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National park · Healy, Alaska
Denali National Park and Preserve
The park of Mount Denali, with tundra, mountains and braided rivers, home to brown bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves. A single dirt road enters the park, traveled by bus beyond the Savage River; near the entrance are the visitor center and the rangers’ sled-dog kennels.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park and Preserve was created in 1917 as Mount McKinley and expanded in 1980. It protects more than 24,000 km² of the Alaska Range and the plains to its north. The landscape is tundra, low spruce forests, broad valleys with braided rivers, and mountains with glaciers.
The park road, about 148 km long, is paved only up to the Savage River, the end point for private vehicles. Beyond that, the park buses continue on the dirt road; drivers stop when animals appear, and there are guided tour buses and shuttle buses for those who want to get off and hike. How far the buses go depends on road conditions each season.
The entrance area has the visitor center near the train depot, short forest trails, and the sled dog kennels—the only ones run by the U.S. federal government. Dogs have been used since the 1920s to patrol the park in winter, and there are demonstrations in summer.
Mount Denali is more than 100 km from the entrance and is often shrouded in clouds. On clear days it can be seen from several points along the road. Wildlife roams freely: the rule is to stay at least 300 meters from bears and 25 meters from other animals.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day for the bus trip along the road; half a day for the visitor center, the entrance trails and the kennels.
Best time
June through August, when the buses usually run every day. The earliest morning departures have a better chance of wildlife sightings. Late August brings autumn colors to the tundra.
How to get there
The entrance is on the Parks Highway, south of Healy, 380 km from Anchorage. The park train depot is near the visitor center. The park charges an entrance fee; reserve buses in advance and check the park website.
Tip
Sit on the left side of the bus on the outbound trip, which usually has more open-view scenery, and bring binoculars, snacks and water: there are no services along the road.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Denali National Park and Preserve
How does the Denali National Park bus system work?
Past the Savage River only park buses continue on the dirt road. There are guided tour buses and shuttle buses, available by advance reservation.
What animals can you see in Denali National Park?
Brown bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves are the most sought after. They appear frequently, but not on every trip.
Are Denali’s sled dog kennels open to visitors?
Yes. They are near the park entrance, and there are dog demonstrations in summer.