Each year, roughly 600,000 visitors explore Denali National Park and Preserve’s 6.1 million acres of undiluted wilderness. The main attraction is Mount Denali (recently renamed Mount McKinley), which rises to a staggering 20,310 feet into the clouds.
The park is also one of the best places to catch a thrilling glimpse of Alaska’s Big Five: brown bear, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. The region is the ancestral homeland of the Koyukon Athabascan people, who referred to the mountain as Denali, which means “the Great One.”
Historically, tour buses traveled the park’s only road for 92 miles. However, in 2021, the road was closed at mile 43 due to the Pretty Rocks landslide, cutting off access to nearly half of the park.
That road is scheduled to reopen in 2026. In the meantime, select lodges are flying travelers into the backcountry, providing a rare window of opportunity to experience the Denali backcountry without the crowds. If Denali National Park is on your bucket list, 2025 is the year to visit.
Find caribou and the rest of Alaska’s Big Five at Denali National Park
Whether you plan to visit the Denali National Park frontcountry, the backcountry, or both, this guide will get you started.
How to visit the Denali National Park frontcountry
Denali National Park’s frontcountry is easy to navigate. Visitors are permitted to drive personal vehicles for the first 15 miles. After that, the road is only open to tour buses.
Don’t skip them. The buses wind through astonishingly beautiful landscapes, pausing to view wildlife as they make their way to viewing spots. Both narrated and non-narrated tours are available. Reservations are highly recommended.
Tour buses inside Denali National Park
Most of the visitor centers are conveniently located near the park’s entrance. Stop by for interpretive exhibits, information about daily ranger programs, and, of course, to get your national park passport book stamped.
Sled dogs are a highlight at Denali National Park
The sled dog kennels are among the highlights of Denali National Park, located approximately three miles from the entrance. During the summer, there are three daily programs, including kennel tours, demonstrations, and opportunities to meet the dogs.
The dogs are often busy working from October to April, but visitors are encouraged to stop by to see if any demonstration times are scheduled.
Where to stay:
Head to Denali Cabins for some of the best accommodations and amenities in the area. The cedar cabins are simple and cozy, featuring private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and televisions.
Amenities include an excellent onsite restaurant, a coffee shop, wood-fired saunas, hot tubs, a fire pit, and complimentary shuttle service to and from Denali National Park.
How to visit the Denali National Park backcountry
The views of Mount Denali from the backcountry on a clear day
As previously mentioned, the road to Denali National Park is currently closed. There’s still one way to get there – in the air. Denali Backcountry Lodge is offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the wilderness via helicopter, with a small group of fellow visitors.
Helicoptering in to Denali Backcountry Lodge
Each cabin has a private bathroom, a pillow-top mattress, and stunning views. Many have private decks overlooking Moose Creek. The all-inclusive experience includes exquisite meals featuring prepared Alaska cuisine, such as salmon and crab, as well as snacks and guided activities like hiking.
Included self-guided activities include kayaking or paddleboarding in Wonder Lake, fishing, wood-fired saunas, a hot tub, and more. There’s even an intimate spa on site for a bit of pampering after a day of recreation.
If you plan to overnight in the frontcountry, packages are available to bundle lodging for Denali Cabins and Denali Backcountry Lodge for a seamless experience.
Many of the rooms at Denali Backcountry Lodge face Moose Creek
How many days do you need at Denali National Park?
If you’re wondering how much time to spend in Denali National Park, the short answer is, spend as much time as you can. You can easily spend a week exploring the front and back sections of the park, especially if you enjoy hiking and outdoor recreation.
Bears in Denali National Park
It’s essential to note that Mount Denali is so tall that it creates its own weather patterns and is often shrouded in clouds. The peak has a mysterious beauty when shrouded in ribbons of fog, but it is at its most spectacular when seen clearly. This only happens about a third of the time, so visitors who spend a few days in the park have the best chance of being rewarded with unobstructed views.
This said, Denali National Park is so stunning that even half a day is worthwhile if that’s all you can squeeze into your schedule.
What is the best month to visit Denali National Park?
Blueberry Hill in the Denali backcountry
The best time of year to visit Denali National Park largely depends on the experience you want. Peak season is from May to September, with June, July, and August being the busiest months. The weather is usually warm, and amenities like the visitor centers will be open.
October – April tend to be cold and snowy, but no less beautiful. It’s a great time for activities like snowshoeing or viewing the Northern Lights.
How to get to Denali National Park
The Alaska Railroad is the best way to get to Denali National Park
If you’re arriving by private car, Denali National Park is 120 miles south of Fairbanks. The entrance is located at Mile 237 on the Alaska Highway (also known as George Parks Highway).
The Alaska Railroad travels from Anchorage to Fairbanks and runs through the entrance of Denali National Park. The depot is only a five-minute walk from the Denali Visitor Center. This is by far the best option for relaxation and wildlife viewing along the way.