Denali National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve, located in the heart of Alaska’s interior, is a vast wilderness of over six million acres. It is home to North America’s tallest peak, Mount Denali, and a diverse range of wildlife. While the park is famous for its bus tours along the 92-mile Denali Park Road, a landslide has closed the road, making the park’s wild interior, known as Kantishna, currently accessible only by air. At this time, the road is expected to open in 2027.
How to Get to Denali National Park from Anchorage or Fairbanks
The Denali National Park entrance is at Mile 237 of the George Parks Highway (Alaska 3). The three primary options for getting to the park are by car, by train, or by motorcoach. Rental cars are available in both Fairbanks and Anchorage. For visitors that prefer to travel by train, the Alaska Railroad operates the Denali Star, traveling between Anchorage and Fairbanks daily during the summer season. There are also motorcoach options, primarily for visitors arriving in Denali by way of Anchorage.
The Best Time to Visit Denali Park
The most popular time to visit is during the summer season, from late May to mid-September, when weather is most moderate, and all park services, tours, and lodges are fully operational. This is the only time you can access Kantishna.
- June & July: The park is green, wildflowers are blooming, and there are up to 22 hours of daylight, making it a great time for viewing wildlife and enjoying the long days.
- August & Early September: The landscape begins to show stunning fall colors, and shorter days increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
While the park is technically open year-round, the term “open” is seasonal. Full visitor services, accommodations, and the bus system operate only during the summer season, typically from late May to mid-September. Outside of this time, access and services are extremely limited.
The Kantishna Experience: Denali’s Wild Interior
The remote Kantishna area, nestled deep within the park, offers a truly immersive wilderness experience. Due to the road closure, this pristine area is currently a fly-in only destination. The journey is an adventure in itself, with a scenic flight that provides incredible aerial views of the Alaska Range and Mount Denali.
By staying at an all-inclusive property like Kantishna Roadhouse, you are provided with everything you need: a comfortable cabin, gourmet meals, and expert guides for all your activities. This unique access allows you to experience the park in an intimate, unplugged setting that is far from the crowds.
Things to Do in Kantishna
Experience Wonder Lake & Views of Mt. Denali For the most breathtaking views of Mount Denali, you need to venture into the park’s interior. Wonder Lake & Reflection Pond, located 85 miles from the park entrance, offer an iconic reflection of the mountain on its surface on clear days.
Wildlife Viewing Denali is famous for its wildlife, and the “Big Five” are a common sighting: grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. The park is a great place for spotting smaller wildlife such as porcupines, snowshoe hares, hoary marmots, Arctic ground squirrels, beavers, red foxes, and coyotes. Birding enthusiasts will be on the lookout for golden eagles, northern hawk owls, trumpeter swans, willow ptarmigan, and arctic warblers.
Hiking One of the most enriching parts of the Kantishna experience is the opportunity to hike in a truly wild environment. The Kantishna area offers a variety of hikes to suit every fitness level and interest, from easy, short walks to challenging mountain treks. For those who prefer a gentle experience, trails like the Blueberry Hill hike offer a two-mile walk with views of Wonder Lake and the Alaska Range. If you are looking for a moderate challenge, you might enjoy a hike to McKinley Bar, a five-mile trail that leads to the McKinley River, providing the closest view of Mount Denali on foot. For the more adventurous, strenuous hikes like the Camp Ridge trail can take you on a challenging ascent with significant elevation gain, rewarding you with breathtaking, panoramic views of the Alaska Range and Kantishna Valley.
