Denali National Park is the kind of enchanting place that sparks the imagination of travelers. Experiencing an area of wilderness that is so raw and wild and beautiful taught me a lot about nature and about life and about survival. We were lucky to make this dream trip and stay in Alaska for two weeks. Read below for my personal favorites for Top 5 things to do in Denali National park.
Denali national park is 6 million acres of the most pristine and scenic mountainous terrain with an abundance of wildlife- Bears, Caribou, Dall sheep, Moose . Park also has Mount Denali which is the highest mountain in North Amercia with a summit of 20300 feet. Denali being at such an elevation is always hidden in the clouds and many visitors return back disheartened if Denali decides not to show up.
On an average the mountain is visible only one third of the days in a month. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the park so the only way to experience Denali national park is to take the park shuttle buses or tour buses .
The furthermost point in the park is Wonder Lake which offers stunning reflection views of Mount Denali on a clear day. Keep in mind this is a long trip- 88 miles one way and the return trip to wonder lake is 11 hours. You can get off at in between stops like Savage river, Tolkat river , Eilsen visitor centre and catch a return shuttle back.
Tip – Take the shuttle to wonder lake and do ranger led hikes . The private tour buses and the park shuttle follows the same route. The park shuttle is significantly cheaper.
If you are visiting Denali in the summer (as most of you probably are), don’t forget that Alaska experiences longer daylight hours than many other places in the world. The sun only goes down for a few hours at night, so you can actually hike in the light of the sun late into the evening hours or get a very early start in the morning.
How to Get to Denali National Park
The only way to reach Denali National Park by road from Anchorage or Fairbanks is via State Route 3; it’s roughly two hours from Fairbanks or five hours from Anchorage. You can also take a Denali train tour that leaves from either city and includes stays at either the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge or the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.
When to Get to Denali National Park
The summer season runs from mid-May to mid-September and is the best time to visit if you’re hoping to see wildlife with temperatures ranging from 40° to 60°F (4.4° to 15.5°C). You may also visit in the spring or fall, but snow can fall at any time, so be prepared for cold or unexpected weather, and note that the buses do not operate during this time. The park road is closed in the winter, although Denali remains open for winter recreation.
Tips for Spotting Wildlife
Denali National Park is home to hundreds of mammals and bird species, but wild animals can be elusive and sightings aren’t guaranteed. To maximize your chances of seeing something, take a tour or the park bus instead of exploring on your own. The tour buses take you up a bit higher off the road for an elevated view, and tour groups provide more sets of eyes to keep watch. Grizzlies are more common around rivers and high-alpine areas, while Dall sheep are sometimes seen up high on the mountainside. If it’s clear and warm, some animals are less active in the middle of the day, so try the cooler hours of morning and evening.
Top 5 things to do in Denali National Park.
Savage River Loop Trail
The Savage River Loop is one of the popular hiking trails in Denali . The landscape is stunning and the river is so peaceful and relaxing. A pleasant little footbridge spans the river and is a great place to take a photo and soak in the views. Wildlife is abundant in the area and there is always something new to discover.
The Savage River Loop Trailhead is just about as far as you can drive in your own car before the road is closed to all private vehicle traffic. A small parking area does exist, but I recommend using the free park shuttle that will take you there and pick you up again.
Tip: The weather can change in an instant, so be prepared for rain or shine or hot or cold. You may experience several different weather conditions during just one short hike! Be prepared for the weather and be sure to check the shuttle schedule. This hike is 2 miles round trip and has very little elevation gain.
Horseshoe Lake Trail
A hike to this beautiful and pristine lake hidden in the trees near the park entrance is a must do while in Denali. You will likely spot a moose along the shore, the water is clear and calm, and the trail is scenic and easily traveled.
This trail is popular, so don’t expect to have it all to yourself. The elevation drops significantly as you approach the lake so be ready to hike a slightly steep hill on your way back out. The trail circles the lake so you can hike all the way around if you would like or you can stop at the first shoreline you reach and relax, making the hike slightly shorter.
Wonder Lake
Created by retreating glaciers, Wonder Lake offers visitors stunning mirror like reflection views of Denali and the Alaska Range, as weather permits. Along Park Road, alder and willow carpeted hills are dotted with kettle ponds often frequented by waterfowl and other wildlife.
Reflection Pond, an amazing photo stop on a clear day, requires you utilize the Kantishna Transit Bus or hike 2.5 miles from the Wonder Lake turnaround stop.
Tip – The trip to wonder lake is a long 11 hour ride in the park bus. Bring plenty of snacks and water for the long trip.
If you make this thus far you will enjoy the unparalleled majesty of the might Denali mountain and gorgeous reflections in the stunning lake. This will be one of the most incredible experiences of your life. You can plan to stay overnight at wonder lake but will have to take a reservation for the campground.
Sled Dog Kennels
Meet the most inspiring rangers in the National Park Service at the Denali Sled Dog Kennels! These beautiful huskies are an important part of the cultural and historical significance of Denali National Park and are the only sled dogs in the United States that protect the wildlife and wilderness of a National Park.
The park rangers in Denali actually still travel by sled dog to the far reaches of the park in the winter. Stop by the sled dog kennels during open hours to pet the dogs and take pictures.
Rangers provide daily demonstrations three times per day during the summer. You can find out more information and schedules by clicking here.
Tip – No reservations are needed for this free demonstration.
Flightseeing Denali
One sure way to see the peak of Mount Denali is to sign up for a flight seeing tour of the park in a small plane or a helicopter. From the aerial vantage point you will be stunning landscape below, perhaps even some wildlife and then the georgeous mountain ranges and maybe some climbers trying to reach the summit. For more adventure land on a glacier or near a mountain and do a guided hike. If your budget allows do not miss this thrilling way to see the majestic Mount Denali.
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