Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Denali National Park.
Q:What is the recommended stay duration at Denali National Park?
A:Minimalist (3 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: 1 Day
Hiking/Exploring: 1 Day
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 1 Day
Adventurist (5 days)
Driving/Sightseeing: 1 Day
Hiking/Exploring: 2 Days
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 2 Day
Notes: Denali is a huge park with lots to see. Just exploring the park by vehicle will take a full day. There is also many hiking/exploring opportunities including McKinley Station Trail, Triple Lakes Trail, Mount Healy, Savage River Loop and more. In addition to the road tours and hiking opportunities there are several other fun things to do from sled dog tours, to aerial tours, fishing, ranger programs, historic sites and more. One could easily spend 5 days in Denali without experiencing it all.
Q:What is the entrance fee at Denali National Park?
A:
Individuals: $15.00 for 7 Days
Q:Is there road access inside Denali National Park?
A:
Yes. There is one road inside the park stretching 92 miles from the entrance. However, guests are only allowed to drive 15 miles of the road. The remaining distance all the way to Kantishna can only be accessed by shuttle buses.
Q:What is the distance from Anchorage and Fairbanks to the entrance of Denali?
A:
Anchorage is 237 miles south from the entrance to Denali and Fairbanks is 125 miles north from the entrance.
Q:How can visitors reach Denali National Park?
A:
Visitors can reach the Denali area by private vehicle, by the Alaska Railroad, by motorcoach, or by charter flight.
Q:When is the best time to visit Denali National Park?
A:
Most people visit the park from late May to mid-September.
Q:What is Denali five?
A:
The five largest mammals in the park are moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears.
Q:Where is Denali National Park located?
A:Denali is located in south central Alaska.
Q:When was Denali National Park established?
A:Denali was established as a National Park in 1980. The region of it’s location has quite spectacular mountain scenery, the park contains Mt. McKinley (Denali), the highest point in North America.
Q:What is there to do in Denali National Park?
A:Denali National Park offers a wide variety of exciting ways to explore its unique environment. Bus tours include the 12-hour Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour, which encompasses the full 90 miles of the Denali Park road and includes a stop at the historic mining town of Kantishna. Also available is the popular eight-hour Tundra Wildlife Tour, which covers the first 50 miles of the park road. Other trips offered near the Park entrance include helicopter flightseeing, whitewater and scenic rafting, husky kennel tours, horseback riding and dinner theaters. Be sure to stop by the visitor center during your stay. There are also a wide variety of ranger-naturalist programs offered throughout the summer, as well as some great day hikes near the park entrance area.
Q:What are the average temperatures at Denali?
A:The average temperature in Fahrenheit is 36 degrees; the high in January (the coldest month) is 9.2 degrees and the high in July (the warmest month) is 67 degrees. Be prepared to dress warmly to be comfortable in at least a light sweater or cardigan.
Q:How much land does Denali Park encompass?
A:Denali National Park and Preserve is 6 million acres in size – larger than the state of Massachusetts.
Q:Is there cellular and WiFi service at Denali National Park?
A:
There is no cell service or WiFi inside of Denali National Park. Cell phones are limited around the park entrance area. Free public WiFi is available at the Riley Creek Mercantile, Denali Visitor Center, and the Denali Bus Depot.
Q:Are pets allowed inside of Denali National Park?
A:
Pets are not allowed on park trails, buses in Denali, and off-trail in the wilderness. Pets are allowed on the Bike Path, Roadside Trail, parking lots, and campground roads. You can not leave your pet unattended or tied up to an object. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets.