What makes Denali a must-see, special destination?

• Denali is the highest mountain in North America. With an elevation of 20,310 feet, it is more than a mile higher than California’s Mt. Whitney, which is the highest mountain peak in the continental United States.
• Denali National Park (DNP) covers 6.1 million acres, about the size of Massachusetts.
• There is only one road in the park – 92.5 miles long.
• DNP is also a wildlife preserve, which means it is protected land.
• DNP is the only national park with sled dogs!
• The "Big Five" animals in the park are bear, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves.
• Other mammals range from lynx, marmots and Arctic ground squirrels to foxes and snowshoe hares. There are over 100 bird species, including the spectacular golden eagle.
• The terrain is composed of tundra, taiga and boreal forest.

When is the best time to visit Denali?

• When you have the most time is the best time to come to Denali. We recommend you stay two nights and three days to maximize the adventures that await you.
• Don’t plan your trip around the weather; it is constantly changing. It is best if you layer clothing and always have something waterproof, just to be prepared.
• There are people who live in the area year-round, and some businesses offer year-round services.
• The main tourist season is May–September. The season ramps up in May, and begins to wind down in September. We call these two months the shoulder season. Some businesses open late in May and/or close early in September. Contact individual vendors and plan accordingly.
• Use this website as a tool to research the businesses that interest you. Check out the operating days and hours so you are prepared.

• You can visit Denali in the winter, but the primary tourist season is June - August when all businesses are up and running and the canyon is in full swing.

• Does the idea of virtually 24 hours of daylight intrigue you? Then visit as close to the summer solstice (between June 20–22) as possible. It is not only the first day of summer, but also the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. After a long, dark winter, summer solstice is a day of celebration for locals!

• Do you want a chance to see the Northern Lights? Consider visiting at the end of August/beginning of September. Denali welcomes darkness again, so those magical, electrically charged particles of the Aurora Borealis are ready to dance and put on a show!

What should I pack for the trip up and for excursions?

Clothing, Apparel, and Gear

• Many people are surprised the learn that Denali is semi-arid, or dry. In one day, you can experience rain, sun and wind (or some other form of weather), so dress accordingly. Both the highest and lowest temperature records in Alaska have been recorded in the Interior, so be prepared for everything!
• Dress like an onion: in layers. For example: wear an undershirt, an over-shirt, a warm fleece, and a weather-proof jacket with a hood. In the pockets, pack a hat and gloves. You may not need them, but you don’t want to be without them.
• We recommend a form of convertible pants, where the legs zip off to become shorts if needed, and they are often made of moisture-wicking material that allows them to dry quickly if you get wet. Please note, there is a difference between “apparel” and “gear.” We recommend waterproof versus water-repellent. And speaking of repellent...
• Pack bug spray. You will most likely meet our state bird, the mosquito. (That’s a joke... Our state bird is the ptarmigan.) Alaska is home to mosquitoes... we have them... in abundance. Please pack bug repellent!
• Pack ankle-high boots, especially if you plan to hike, which we encourage. And don’t bring new shoes that haven’t been broken in. Again, waterproof is recommended so that you are prepared for any occasion. And don’t forget an extra pair of socks, just in case.
• Don’t overpack.

Snacks and Water

• Be prepared. You should always travel with snacks, food and water.
• Denali has delectable, prize-winning cuisine, and the town of Healy (a 15-minute drive north of the park entrance) has a full-service Three Bears grocery store. But people sometimes misjudge distances from Anchorage or Fairbanks to the park or the length of an excursion. Pack snacks. No need to be “hangry” in such a gorgeous area.

Getting Around

• Having a vehicle is certainly a perk to go where you want to go, when you want to go.
• There is no public transportation in the canyon.
• Some of the businesses are kind enough to provide shuttles. They are not a personal taxi. Check with your lodging to see how their shuttle service works. Some excursions provide transportation.
• Ask ahead or research your itinerary so you know how to go from place to place.

How long does it take to get from point A to point B?

• Anchorage to Denali is approximately 237 miles, or about a 4½-hour drive by car, primarily on a two-lane road. You may, however, get behind a truck or RV, or get delayed by construction...
• Anchorage to Denali is an 8-hour train ride.
• Fairbanks to Denali is approximately 122 miles, or a 2 to 2½-hour drive by car primarily on a two-lane road. You may, however, get behind a truck or RV, or get delayed by construction...
• Fairbanks to Denali is 4-hour train ride.

What is travel like in the park?

• You can drive approximately 15 miles into Denali with your personal vehicle, stopping at Savage River. To go beyond that, you need to make arrangements to board one of the park buses.
• Beyond the Visitor’s Center — only a few miles in — there is no cell service.
• There are no restaurants west of mile 3 on the Park Road. (That’s why you need your snacks and water!) There are restroom facilities at various stopping points along the way.
• The park has one road, 92.5 miles in length, that leads you into the heart of the park and ends in Kantishna.
• Go as far into the park as your itinerary will allow. The terrain, animals, flora and fauna change immensely as you go further into the park, and from week to week.
• There are very few marked trails in the park for reasons of preservation. Overnight camping is allowed on a reservation- and location-basis.

Can you drive from the Lower 48 to Denali?

You can drive to Denali from the Lower 48. Remember that you will cross through Canada. Be prepared to have the proper documentation to cross an international border and spend several days in another country. The trip is breathtaking. If you plan to drive, we recommend purchasing a copy of The Milepost. The Milepost is a trip planner and travel guide magazine that provides maps and mile-by-mile information on everything you need to know about the ALCAN (the Alaska-Canadian Highway).

What hiking trails are there?

Here are some recommended trails for the explorer in you who wants a path to follow:

• Oxbow Loop Trail
• Triple Lakes Trail
• Horseshoe Lake Trail
• Mount Healy Trail
• Savage River Loop Trail
• Rock Creek Trail
• For more information on trails in the park, please visit the Denali National Park website

Final thoughts:

• Alaska has modern amenities.
• Yes, we have internet, but we are in the wilderness; it is what it is. Don’t be disappointed when the Wi-Fi isn’t running at the speeds you’re used to at home. Instead, unplug your devices and connect to your surroundings.
• There is cell service, but the signal may vary depending on your carrier. AT&T tends to be the most reliable carrier up here.

Remember: nothing about this vast wilderness is orchestrated. There is no guarantee you will see our "Big Five" animals, the Mountain, or anything else someone may have told you to expect. Our local guides will do their best to give you the experience of a lifetime. But make a promise to yourself: to find your own epic moment and to enjoy the adventure.

Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos, kill nothing but time.