Top Things to do in Denali National Park and Preserve
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What to do and see in Denali National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve: The Best Things to do
Denali National Park and Preserve is most famous for being the home of Mount McKinley, also called Denali, meaning "The Great One." At 20,320 feet, Mount McKinley is the highest peak in North America. The park, which is larger than the state of Massachusetts, has only one road, making it the perfect backcountry adventure. Try to spot The Big Five: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves and grizzly bears.
Restaurants in Denali National Park and Preserve
1. Denali
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,832 reviews
America's tallest peak, this 20,320-foot mountain is the most famous part of this national park.
Reviewed By KeithH911 - Boones Mill, United States
Nothing I can say about Denali will be worth the experience. Alaska was a ' bucket list' experience, and Denali was the crown jewel of the experience. Neither disappointed. Alaska was fantastic, Denali was amazing and awe inspiring, and I would do it again, sooner instead of later. Go, and prepare to be wowed by your experience.
2. Husky Homestead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,859 reviews
Enjoy a warm welcome and experience a true Alaskan lifestyle at Husky Homestead—home of Iditarod Champion, Jeff King. Husky Homestead is widely heralded as an authentic look into rural lifestyles based on 40+ years of Alaskan adventures: from freight hauling on Denali to crossing the finish line in Nome, Alaska with a champion Iditarod team. See puppies upon arrival and share an intimate view of the Alaskan Husky as the team explodes from the dog yard and witness their beauty in motion as they run on our treadmill before hitting the trail for a training run. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating a championship team and carving a life in Alaska's Interior. Hear compelling stories from the trail and see actual racing sleds, arctic survival gear and equipment used to traverse 1100 miles of Alaska's most rugged terrain. Dress in extra layers, wear comfortable shoes, bring bug repellent - and your camera! Our 2021 season will run from June 1 - August 31.
Reviewed By Carolinecoolcat - Charlotte, United States
There were many favorites with this excursion! Jeff was amazing....he comes alive during his presentation of his Iditarod racing experiences! He allowed us to handle the 12 week old puppies, he gave us a personal tour of his training grounds during the summer season which included a ride (with him) on the ATV with his racing dogs leading. The dogs were mesmerizing. The whole experience was unforgettable. I highly recommend visiting Husky Homestead!!!
3. Savage Alpine Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By ccsantos - Brookline, United States
Great views from the top and would recommend starting early if hot weather is predicted. (We were there in the middle of a heat wave.) We started from the Savage River after doing the loop trail and we were glad we did. Although steep, you get to the top fairly quickly (I wouldn't want to go down the way we went up) and then just have a leisurely walk along the gradual downhill back to Savage River Campground. The hikers we passed going in the opposite direction asked how much longer they had to go, and there's very little shade along that trail. Definitely a must-do!
4. Wonder Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 300 reviews
Picturesque lake located in Denali National Park with sweeping views of the Alaskan landscape.
Reviewed By mistyschulz - Woodburn, United States
My husband and I camped at Wonder Lake. We hiked up the hill above the campground for better views of Denali when its summit opened briefly into view. We walked to the lake a few times exploring its shores, outlet creek, views of it from Blueberry Hill and Ansel Adams Hill. The campground is very nice with covered eating areas and bathrooms with running water. The campsites afford views of Denali when clear.
5. Mt. Healy Overlook Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
This 2.5-mile hiking trail up Mt. Healy ascends 1,700 feet offering magnificent views of the Nenana Valley.
Reviewed By StephanieB6586 - Corpus Christi, United States
Let me preface my review by saying; 2 months back I tore my ACL and meniscus. This was a very challenging trail for me personally. My boyfriend loved this trail and really enjoyed the challenge. Most sites we reviewed prior to our trip rated this trail as moderate. In the park, this trail is rated as strenuous and we both agree with the parks assessment. I have lost a considerable amount of leg strength since my injury, but I was still able to complete 90% of the hike. My boyfriend was able to make it to the top without me holding him back, and mentioned the switchbacks towards the top are very narrow and the wind picks up considerable. The trail edge has more of a drop off the higher you get and much colder. The views on the way up are gorgeous and even more stunning at the top, but it’s a constant steep uphill hike. Very few places level off and give your legs a break.
6. Park Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,243 reviews
Scenic 90-mile roadway that winds through Alaska's Denali National Park.
Reviewed By TeardropTrailrTravls
We took the Tundra Wilderness Tour, which took us along over 60 miles of Park Road. The scenery along this road is both varied and spectacular. The park was very colorful in September. Denali is visible from several locations along the road, and we were fortunate that the weather was clear and we were able to see the peak. The road also traverses several of Denali's beautiful braided rivers and climbs up the treacherous Polychrome Pass, which offers expansive views of the gorgeous landscape below.
7. Denali Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,546 reviews
Reviewed By mylasttrip - Orlando, United States
The visitors center is a great place to learn about the park. It had lots of exhibits, some interactive and a short film as well with great information about everything in the park. This is also the place to get your permits for camping, etc. and the rangers can answer all your questions and concerns. There's even a nice cafe right next door.
8. Savage River Loop Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By citysuburb - Washington DC, United States
The river was rolling hard and fast and the sky was blue - a gorgeous day! we took our time on this easy hike. It's a loop hike but the western portion was closed the day we went because of high water. We were happy the footbridge (the half-way point) was open. We had our picnic on the benches at the water (adjacent to the picnic table) before the hike. There are also bathrooms here, and the start of the savage river alpine hike. much to our delight, two Dall sheep came down as we got to the footbridge and just sat down on the rocks near us. Amazing! at footbridge, plenty of worn non-official trails up the rocky hills for even more amazing views. Easy to hop on / off a transit bus here mid-day (it was for us, anyways). The free shuttle buses also go to Savage River - so you can take either your $ transit bus, a free shuttle, or your own car to this parking lot.
9. Eielson Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 419 reviews
Reviewed By otisdawg118 - Dayton, United States
DNP is why you visit Denali. We took the bus to Eielson Visitor Center, which is a MUST do! Beautiful sites along with way along with lots of animals. We did not take the bus tour, we took the bus to Eielson Visitor Center. IT was much cheaper, PLUS your driver will stop for wildlife, share stories and facts throughout the entire trip. At the Eielson Visitor Center, we hiked 3 of the trails. The Alpine Trail or Thorofare Ridge Trail, same trail, at the moment changing the name. This is a VERY difficult and steep hike but it is worth it. Took us about an hour to get up. (1,000 feet in 1 mile) BUT we saw Mt Denali!! Only 30% of people see this fabulous site. Getting to the top of this hike gives you a great opportunity to see Mt. Denali. We also hiked Gorge Creek Trail . Trail not as difficult but a bit challenging. So. . take the bus to Eielson Visitor Center.
10. Horseshoe Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By 138AmyK138
This hike was a perfect end to a day after doing the bus/air trip into Denali national park. I was able to walk from the Denali Grande Lodge, complete the hike, and still get back for dinner. The views are stunning and there is a very large beaver dam that is beautiful. I was also able to see the beavers swimming around in the lake. It's not a strenuous hike, but there is some climbing to it and adding on the uphill back to the lodge certainly gave it some extra cardio. A beautiful hike that was the perfect finish to the day!
