How To Explore Denali National Park

Can you explore Denali on your own?

Welcome to a Wilderness Park Denali has just one road, and private vehicles can only drive a short portion of it in summer Most sightseeing in Denali is done by bus (either a narrated tour bus or a non-narrated transit bus)

How do you get around in Denali National Park?

There are two main types of buses in Denali – narrated trips (tour buses) and non-narrated trips (transit buses) In addition, a few free buses travel routes around the park entrance, connecting visitor centers and points of interest in the same area where visitors may drive their own vehicles

How many days do you need to see Denali National Park?

Two Nights, Three Days in Denali Located far from any airport or large city, Denali is a wilderness park Reaching the park can take several hours (or even most of a day), so we recommend that you plan a minimum itinerary of 2 nights in the area, which gives you one full day and part of two others

How can I spend a day in Denali National Park?

How to Spend One Epic Day in Denali National Park: Three Complete Denali Itineraries Denali Itinerary A: Take the Bus to Eielson Visitor Center Denali Bus Depot to Teklanika River (30 Miles, ~1 hour) Denali Itinerary B: Explore the Front Country Denali Itinerary C: Join a Park Ranger on a Discovery Hike

Is the Denali bus tour worth it?

The Tour bus is the only way into the heart of Denali National Park, beyond the first few miles It is a long, all day trip, lasting 8-12 hours, depending on where your last stop is The trip is totally worth it and the drivers are super cool, patient and knowledgeable!

Do you need a car in Denali?

A car isn’t really a necessity once you arrive in Denali, however, so consider taking the train right to the park entrance instead Alaska Railroad’s “Denali Star” connects the park to Anchorage and Fairbanks, and makes a stop right at the entrance of Denali during the summer season (mid-May through mid-September)

What is the closest town to Denali National Park?

What is the closest city to Denali? The closest city of any size is Fairbanks, Alaska It’s located 125 miles northeast of the entrance to Denali National Park

What are the chances of seeing Denali?

Denali’s weather can be temperamental and seeing the mountain isn’t guaranteed Summertime visitors only have about a 30 – 40 percent chance of seeing the mountain It’s possible to spot the 20,310-foot peak from many places around southcentral Alaska

How much does it cost to visit Denali National Park?

Denali National Park and Preserve has had an entrance fee since 1988 The current rate of $10 per person has been in effect since 2011Denali Changes Entrance Fee to Address Infrastructure Needs and Improve Visitor Experience Denali Entry Fees Per Person Park Specific Annual Pass Current $10 $40 May 1, 2019 $15 $45

What is the best time of year to visit Denali National Park?

The best time to visit Denali National Park is from late May until mid-September The weather is pleasant, and shuttle busses can drive visitors into the wilderness during this time

What is the best month to travel to Alaska?

The Best Time to Visit Alaska Peak season is June to August By mid-June, it’s as warm as it’s going to get Cruise Season is also May through September Shoulder Season is May (early season) and September (late season), with 10-25% discounts on some hotels, tours, and cruises

How long is the train ride from Denali to Anchorage?

The train takes 8 hours from Anchorage to Denali, and 4 hours from Fairbanks

How do you pack a Denali?

Essential gear: Rain gear: lightweight, good quality jacket and pants (for rain and/or wind) Hat and gloves: wool or fleece Warm layers: mid-weight wool sweater, fleece vest or fleece jacket Shirts: short and long-sleeved Pants: light weight, quick-dry & breathable for hiking Long Underwear: light polypro top/bottom

What is Denali National Park known for?

Larger than the state of New Jersey, Denali National Park and Preserve is a vast wilderness that is mostly untouched by human hands, save for the one park road and a few scattered services It is known for legendary wildlife and big adventures, from backcountry camping to mountaineering

Is Denali a day trip from Anchorage?

The train departs daily from Anchorage, arriving in Denali at 4 pm The trip north passes through the town of Talkeetna The Denali depot is right next to the park’s visitor center You won’t have to wait to see Mount McKinley either; many of the best views are along the way

Where do you fly into to go to Denali?

The closest airport to Denali is Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) located 125 miles northeast of the national park The largest and busiest airport in Alaska is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, about 245 miles south of Denali

Is it worth staying in Denali National Park?

57% of travelers to Denali National Park say it is worth it 90% of those people recommend Denali to rent a car and jump on a shuttle bus However, among the ones who do not recommend Denali National Park, 80% say that Denali is not worth it for a family trip

Is Denali worth the money?

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali is excellent on the outside and fantastic on the inside The interior has a high-quality, luxurious feel without being too flashy Premium leather, authentic wood, and other materials are used to enhance quality and comfort

What is the Denali Road Lottery?

What are the Road Lottery and Military Appreciation Day? Each September the park hosts a four-day event called “Road Lottery” During these four days, winners of a lottery drawing are given a chance to purchase a single, day-long permit, allowing them to drive as much of the Denali Park Road as weather allows

How long is the bus ride in Denali?

Focusing on the rich natural and cultural history of the park, this 4 ½ to 5-hour tour travels to the Teklanika River (mile 27) Several interpretive stops enhance the experience, with an hour of off-bus experience

What do Denali mean?

And what does, “Denali” mean? The generally accepted translation is, “The Great One” This seems an appropriate moniker for a mountain 6,190m high