Denali National Park

Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali’s Faith Hill Lodge Bed and Breakfast is just minutes from the main entrance of Denali National Park.

For your vacation needs we have copied some of the National Parks web pages from www.nps.gov/dena/.

For a summer visit
IF YOU HAVE A HALF DAY…

ATTEND one of the sled dog demonstrations, stop at the award winning Denali Visitor Center or take a shuttle bus into the park.

HIKE one of the entrance area trails near the Denali Visitor Center. Each of these trails provides opportunities for exploring the taiga (boreal forest) and observing wildlife. Go on your own or join a ranger- guided walk.

WATCH the feature film at the Denali Visitor Center or Wilderness Access Center.

RIDE the free Savage River shuttle bus to mile 15. Keep a lookout for moose, caribou, and wolves. On a clear day, Mount McKinley may be seen in the distance near mile 9.

TAKE a guided Natural History Tour of the park to Primrose Ridge.

IF YOU HAVE A FULL DAY…

TAKE a bus to Toklat or beyond to the Eielson Visitor Center, Wonder Lake or Kantishna. As you travel the road west, you may observe wildlife or discover a place to get off the bus and take a hike.

JOIN a ranger for a Discovery Hike or guided walk. You must sign up in advance at the Denali Visitor Center for Discovery Hikes.

SIGN UP for an education program at the Murie Science and Learning Center.

IF YOU HAVE A FEW DAYS…

TAKE a walk departing from the Denali Visitor Center.

SIGN UP for an education program at the Murie Science and Learning Center.

PLAN your own hike. Topographical maps, guidebooks, and knowledgeable staff can assist you in planning a trip. All are available at the Backcountry Information Center.

OUTSIDE the park activities include rafting, flightseeing, and horseback riding. A list of area businesses is available at the Wilderness Access Center and the Denali Visitor Center.

VISIT Denali’s Talkeetna Ranger Station, located 150 miles south of the park entrance in the town of Talkeetna. This is a spectacular road trip that goes through Denali State Park and provides great views of Mount McKinley and the Alaska Range.

OPERATING HOUR AND SEASONS

A summer visit to Denali includes a stop at the visitor centers, a drive on the park road or taking a bus deep into the wilderness. A majority of the visitors choose to come to the park between mid May and mid September when these services are offered, however the park is open all year for those who wish to recreate in winter.

The entrance area is where you’ll find most of the amenities of the park. There is the Denali Visitor Center, Wilderness Access Center, Murie Science and Learning Center, Riley Creek Campground, Denali Park Post Office, Riley Creek Mercantile, Railroad Depot, and trailheads.

Please see the visitor center and bus information to your right to learn more or read the park newspaper “Alpenglow” to learn more.

CLIMATE

Weather in Denali is extremely variable. Often changes in weather occur without warning. Many rangers tell visitors to expect sun, wind, rain, and clouds, and expect them all on the same day. Average summer temperatures range from 33 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While we hope it doesn’t, it has been known to snow in July, so be prepared. Wearing layers of clothing makes it easy to regulate your body temperature. Also, you’ll find that a good waterproof raincoat is invaluable. Winters can be extremely cold with temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Fahrenheit and below to high 20s on warm days. Specialized cold weather gear is necessary for mountaineering and winter visits.