Denali National Park and Preserve Introduction

Denali National Park and Preserve is nearly 6 million acres and over 9,419 square miles in size. At the heart of Denali National Par is Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain in North America at 20, 320 feet. The surrounding peaks of the 600-mile long Alaska Range are no less impressive than McKinley itself, and provide the scenic backdrop to the pristine wilderness that makes Denali an important wildlife preserve. The park is famous for its rugged peaks, spectacular landscapes, and abundant wildlife.

Denali’s dynamic glaciated landscape supports a diverse wildlife; including grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and moose. The goal for many visitors to the park is to see this list of the "big five" mammals that live in the park. Right alongside the park road, visitors may see a moose browsing in a stand of willow, caribou resting on a snow patch to avoid insects, Dall sheep high on the hillsides, a wolf trotting across the tundra, or a grizzly bear feeding on ripening blueberries.

Life and activity in Denali is dictated by the seasons. Winter is the longest season and the animals that are year-round residents are well-adapted to life in the subarctic. The brief spring season brings the return of 80% of Denali’s bird life, the waking of hibernating bears, and an increase in activity levels of wildlife. Summer is a time for raising young and preparing for migration, hibernation, or survival during the winter. Summer also brings hordes of insects, including mosquitoes. In late summer king and chum salmon run in the multitude of streams and rivers. In autumn, migrating birds fill the skies and bull moose gather their harems of cows for the mating season.

Outdoor Activities
Denali National Park & Preserve is full of outdoor activities. While summer is the most popular time to visit Denali, winter offers many recreation and sightseeing opportunities as well. Whether visitors are just admiring or actually climbing North America’s highest peak, Mount McKinley provides an awe inspiring backdrop for activities such as touring the Denali Park Road by bus, day hiking, mountaineering (advanced registration required), backcountry camping (permit required), or skiing and dog mushing (winter only).

Interesting Fact
Mount McKinley National Park was originally created to protect mammals, not because of the majestic mountain.

Climate
Weather in Denali is extremely variable. Often changes in weather occur without warning. Many of our 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.

Other Details
Denali National Park & Preserve is open year-round to visitors. The Alaska Range, where Mount McKinley is located, splits the park into north and south sides.

The majority of visitors access the park from the north side by way of a single 90 mile long road. After 15 miles on the park road, visitors must leave their vehicles to enter the park by bus, bike, or on foot. The main visitor center is located on the north side of the park and is open from May 15th to September 18th. The south side of Denali National Park & Preserve's is accessed mostly by mountaineers climbing Mount McKinley and other peaks in the Alaska Range, or by scenic flight tours.

Denali National Park & Preserve
P.O. Box 9
Denali Park, Alaska 99755

Visitor Information (907) 683-2294

	Lodging near Denali National Park
	Download Hiking Trail Guides for Denali National Park
	Denali National Park Guide Books
	More Denali National Park Outdoor Activities
	Denali Website on NPS.gov

Location