Denali National Park and Preserve Guide - Things To Do

Touring:  Drive the 14 miles of the park road.  Register for the lottery to drive your personal vehicle the full 88 miles into the park.  Take the park shuttle bus to Eielson Visitors Center or remote Wonder Lake located in the heart of the park.  A number of charter tours are also available as our aircraft tours, just outside of the park.

Sightsee:  20,320 feet Mount McKinley dominates the park in all directions.  Countless opportunities to see wildlife in this sub-artic terrain.  Be sure to bring a good camera and binoculars.

Paddling:  River rafting tours of the Nenana River are available, just outside of the parks eastern entrance.  The Nenana River is a Class V run and the water is extremely cold, so be aware of the personal risk you are taking on this trip.

Mountain Biking:  Mountain Biking along the entire length of the park road is not only permitted but strongly encouraged and is a wonderful way to see the park.

Equestrian: No specific considerations for horses have been taken within the park. 

ATV:  Snowmobiles and ORV's are permitted in Denali National Park and Preserve at the time of this writing.  However this is under review at this time and tighter restrictions or bans may be implemented in the future.  It is strongly recommended you call the park first to find out their current ATV and ORV policies.

Rock Climbing:  There are more rock and ice climbing opportunities within Denali than could possibly be listed.  Specific permits may be required as is specialized equipment.  Everyone who plans to climb within the park is urged to read, Mountaineering:  Denali National Park and Preserve.  Some climbs within the park require that you have read this book.

Mountaineering:  There are also more mountaineering opportunities within Denali than could possibly be listed.  Specific permits are required as is specialized equipment.  Do not attempt an assault on Mt McKinley without prior training and practice on other mountains within the lower 48.  Mount Rainer in Washington is an excellent mountain to practice a run on McKinley.  Everyone who plans to climb within the park is urged to read, Mountaineering:  Denali National Park and Preserve.  Some climbs within the park require that you have read this book.

In The Snow:  In the fall and winter and early spring a number of winter activities are available.  Snow shoeing, skiing, cross country skiing and dog sled mushing are all activities within the park.  Be prepared for extreme weather and have flexible travel plans if planning a visit to the park in the winter months.

Hunting & Fishing:  Hunting is not permitted within US National Park facilities by the general public.  For information on fishing, please contact the park.

For The Kids:  Denali National Park offers a Junior Ranger Program.  Older kids will enjoy the number of interpretive programs available.  Older children will also appreciate any number of short hikes that can be taken from the park entrance.