Denali National Park and Preserve is located in Interior Alaska and contains the tallest mountain in North America, Mount McKinley.
The Denali National Park and Preserve can be reached by taking the Parks Highway. Due to the permafrost and the freeze-thaw cycle only a small fraction of the road is paved making for a somewhat difficult trip for non-professionals. Private vehicles are permitted to travel on the road in spring and late fall. Visitors in the summer months must use the buses operated by the park or one of the many travel guides to reach the interior areas.
Denali National Park and Preserve is home to a wide variety of birds and mammals. Black bears and caribou can be found throughout the park. Smaller animals, such as wild sheep, marmots, beavers, arctic squirrels, and rabbits are common sights in all areas of the park.
The wild bird population at Denali National Park and Preserve is unmatched. Hundreds of species live at the park. Birds known to make Denali National Park and Preserve home include; waxwings, arctic warblers, grosbeaks, hawks, owls, even eagles. Fish in the area is plentiful but due to the cold-water temperatures, the fish are generally small in size.
Denali park rangers close certain areas of the park due to wildlife activity. Areas of wolves and bears are off-limits until the area is safe. The areas change at different times throughout the year. The park has become a foremost destination for wildlife viewing.
The park features over 400 species of flowering plants. Many of these amazing plants bloom during the summer. Goldenrod, fireweed, lupine, bluebell, and gentian fill the Denali National Park and Preserve.
The main tourist season runs from May 1 to September 15. The Visitor Center is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily during this time period. From September 17 - 30 the Visitor Center hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From mid-September to early May the Visitor Center is closed, though the Headquarters Building is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for those wishing to visit during this time of year.
More Denali Reading
National Park Service Website
Denali Park Resorts
Guides and Services
Campground and Shuttle Bus Reservations
Road Conditions
Park Map PDF
Park Entrance Map PDF
Backcountry FAQ
Photos of Denali National Park
NPS Gallery
Pictures by QT Luong
Stock Photos
Denali National Park Videos
Holland America’s Denali Cruise Tour
Bear Watching Tours
Photographic Tour
View more on the AlaskanTravelGuide.com Youtube Channel.