Alaska's Diamond: Denali National Park

Denali National Park Alaska is one of the largest parks in the national parks system. Denali encompasses 6 million acres (larger than Massachusetts). The name Denali derives from the Athabascan native people. It means “high one,” named so for Denali Peak (formerly Mount McKinnley). Denali National Park Alaska was initially Mount McKinley National Park, established as a wildlife refuge 1917. In 1980 the boundaries were enlarged and named Denali National Park.

A visit to Denali National Park Alaska means you may see a variety of wildlife. The most common wildlife you will see are Dall sheep, caribou, moose, grizzly bears, and occasionally, wolves. Smaller mammals include fox, weasel, wolverine, lynx, marten, snowshoe hare, hoary marmot, red squirrel, ground squirrel, pika, porcupine, beaver, shrew, vole and the lemming. In the winter you will not see many animals as the weather is harsh. If an animal is not in hibernation they are more likely than not holed up living off of food gathered for this season. The struggle to survive the brutally cold winters of Alaska is a real challenge for most Alaskan Wildlife.

Inside Denali National Park Alaska, there is lodging available at Kantishna Roadhouse and Denali Backcountry Lodge. There is also lodging and service available in the local communities. Denali Crow's Nest Log Cabins, Denali Cabins, and Earthsong Lodge all offer fabulous lodging options that are in close proximity to many of Denali’s adventures and sights.

For more information on Denali National Park Alaska and to make lodging reservations log on to: www.nationalparkreservations.com or call toll free 855.245.1289.

Denali Area Lodging Options