all over the world come to attempt to summit the peak. Despite its popularity, however, Mount McKinley is a difficult and dangerous climb, and many climbers have lost their lives attempting to reach the top.

The summit can only be reached by experienced climbers with proper equipment and training. However, you don’t really need to climb Denali to see what its beauty is all about.

Just a visit to Denali National Park will give you the opportunity to see this amazing mountain up close from pretty much anywhere in the park.

It’s important though to keep in mind that due to its altitude and location, the clouds often obscure the peak, so you might not get views of it every day.

2- To spot some of Alaska’s iconic wildlife

Alaska is well-known for its abundance of wildlife, and Denali National Park is no exception. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves, and many more.

One of the best things about visiting Denali National Park is that you have a pretty good chance of seeing some of these animals in their natural habitat. The park offers a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities, from guided tours to self-guided hikes.

Of course, it is important to remember that these are wild animals, and they should be treated with respect. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and to stay on designated trails at all times.

With that said, spotting some of Alaska’s iconic wildlife is definitely one of the best reasons to visit Denali National Park.

3- To experience the park’s stunning scenery

Denali National Park is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. From the incredible tundra to beautiful peaks, the park offers visitors a chance to experience the true beauty of Alaska.

4- Fantastic hiking opportunities

As mentioned above, Denali National Park offers over 400 miles of trails, making it a paradise for hikers of all levels of experience.

One of the best things about hiking in Denali National Park is that you can really get off the beaten path. Unlike many other national parks, Denali does not have a lot of marked trails. This means that you can explore the park’s wilderness areas on your own.

5- To learn about Alaska’s history and culture

Denali National Park is more than just a beautiful place to visit and offers plenty of cultural activities

The park’s Visitor Center offers exhibits on the park’s natural and cultural history, and there are also ranger-led programs throughout the summer.

These programs offer visitors a chance to learn about the park’s plants and animals, as well as the traditional cultures of the Athabascan people.

So if you’re interested in learning about Alaska’s history and culture, Denali National Park is a good place for that.

6- To see the Northern Lights

One of the most popular reasons to visit Denali National Park is to see the Northern Lights. Also known as the aurora borealis, the Northern Lights are one of nature’s most incredible displays.

Luckily, Denali is one of the best places in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. The park is located far away from light pollution, and its clear night skies offer prime conditions for Aurora viewing specially in the winter.

7- It’s great for snowshoeing in winter

Denali National Park is open year-round, and winter brings a whole new set of activities to enjoy.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities in the park, and there are a variety of trails to explore. These winter activities are a great way to take in the park’s scenery, and they’re also a lot of fun.

8- To ride the Denali Star Train

One of the best ways to see Denali National Park is to take the Denali Star Train. The train runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks, and it offers some of the most stunning views in Alaska.

On clear days, you can see for miles as the train winds its way through the park. The trip takes about twelve hours, so it’s a great way to spend a day.

9- You can take a shuttle inside the park for only $30

Denali National Park is a huge place, and it can be difficult to get around. However, the park offers a shuttle service that can take you all the way inside the park to see incredible landscapes and wildlife.

10- visit an authentic gold rush town

Denali National Park is located really close to an authentic gold rush town called Talkeetna. Talkeetna was founded in 1916, and it was once a bustling hub for prospectors.

Today, Talkeetna is a popular tourist destination, and it’s a great place to learn about Alaska’s gold rush history. The town is very cute and also the starting point for many mountaineering expeditions, so it’s definitely worth a visit.

11- To see (and even pet!) sleddogs

One of my favorite things to do in Denali was visiting the parks sleddog kennels. The kennels are located a short hike from the Visitor Center and sometimes even offer demonstrations during the summer.

12- To go whitewater rafting

Whitewater rafting is a popular activity in Alaska, and Denali National Park is one of the best places to do it. There are several companies that offer rafting tours on the Nenana River, and these tours range from mild to wild.

Whitewater rafting is a great way to experience the park’s wilderness areas, and it’s also a lot of fun. So if you’re looking for an adventure, this might be a great option.

13- To experience the complete wilderness

Denali National Park is one of Alaska’s most remote and wild places. Not very commonly you will find yourself in such an untouched destination.

14- Flying above Denali is the experience of a lifetime

There are few experiences as exhilarating as flying in a small plane over Denali National Park. The park is so big that it’s impossible to see everything from the ground.

However, flying gives you a unique perspective on the park, and some of the best views you will probably ever see in your life.

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Best time to visit Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a great place to visit any time of year. However, the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want to see wildlife, the best time to visit is in the summer. This is when the animals are most active, and it’s also when the park’s shuttle service is running.

If you’re interested in mountaineering, the best time to visit is in the spring or fall. These seasons offer the best weather conditions for climbing, and they’re also less crowded than the summer months.

No matter when you decide to visit, Denali National Park is sure to be an amazing experience.

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What to pack for Denali National Park

A good packing strategy is essential no matter where you’re going, but it’s especially important when you’re visiting Denali National Park. This is because the park is a remote wilderness area, so you need to be prepared for anything.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when packing for Denali National Park:

1) Pack for all weather conditions

Denali National Park has a variety of climate zones, so you need to be prepared for all types of weather. The best way to do this is to pack layers of clothing that you can add or remove as needed.

2) Bring plenty of food and water

There are no restaurants or grocery stores in the park, so you need to bring enough food and water for your entire trip. It’s a good idea to pack more than you think you’ll need, just in case.

3) Pack essential items

There are a few items that are essential for any trip to Denali National Park. These items include a map, a flashlight, and bear spray.

4) Bring your own food and water

There are no restaurants or grocery stores in the park, so you need to bring enough food and water for your entire trip. It’s a good idea to pack more than you think you’ll need, just in case.

Packing list for Denali:

• Bear spray
• Waterproof hiking shoes
• Rain jacket (I like this one)
• Cruise power strip
• High definition binoculars
• Emergency blanket
• Dehydrated camping food (everything Good-to-Go makes is delicious)
• A good hiking backpack

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Travel tips for Denali National Park

Make sure you have enough time to get your permit if you plan on going backcountry camping

Getting your backcountry camping at the ranger station will take you at least 40 minutes

Pack layers, even in the summer it can get cold at night.

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Best tours to take in Denali National Park

If you have decided to take a trip to Denali, it might be time to start booking any tours you’d like to go on.

Here are some of the most amazing tours to take in the area:

Denali Peak Sightseeing by Plane

Get a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft.

Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier-carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak.

2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour

Explore the Alaskan wilderness on a 2.5-hour tour by ATV from Denali.

Stop to view Denali National Park landmarks such as Otto Lake, Healy Valley, and the Alaska Range, and look for wildlife such as moose.

Ride either an automatic single or double ATV through rugged terrain, splashing through water (weather permitting) and traversing rocky creek beds on an ATV that can reach speeds of up to 30 mph.

Denali Park Zipline Adventure

Experience Alaska from the only zipline course in the Denali National Park region.

Soar over the trees during a 3-hour ziplining experience just outside Denali National Park, with expert guides who lead you along a course with six suspension bridges and eight zip lines.

Fly through the boreal forest and over the tundra on this memorable tour that promises exhilarating thrills, incredible scenery, and a fun challenge.

Horse-Drawn Covered Wagon Ride with Backcountry Dining

Travel like the Alaskan pioneers did, in a horse-drawn covered wagon, during this 3-hour tour from Healy.

Listen to your guide’s commentary about the history, culture, and environmental features of the area as you travel through the Alaskan tundra. Snap photos of the mountains of Denali National Park looming nearby.

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Wrap-up: Is Denali worth it?

That’s a wrap! I hope this guide helps you to decide if a trip to Denali is something you wish to do. And if it is, I am so glad and absolutely sure you will love it.

For more travel tips and updates, make sure to follow me on Instagram. See you soon! (:

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