Denali National Park and Preserve

The main activities at Denali are admiring the scenery and observing the wildlife. Caribou, moose, bears (black and grizzly), wolves, and Dall sheep are heavily sought after and also the most elusive; more common animal sightings include smaller mammals such as arctic squirrels, foxes, and marmots. Though walking and hiking tour options are limited, so as not to disturb the environment and wildlife, guided tours from Talkeetna and Healy offer opportunities for adventure activities such as flightseeing, whitewater rafting, ziplining, and ATV rides.

• Denali National Park is ideal for animal and nature lovers, but offers fewer types of outdoor activities than other parks.

• Only one road traverses the park, the 92-mile (148-kilometer) Denali Park Road, of which only 15 miles (25 kilometers) are paved; if you wish to go beyond, you must walk, bike, or take the park bus tour.

• The Denali Visitor Center provides information, exhibits, ranger talks, and other services.

The only way to reach Denali National Park by road from Anchorage or Fairbanks is via State Route 3; it’s roughly 2 hours from Fairbanks or 5 hours from Anchorage. The Alaska Railroad also connects to the park from both cities.

The summer season, running from mid-May to mid-September, is the best time to visit if you’re hoping to see wildlife, with temperatures ranging from 40° to 60°F (5° to 15°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, but Denali remains open for winter recreation.

Denali National Park is home to 39 mammal species and 169 bird species, but wild animals can be hard to spot, and sightings aren’t guaranteed. To maximize your chances, 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.