Denali National Park is one of Alaska’s most iconic destinations. With its vast, unspoiled wilderness, home to North America's tallest peak, Denali, thriving populations of wildlife like grizzly bears, caribou, and moose, and a single 92-mile park road that offers visitors unparalleled access to breathtaking landscapes and untouched natural beauty.

If you’re heading to Alaska, a visit to Denali National Park should be at the top of your list. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to get into the park, and what to expect when you arrive. 

Getting to Denali  

There’s several convenient options when it comes to reaching Denali:

Driving the Parks Highway

The Parks Highway (Alaska Route 3) connects Anchorage to Denali National Park in about 4-5 hours and Fairbanks in 2-3 hours. This well-maintained road takes you through stunning Alaskan landscapes, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, meals, or a visit to small towns along the way. You can drive as far as the park entrance, but keep in mind that private vehicles are not allowed beyond a certain point inside the park.  

Taking the Denali Star Train

The Alaska Railroad offers a picturesque and leisurely journey to Denali from Anchorage or Fairbanks. The train ride includes large windows perfect for taking in the dramatic mountain views, rivers, and wildlife along the route. It’s a popular choice for those who prefer a relaxing and unique travel experience.

Bus Services

Several private bus companies operate routes to Denali from Anchorage, Fairbanks, or other cities. These buses often provide guided commentary and a chance to enjoy the journey without the hassle of driving. Some services also include stops at attractions along the way.

Each mode of transportation offers a different perspective of Alaska’s natural beauty, making the journey to Denali part of the adventure.

Using the National Park Buses  

The easiest way to enter the park from Downtown is by using the National Park Service (NPS) buses, which provide transportation into the park. These buses are convenient and pick up visitors at various locations, including hotels and lodges near the entrance. For example, I hopped on a bus at the Princess Lodge that took me directly to the Denali Visitors Center, where the adventure truly begins.  

Choosing Between the Green and Beige Buses  

If you’re looking to go deeper into the park, this is where you’ll transition to one of the green shuttle buses or beige tour buses to continue your journey.  

Denali’s bus system can seem a little confusing at first, but here’s the breakdown:  

Green Buses (Transit Buses): These are for independent travelers who want the flexibility to hop on and off at different stops. They’re ideal if you want to hike a trail, enjoy a scenic spot, or explore at your own pace.  

 

Beige Buses (Tour Buses): These are narrated tours with a guide providing commentary on the park’s history, wildlife, and geology. They’re a great option if you prefer a structured experience or want to learn more about Denali’s unique ecosystem.  These are not hop on and off buses, so be prepared to stay with the group for a few hours. 

Venturing Into the Park 

Once you’re on the bus, the real magic begins. The further you go into the park, the better your chances of spotting wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. The buses make stops along the way for scenic views, photo opportunities, and trailheads. One of the highlights of my trip was seeing Denali Mountain (formerly Mt. McKinley), the tallest peak in North America. On clear days, the views are simply spectacular.  

You can choose how far to go depending on your schedule. Some buses travel to Eielson Visitor Center, a popular midpoint with stunning views, while others venture all the way to Kantishna, the end of the park road.  

The Denali Visitors Center  

The Denali Visitors Center is the hub of activity and a great starting point for your visit. Here, you’ll find:  

• Educational exhibits about the park’s wildlife and geology.  

• A gift shop with unique souvenirs.  

• Access to several short hiking trails for those looking to explore the immediate area.  

• Restrooms and amenities.  

Scenic Checkpoints in Denali National Park  

As you journey through Denali, you’ll encounter several scenic checkpoints offering stunning views, opportunities for wildlife sightings, and unique perspectives of the park’s diverse landscapes. Here are some of the highlights:  

1. Denali Visitor Center Area 

A great starting point for your trip with short, family-friendly trails like the McKinley Station Trail and the Horseshoe Lake Trail. These offer views of rivers, forests, and wildlife near the park entrance.  

2. Savage River (Mile 15)

The furthest point you can reach by private vehicle. It’s a picturesque area with scenic picnic spots, the Savage River Loop Trail, and opportunities to spot wildlife like caribou and Dall sheep.  

3. Teklanika River (Mile 30)

A popular checkpoint for campers and a serene area to view the braided rivers and distant mountain ranges. This area is great for photography and provides a taste of Denali’s remote wilderness.  

4. Polychrome Pass (Mile 45)  

Known for its colorful hills and dramatic cliffs, Polychrome Pass is one of the park’s most photographed areas. Look out for sweeping views of the tundra, distant peaks, and possibly even wildlife like bears or moose.  

5. Eielson Visitor Center (Mile 66)

This is one of the best places to view Denali Mountain on a clear day. Eielson also has exhibits, restrooms, and ranger-led programs. The area offers panoramic views and trails like the Tundra Loop or the more challenging Alpine Trail.  

6. Wonder Lake (Mile 85)  

A favorite spot for photographers, Wonder Lake reflects Denali Mountain when the water is calm. It’s an iconic location, offering some of the most stunning views of the mountain and surrounding wilderness.  

7. Kantishna (Mile 92)  

The end of the park road, Kantishna is a historic mining area with opportunities to learn about the Gold Rush history and explore the quiet, remote wilderness.  

Best Areas to View Denali Mountain  

Credit: Eielson Visitor Center - (NPS Photo/Kent Miller)

1. Eielson Visitor Center (Mile 66)  

Offers one of the most consistent and clear views of Denali on sunny days.  

2. Wonder Lake (Mile 85) 

Provides postcard-worthy reflections of the mountain in the calm waters of the lake.  

3. Stoney Hill Overlook (Near Mile 62)  

Located near Eielson, this spot is known for its breathtaking, close-up views of Denali’s towering peaks.  

Popular Trails in Denali  

1. Horseshoe Lake Trail (Near Visitor Center) 

A 2-mile loop offering serene lake views and chances to spot beavers and other wildlife.  

2. Savage River Loop Trail (Mile 15)   

A 2-mile loop through the Savage River Valley with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.  

3. Triple Lakes Trail (Near Visitor Center)  

A more challenging 9.5-mile trail featuring lakes, forests, and sweeping vistas of the park.  

4. Tundra Loop Trail (Eielson Visitor Center)  

A short 0.3-mile loop offering stunning tundra views and easy access to the open landscape.  

5. Alpine Trail (Eielson Visitor Center)

A steep 2-mile trail climbing into the high alpine zone, offering panoramic views of Denali and the surrounding wilderness.  

6. McKinley Bar Trail (Wonder Lake)  

A 5-mile roundtrip hike that takes you through lush meadows and spruce forests to the McKinley River with views of Denali along the way.  

Sled Dog Demonstrations  

One unique feature of Denali National Park is its sled dog demonstrations, hosted by park rangers. These take place at specific times throughout the day and showcase the park’s working sled dogs, which are used for winter patrols and transportation. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity that gives you a deeper appreciation for the park’s history and the role of these incredible dogs.  

Best Tour Options in Denali

Of course, exploring Denali Park is exciting on its own, but if you’re itching to ramp up the adventure, the best way to do that is by joining one of the incredible tours offered in Denali. 

Denali Park Zipline Adventure

Soar through the treetops and enjoy breathtaking views of the Alaskan wilderness on the thrilling, family-friendly Denali Park Zipline Adventure, featuring seven ziplines, six sky bridges, and unforgettable wildlife sightings.

Denali Wilderness ATV

Explore the rugged Alaskan terrain and breathtaking landscapes on the Denali Wilderness ATV Tour, where you'll navigate forests, creek beds, and ridgelines while enjoying stunning views of the Alaska Range, Otto Lake, and Healy Valley.

Heli Hiking Adventure

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Denali National Park from both air and land on the Heli Hiking Adventure, a guided expedition that combines a scenic helicopter flight with a 3.5-hour hike through Alaska’s rugged tundra and alpine landscapes.

Tips for Visiting Denali  

• Book your bus tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as spots fill up quickly.  

• Dress in layers to prepare for variable weather. Denali’s climate can change rapidly, even in summer.  

• Bring snacks and water, as there are limited amenities once you’re inside the park.   

• Pack a camera or binoculars to capture the incredible scenery and wildlife.  

• Plan your schedule around the activities you want to do, whether it’s hiking, taking photos, or attending the sled dog demonstration.  
  

Final Thoughts  

Denali really has something for everyone, from casual explorers to avid adventurers. Whether you choose a guided tour, or hop on the transit buses to explore on your own,the park’s beauty and serenity are sure to leave a lasting impression.