More than a Mountain: Denali National Park Travel Guide

September 9, 2019 Tom W.

When you think of famous landscapes in Alaska, Denali National Park is often one of the first places that comes to mind. Known as Alaska’s Crown Jewel of the North, it was the first national park in the Last Frontier. Every year over 600,000 visitors flock to the 6 million acre wilderness to hike, climb, camp, backpack, or just catch a glimpse of North America’s highest peak which stands 20,310 feet tall.

Denali National Park Travel Guide—Whether hiking the park, backpacking the wilderness, or taking a bus tour to Wonder Lake or Kantishna, this guide will help you plan your visit to Denali National Park.

When we began planning our Ultimate Alaskan Road Trip it wasn’t a question of going to Denali National Park, it was how long we were going to stay. When we arrived at the park we were inundated with so many options we actually needed an entire day to plan our visit. We created this Denali National Park Travel Guide to help you make the most of your time exploring Alaska’s flagship national park.

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History of Denali National Park

In 1908 Charles Sheldon, after spending 10 months in what would be known as Denali National Park, headed to his home in the east with one goal—preserve the lands and wildlife around Denali, then known as Mt. McKinley. A hunter himself, Sheldon saw that market hunters were increasingly over-hunting wild game—specifically Dall Sheep—observing over 2,000 sheep taken from Denali. Dedicating himself to the conservation cause of President Theodore Roosevelt, Sheldon campaigned for nearly 10 years before his dream came true and 2 million acres were protected.

In 1980, Denali grew to its current 6,045,000 acres when the Alaskan Lands Act was passed. While this act swelled Denali National Park’s borders it also established five new Alaskan national parks. The establishment of Lake Clark, Katmai, Kobuk Valley, Gates of the Arctic, Kenai Fjords, and Glacier Bay National Park increased the National Park System by over 56 million acres in one day. This act is considered by some (including us) to be the most important conservation legislation ever passed.

Denali was re-named Mt. McKinley in 1896 by gold prospectors to pay homage to the future president. This name was made official when the Mt. McKinley National Park was established in 1917. However, local people continued to call the mountain Denali, its native name and loosely translated as “the tall one.” In 2015, 40 years after the Alaskan Board of Geographic Names requested a change back to the native name, the mountain and park were officially declared Denali once again.

More than a Mountain

Did you know that only 30% of all visitors to Denali actually see the mountain? When we arrived, the sky was thick with forest fire smoke and cloudy with rain in the forecast. After an initial disappointment, we had to curb our expectations quickly and accept that we may not see “the tall one” other than in photographs and videos at the visitor center.

However, we were fortunate enough to be in the Denali area for 10 days. After a few cloudy days we finally caught sight of the north mountain peak from the Park Road during our bus tour. While it was partially obstructed by clouds, we considered ourselves lucky to see it at all. Luck fell on us again as we headed south and got our only full glimpse of Denali from the Parks Highway on our 10th day.

Not everyone will have the opportunity to spend extended time in Denali National Park so it’s important to know you may not see the mountain during your stay. We met people who visited the park three times and have never seen Denali. While the mountain is majestic, Denali is only one of many features that make this park so spectacular.

Denali is packed with seemingly endless landscapes teeming with moose, caribou, ptarmigans, and brown bears. The park and mountain are reminders of what the world was like before roads, cities, and other human impacts, and why places like this need to be conserved and protected.

Denali National Park Travel Guide

Whether your dream of exploring the park is a multi-night Denali backpacking trip, a one day ride on the Denali tour bus, or something in-between, we have you covered. This Denali National Park travel guide will go over every way to explore Denali National Park.

Getting to Denali National Park

Parks Highway

Denali National Park is located at mile 237 of the Parks Highway. This route, stretching from Anchorage (mile 0) to Fairbanks (mile 358) makes Denali accessible for road trippers from north and south. The Parks Highway is the most popular route and offers many stops and potential views of Denali along the way. Expect the cost of gas and snacks to be inflated on your drive, so our suggestion is to gas up and shop in Anchorage or Fairbanks before you set out.

Driving the Denali Highway

If being in Alaska isn’t off the beaten path enough, the Denali Highway may be the route for you. The highway stretches 135 miles east to west from Paxon on the Richardson Highway to Cantwell, mile 210 on the Parks Highway. This “highway” is 85% unpaved and follows a traditional migration route of the Ahtna people. Opened in 1957 it was the only road to Denali National Park until 1972. If you’re looking for the road less traveled and want to kick up some dust, the highway boasts great scenery and has some of the oldest evidences of human habitation in Alaska—over 10,000 years old.

Take the Train to Denali

Taking a train into Denali is woven into the park’s history. The Alaskan Railroad was established in 1915 with a route from Seward to Anchorage. With a reliable way to get visitors to and from the park, its construction contributed to the establishment of the National Park in 1917. Up until 1957 the Alaska Railroad was the primary form of transportation.

Now from May to September the Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star sets out every morning from Anchorage to Fairbanks with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park. From Anchorage the ride north to Denali takes just under 8 hours. From Fairbanks the trip will take about four hours. The Denali Train Depot is within walking distance from the Denali Visitor Center, Riley Creek Campground, and Bus Depot. Shuttles from surrounding lodges are also available.

Fly to Denali

The closest airport to Denali is located a few hours north in Fairbanks. A larger airport is 245 miles south in Anchorage. While there are many bush plane flightseeing tours in the area, the most common forms of transportation into the park are driving, bus, or train.

While traditional airlines may not get you exactly where you want to go, a very popular way to see Denali is from the air. Many locals will tell you the only way to see Alaska is from a bush plane. These planes can give you an unforgettable view of Denali, as well as land on one of the many Alaskan glaciers. While we personally didn’t utilize a local aviation company to “flightsee” Denali, we did fly by bush plane in and out of Lake Clark and Katmai National Parks. We can attest that every flight was a highlight of our summer in Alaska.

Getting Around Denali National Park

The Park Road in Denali National Park is the only road. Construction of the road was started in 1923 and the 92 mile stretch to Kantishna was completed in 1938. To minimize wildlife and environmental impacts from increased traffic, the Park Road restricts private vehicles past Savage River (mile 15). Visitors must utilize Denali Bus Tours or the Denali Transit Bus (for a fee) to travel the restricted section of the road by vehicle.

Private vehicles are allowed to the Savage River Day Use Area (mile 15). This paved stretch gains you access to most of the established hiking trails and three campgrounds. There are a few exceptions to this. If you are a registered camper at Teklanika Campground (mile 29) you can drive your vehicle to and from the campground. In addition, every year the park offers a lottery that awards a set number of private vehicles a one day permit to drive the full length of the Park Road and back.

For most visitors, utilizing Denali’s bus system is the most convenient and popular way to explore the park.

Riley Creek and Savage River Shuttles

The Riley Creek shuttle is a free shuttle that conveniently gets you around the entrance area. This is especially handy for those staying at the Riley Creek Campground. The shuttle runs about every 25 minutes during the day and stops at the Riley Creek Campground, Riley Creek Mercantile, Denali Bus Depot, Horseshoe Lake Trailhead, Murie Science and Leaning Center, and the Denali Visitor Center.

The Savage River Shuttle is a free bus that runs from the Denali Bus Depot to Savage River. It stops at the Denali Visitor Center, the sled dog kennels, Mountain Vista Day Use Area, and Savage Campground before turning around at Savage River (mile 15). The shuttle runs from early morning to late evening with about 30 minutes between stops. This is a great cost-effective way to get around the park while avoiding traffic congestion and full parking lots.

Denali Transit Bus and Tour Bus

The only way to see the park. Literally. If you’re not hiking or biking the 77 miles between Savage River and Kantishna (mile 92) then you’ll most likely be on a green transit bus or a tan tour bus. These tours all depart and can be booked from the Denali Bus Depot.

We took the transit bus out to Wonder Lake. It was a long day (11 hours, round-trip) but filled with wildlife sightings and huge landscape views. While we didn’t take an official “tour bus” that boasts snacks, drinks, and a tour guide, our transit bus driver was very knowledgeable and stopped numerous times for wildlife and views of the mountain. We felt like our experience on the transit bus was pretty much a tour.

Denali Camper Bus

Dedicated and specially configured (the rear seats have been removed to accommodate backpacks and bicycles), camper buses are used to transport visitors to campgrounds and/or backcountry units within the park. In hindsight, we would have reserved a campsite at Wonder Lake and/or secured a backcountry permit and taken the camper bus. These buses still stop for wildlife viewing and at most stops on the Park Road. This would have allowed us to spend more time deeper in the park, see the same terrain, and broken up the long ride.

Denali National Park Visitor Centers

There are several structures run by the National Park Service for visitors in the park. Most are near the park entrance and accessible by car or the free Savage River Shuttle. Two other centers are accessible by the transit or tour buses.

Denali Visitor Center (Mile 1.5, Park Road)—This is the park’s main visitor center with displays, films, and rangers. You can purchase a park pass and plan your visit with a ranger. All backcountry campers must stop here in order to plan, get permits, and watch safety videos before beginning their adventure.

Denali Bus Depot (Mile 1, Park Road)—Shuttle, Transit, and Tour buses all depart from the Denali Bus Depot daily. You can book your bus trips, pay entrance fees, and reserve campgrounds here. If you are planning to go past mile 15 of the Park Road, you will definitely want to stop here.

Murie Science and Learning Center (Mile 1.5, Park Road)—Adjacent to the Denali Visitor Center. The Murie Science and Learning Center works to bridge the gap between science and park stewardship. Most of the exhibits here are for the younger park visitors, but you may want to stop in to see the 70-million-year-old dinosaur track fossil found in 2005. Or if you have a more refined love of the arts, like my mother and sister, you may be interested in the giant quilt highlighting the landscapes of Denali. This building also serves as the winter visitor center from late September to May.

Sled Dog Kennels (Mile 3.5, Park Road)—Denali is the only national park that has an active sled dog kennel. Rangers and dogs work together to patrol (often on multi-day trips) the far ends of Denali National Park in the winter. In the summer, this traditional mode of Alaskan transportation is demonstrated twice a day at 10 am and 2 pm.

Toklat River Contact Station (Mile 53, Park Road)—Almost all tour and transit buses will make a stop here. There are restrooms, a bookstore, and a gift shop. When we stopped a brown bear and her cub happened to wander right through the parking lot on their way to the river behind the Contact Station.

Eielson Visitor Center (Mile 66, Park Road)—This visitor center has extensive displays, an art gallery, and (on a clear day) panoramic views of Denali and the surrounding mountains. This visitor center is only accessible by tour and transit bus and is often a popular turn-around point for bus riders.

Hiking Denali National Park

Getting out and exploring Denali on foot is a great way to experience the endless beauty and wildlife of the Park. There are two ways to hike in Denali—on marked trails, or off trail in nearly every direction.

There are a number of marked trails near the park entrance and from the non-restricted stretch of the Park Road. However, blazing your own trail in the Denali wilderness is also a popular option for adventurers.

Established Trails

Horseshoe Lake Trail (2 miles, round-trip)—This popular trail is a good introduction to the park. The trail starts with a short uphill climb, then descends to a loop around the clear, beautiful lake. You will find dams and many trees downed by busy beavers that call this area home.

Rock Creek Trail (2.5 miles, one-way)—A great forested trail from the visitor center to the Sled Dog Kennels. We took this trail because we had an hour to kill before the sled dog demonstration. Along the way there was a nice viewpoint and we met only one other group on the trail.

Roadside Trail (1.8 miles, one-way)—This trail also spans from the visitor center to the sled dog kennels. It is shorter and less steep than the Rock Creek Trail but is also next to the Park Road (hence the name).

Healy Mountain Overlook Trail (2.7 miles, one-way)—Beginning at the visitor center this increasingly steep hike leads out of the forest and into alpine country. It is pretty much up all the way so be prepared. Once at the Overlook you have a great view of the valley and the mountain range. On a clear day you can even catch a glimpse of Denali. From the overlook you can also continue on a well-defined, unmaintained trail up to another lookout.

Savage Alpine Trail (4 miles, one-way)—This trail connects the Savage River and Mountain Vista day use areas. This is an amazing hike through forest, tundra, and a rocky ridge. A ranger recommended starting at Mountain Vista for a more gradual uphill. He was right! There’s 1,800 feet of elevation gain during this hike, but it is well worth it. On a clear day you will have a great view of Denali. Also, at the vista, we were greeted by an eagle and we were told we just missed a pack of wolves in the distance. You can access this trail via the free Savage River Shuttle, or by your own vehicle. There is parking on either end so you can hike one-way and shuttle back to your car.

Mountain Vista Trail (.6 miles, round-trip)—Located at Mountain Vista day use area, this trail can be accessed by the free Savage River Shuttle, or by your own vehicle. This easy short loop goes down to the savage river and has views of the Alaskan Range.

Savage River Loop (2 miles, round-trip)—This is an easy loop. You will walk one mile on the bank of the Savage River, cross a footbridge, and walk back. If looking for a nice riverside stroll, this is a good hike for you. This hike is found at the last stop of the Savage River Shuttle. There is also private vehicle parking, but it is limited.

Off-Trail Hiking

Denali is over half the size of Switzerland, and most of these 6 million acres have no human-made trails. This was a little intimidating for us at first, but the nature of Denali’s Park Road, the bus system, and helpful rangers turned our intimidation into excitement.

There are endless opportunities for exploration of the park. If you’re into strolls around the river, hikes up steep terrain for endless views, or bushwhacking through the wilderness, there’s something for you in Denali. Stop by one of the visitor centers and ask a ranger for recommendations. They can help you plan a hike and educate you on how to least impact the backcountry. You can read about our wilderness camping trip and learn everything you need to know to plan your own adventure in our Denali National Park Backpacking Guide.

Where to Stay in Denali National Park

There are many options to stay in or around Denali National Park. With steadily increasing visitation, lodging can fill up fast in the peak season (May-September). Here are options for visitors planning to camp or stay in a lodge at Denali National Park.

Denali National Park Campgrounds

Denali has six campgrounds within the park with sites for tents and RVs. They have varying degrees of amenities, but none have RV hookups or electricity. Not all of the campgrounds are accessible by private vehicles. Some can only be reached by the transit bus, so plan your stay accordingly. Click here to go to Reserve Denali for reservations.

Riley Creek Campground—This is the closest campground to the park entrance, Denali Visitor center, bus depot, and Riley Creek Mercantile. It has RV and tent sites. It’s the largest campground, but can also fill up during peak season, so it’s recommended to make reservations early.

Savage River Campground—This smaller campground is located at mile 13 of the Park Road. This means you can still drive to this campground. It has tent and RV sites, as well as running water and flush toilets. If you’re looking to do some hiking you can easily access the Mountain Vista and Savage Alpine Trails.

Sanctuary River Campground—Located at mile 23 of the Park Road. The Sanctuary River Campground has 7 tent sites and is only accessible by bus. This campground must be booked in person at the park. Note there is no water in this campground.

Teklanika Campground—This campground is located at mile 29 of the Park Road and accommodates both tents and RVs. Registered campers can drive their vehicles to this campground. In fact, it is the only way to get a private vehicle past mile 15 of the Park Road. There is a 3 night minimum for campers with vehicles. Once you’re there, it is discouraged to return via the Park Road until your stay is over, as not to create any unnecessary traffic.

Igloo Creek Campground—This seven site, tent only campground is located at mile 35 of the Park Road. It has no water and is bus accessible only.

Wonder Lake Campground—This is the furthest established campground in the park at mile 85 on the Park Road. It is tent only. You’ll need to take the camper bus to this site and the ride is long (like 4 hours long). We recommend taking the morning bus if possible. Here you’ll find water, flush toilets, and hiking access to Wonder Lake and a number of beautiful mirror ponds to explore. Bring everything you need because there is no easy trip back to the store or your car.

Denali Lodging

If you are planning to book lodging in or near Denali National Park you pretty much have two options. One: you can stay outside the park near the entrance. Or Two: in the remote center of the park known as Kantishna near the end of the 92-mile Park Road.

Lodging in Denali National Park

This option is available for visitors seeking a lodge but also a more rustic, close to nature experience. Kantishna lodges are all privately run, and prices and accommodations vary. To travel to the Kantishna area you will travel by bus or van, 5-6 hours each way. Theses lodges will have a higher price tag, but will be all-inclusive (transportation, lodging, activities, and meals), per-person rates.

Lodging Near Denali National Park

90% of visitors stay near the park entrance. This option will give visitors a wide variety of ways to see and experience the park and is close to rafting, kayaking, and flightseeing vendors. There are also a variety of restaurants and RV parks near the park entrance. Here are some of the options available.

Visiting Denali National Park on a Budget

Since the Alaska national parks are some of the most expensive to visit that we’ve encountered, we’re sharing budget travel tips that we’ve found for each park. Here are some tips for experiencing Denali National Park inexpensively.

Use Denali National Park’s Free Shuttles

You have access to the first 15 miles of the Park Road for free. As mentioned, the Riley Creek and Savage River Shuttles are a cheap way to get around the non-restricted section of the Park Road. This is a great option for visitors who just want to park and ride or arrive by train or bus. The shuttle stops at the Bus Depot, Denali Visitor Center, Sled Dog Kennels, Mountain Vista, and Savage River, and runs about every 30 minutes.

Free Backcountry Camping Permits

You can plan a backcountry camping trip and obtain permits at the Denali Visitor Center. The permits are free, but you do have to pay the park entrance fee ($15 per person for 7 days) if you don’t have a pass. When you are issued a backcountry permit you can also rent a bear-proof container—which is required—for free.

Free and Cheap Camping Shuttles

If you opt to camp within the first 15 miles of the Park Road, you can take the free shuttle to begin your adventure. If you plan to go past mile 15 you can buy a ticket for the camper bus at the bus depot. These tickets are cheaper than a transit or tour bus and enable you to go all the way to the end of the Park Road and take any transit bus back.

Free Camping near Denali National Park

We’re always looking for great free camping wherever we go. Using one of our favorite apps we found free camping within minutes of the park entrance. This saved us hundreds of dollars in campground/lodging expenses. Check out our post and video on the best ways to find free camping.

Your trip to Denali National Park will be an unforgettable trek to explore, marvel, and appreciate this immense and wild landscape of tundra, alpine forests, and rugged mountains. Denali’s size and diversity provides travelers the opportunity to customize their visit to their own aspirations and capabilities. With the right planning, preparations, and expectations, Denali National Park can be the highlight of any Alaskan adventure.

How will you explore Denali National Park?