Denali National Park and Preserve - , Alaska

Beau Harrison

Denali National Park is an absolute gem, a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, wildlife, and jaw-dropping scenery. My visit to the park was nothing short of spectacular. The sheer vastness of the park, which covers over six million acres, is awe-inspiring, and it's hard to fully capture its beauty in words or photos.

One of the highlights of my trip was seeing Denali, the highest peak in North America. On clear days, the mountain dominates the landscape with its majestic presence, but even when it’s shrouded in clouds, the surrounding wilderness is still breathtaking. The wildlife viewing was unparalleled — I was lucky enough to see a mama grizzly bear with two cubs, lots of caribous, three moose, and even a baby wolf during my bus tour on the Denali Park Road. The park's commitment to preserving the natural environment is evident in how they manage human impact, with most areas only accessible by shuttle, helping to keep the wilderness pristine.

Hiking in the park was another unforgettable experience. There are no designated trails in many areas, giving you a true sense of wilderness exploration. We even saw a good amount of wildlife during our short hike including ptarmigan, prairie dogs, and lots of butterflies. The air is fresh, the views are endless, and there’s a feeling of peaceful solitude. Denali National Park offers an authentic connection to nature that’s hard to find anywhere else. Five stars, without a doubt!

J I D J I D

Our recent visit to Denali National Park and Preserve was nothing short of spectacular. We spent two full days immersing ourselves in the park's vast wilderness, and every moment was a testament to the untouched beauty of Alaska.

The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the incredible wildlife encounters. We were fortunate enough to see bears, moose, and a variety of other animals in their natural habitats. Watching a bear amble across the tundra and spotting moose grazing near the trails were experiences we will cherish forever. The park's commitment to preserving its ecosystem allows for these magical moments to happen.

We dedicated our time to hiking, exploring the numerous trails that Denali offers. Each trail provided unique perspectives of the park's diverse landscapes, from lush forests to expansive open meadows and rugged mountain views. The trails are well-maintained and cater to various levels of difficulty, making them accessible for both novice and experienced hikers.

Denali's shuttle service is efficient and convenient, making it easy to access different parts of the park. The park rangers and staff were knowledgeable and friendly, always ready to offer tips and share their expertise about the best trails and wildlife spotting areas.

Our two days in Denali were an unforgettable adventure, filled with awe-inspiring nature and peaceful solitude. Whether you're an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking to escape into nature, Denali National Park and Preserve is a must-visit destination.

Jozef Watson

Absolutely loved visiting Denali during the fall foliage change. Didn't plan it this way but it worked out well. The wildlife was not as prevalent in the main area of the park so we didn't see too much but still was beautiful views and decent weather. One of the highlights of Alaska and a key part of the trip to visit this great national park.

Michelle Knochel

Loved Denali! It is so large compared to many of the other national parks with less visitors. We visited around Labor Day and would highly recommend end of August for visiting. We found some great hiking and next time would like to do some of their “wilderness” hikes where you make your own path. Lots of wildlife visible, particularly if you take a bus tour deeper into the park. The road is currently getting worked on at mile 42, so consider delaying until that roadwork is completed if you want to go further into the park.

Sara Sargent

This park was amazing. Not too crowded, and the staff were helpful and courteous at the visitor center.
We took the bus to the end of the road. our driver, Wayne, was great. Very informative, let us stop and take a few pictures, but still stayed within the allotted time frame.

Russell B (Wuddle)

Visited with friends, first time for all 6 of us. Beautiful does not come close to expressing how in awe we are. These pictures were all taken within 2 hours. So, needless to say, there was a lot going on. We are going back again tomorrow.

Dennis Gavrilenko

One of my favorite national parks I've ever been to! I went backpacking in the backcountry by myself for 3 days and it was a blast. Really nice rangers, developed road and bus system, and absolutely gorgeous nature and wildlife. Truly a beautiful place to fully explore the Alaskan wilderness

There are a few trails around the entrance of the park and the first few miles of the park road. After that, you get dropped off on the side of the only park road and are off to trailblaze your own adventure in the wilderness. Cool dogsledding and wilderness exhibits as well!

Christine Futch

It was overcast so only able to see bottom part of McKinley but the scenery throughout park is breathtaking. Parking at last personal vehicle point was packed. We saw moose right before we entered the park, stopped multiple pull offs for pictures.