Welcome to
denali National Park
Denali National Park is one of the most picturesque in Alaska, in the heart of Alaska. Denali Conservation Park covers an area of 9492 square miles.
It is also home to one of the longest glaciers in the world - Kahiltna, as well as the magnificent Mount McKinley, called the roof of North America. The natural beauty of Denali National Park is breathtaking and attracts tourists and travelers worldwide.
Information
The park is home to America's highest peak, McKinley (20,310 feet). Mount McKinley is part of the Alaskan Ridge system, which continues to grow, resulting in annual earthquakes (mostly relatively weak). The park has a combination of subarctic marine and continental climate.
There are 39 species of mammals in the park. Here, you can see a grizzly bear, wolves, rams, a snowshoe hare, martens, wolverines, and lynxes.
For bird watchers, there are also many rare bird species. Denali is well known for its large population of grizzly and black bears. Animals such as moose are widespread, along with caribou deer, Dala sheep, wolves, squirrels, foxes, and beavers.
Best hiking trails in the Denali Valley National Park
Denali National Park, located in Alaska, is renowned for its stunning wilderness, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife. While the park offers numerous opportunities for backcountry exploration, several established trails provide visitors with memorable hiking experiences. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Denali National Park:
Savage River Loop Trail: This easy, family-friendly trail offers scenic views of the Savage River and surrounding mountains. It's an excellent option for wildlife viewing and wildflower spotting during summer.
Horseshoe Lake Trail: This moderate trail leads to Horseshoe Lake, offering stunning views of Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) on clear days. The trail passes through a forested area and includes some elevation gain.
Mt. Healy Overlook Trail: A moderately strenuous hike that leads to a panoramic overlook of the park and the Nenana River valley. The trail starts near the Denali Visitor Center and offers rewarding views of the surrounding wilderness.
Triple Lakes Trail: This longer and more challenging trail offers a backcountry experience with opportunities for wildlife viewing and solitude. The trail passes three scenic lakes and provides views of the Alaska Range.
Tundra Loop Trail: Located near the Eielson Visitor Center, this easy loop trail offers expansive views of the tundra and surrounding mountains. Interpretive signs along the trail provide information about the park's natural and cultural history.
Thorofare Ridge Trail: A challenging backcountry trail that leads to Thorofare Ridge, offering sweeping views of the Alaska Range and Denali. This trail is less traveled and provides an authentic wilderness experience.
Before embarking on any hike in Denali National Park, it's essential to check trail conditions, be prepared for changing weather conditions, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Additionally, shuttle buses provide access to many trailheads in the park, and reservations may be required during peak season.
Official name - DENALI National Park
Mailing Address: PO Box 9 Denali Park, AK 99755
Area: 4,740,911 acres
Coordinates: 63°20′N 150°30′W
Established - February 26, 1917
Attendance - 600.000 people per year
