Book a flight to Denali National Park with Alaska Airlines

Plan a trip to Denali

Denali National Park is a vast and wild wilderness tucked in the interior of Alaska, spanning around 6 million acres—larger than the entire state of New Hampshire. At its heart lies Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), North America’s tallest peak at 20,310 feet. The park’s dramatic landscape transitions from deciduous taiga and subarctic forest at lower elevations, through alpine tundra, all the way up to glaciers and bare rock near its soaring summit. This remote sanctuary offers unforgettable adventures—from wildlife viewing and scenic flights to serene backcountry moments amid untouched wilderness.

Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park

• Travel the Denali Park Road: A scenic route through the park, currently accessible up to ~Mile 43 due to a shifting landslide (the Pretty Rocks closure).

• Take a flightseeing tour: Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Denali, Mount Foraker, and the Alaska Range—fly-in glacier landings and sightseeing departures are available from Talkeetna.

• Spot iconic wildlife: Look for grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, moose, and amazing birdlife roaming the tundra and forests.

• Join guided bus tours: Choose from narrated shuttles or longer “Tundra Wilderness Tours” for comfort, interpretation, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Explore designated hiking areas: Short maintained trails near the Savage River or Park Entrance offer manageable hikes; beyond that, much of the park invites unmarked, free hiking

• Visit Kantishna Roadhouse: This Indigenous-owned lodge lies beyond the road closure and is now accessible only via fly-in—offering a rare, immersive wilderness experience.

• Experience winter activities: Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and Aurora Borealis viewing are all possible in deep winter when most services close.

Best time to travel to and visit Rocky Mountain National Park

The best time to visit Denali depends on the type of adventure you want. Summer (June to August) is the most popular season, with long daylight hours, accessible roads, and peak wildlife viewing, along with warm days, buzzing activity, and full park services. Fall (September) brings crisp air, golden tundra, and brilliant colors, along with the elk rutting season and a chance to catch the Northern Lights, though many services begin to close by mid-month. Spring (May to early June) offers fewer crowds, emerging wildlife, and early wildflowers, though lingering snow may limit access to some areas. Winter (October to April) transforms Denali into a quiet, snowy wonderland perfect for solitude, winter sports, and aurora viewing, though most visitor facilities remain closed.

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