Making the Most of Your Visit

We invite you to explore the wonderful opportunities of visiting the park year-round. From a short day-trip to an extended backcountry adventure, the Alpenglow has the information you need to make a visit to Denali one of your most memorable vacations.

• Alpenglow, Summer 2009 (3.07 MB PDF) 
• Alpenglow, Winter 2008-2009 (1.11 MB PDF)

NEW WINTER ACTIVITIES GUIDE

The park recently published a new flier to raise awareness about the special opportunities and responsibilities that await visitors in winter. Free printed copies are available at the Winter Visitor Center, open 9 am-4 pm daily at Mile 1.3 on the Park Road.

• Winter Activities Guide (1.92 MB, PDF)

A highlight of the new Winter Activities Guide is a detailed map for an extensive network of winter trails that visitors can use to hike, snowshoe and cross-country ski within the first three miles of the entrance to the Park Road. Information is provided about winter camping, backcountry permits, water sources, emergency shelters from the cold, and outdoor electrical sources to plug-in private vehicles. The Bear Loop of Riley Creek Campground, near the park entrance, is open for primitive camping all winter at no charge. The park collects entrance fees year-round.

FOR A SUMMER VISIT:

IF YOU HAVE A HALF DAY…

ATTEND one of the sled dog demonstrations, stop at the award winning Denali Visitor Center or take a shuttle bus into the park.

HIKE one of the entrance area trails near the Denali Visitor Center. Each of these trails provides opportunities for exploring the taiga (boreal forest) and observing wildlife. Go on your own or join a ranger-guided walk.

WATCH the feature film at the Denali Visitor Center or Wilderness Access Center.

RIDE the free Savage River shuttle bus to Mile 15. Keep a lookout for moose, caribou, and wolves. On a clear day, Mount McKinley may be seen in the distance near Mile 9.

TAKE a guided Natural History Tour of the park to Primrose Ridge.

IF YOU HAVE A FULL DAY…

TAKE a bus to Toklat or beyond to the Eielson Visitor Center, Wonder Lake or Kantishna. As you travel the road west, you may observe wildlife or discover a place to get off the bus and take a hike.

JOIN a ranger for a Discovery Hike or guided walk. You must sign up in advance at the Denali Visitor Center for Discovery Hikes.

SIGN UP for an education program at the Murie Science and Learning Center.

TAKE a guided Tundra Wilderness Tour of the park to the Toklat River or the Kantishna Experience Tour to the end of the road.

IF YOU HAVE A FEW DAYS...

TAKE another trip into the park. Hike the McKinley Bar Trail by Wonder Lake or join a ranger-led Discovery Hike.

TAKE a walk departing from the Denali Visitor Center.

SIGN UP for an education program at the Murie Science and Learning Center.

PLAN your own hike. Topographical maps, guidebooks, and knowledgeable staff can assist you in planning a trip. All are available at the Backcountry Information Center.

OUTSIDE the park activities include rafting, flightseeing, and horseback riding. A list of area businesses is available at the Wilderness Access Center and the Denali Visitor Center.

VISIT Denali’s Talkeetna Ranger Station, located 150 miles south of the park entrance in the town of Talkeetna. This is a spectacular road trip that goes through Denali State Park and provides great views of Mount McKinley and the Alaska Range.