The Denali National Park in Alaska is not unique in its jaw-dropping beauty; jaw-dropping beauty is ubiquitous in that state. But no other park in Alaska, or anywhere else, can lay claim to Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America. The Native Athabascan people called it Denali, “the high one”, and at 20,320 feet tall, it certainly is. Mountaineers who wish to attempt Mt. McKinley or Mt. Foraker must register 60 days in advance with the park and pay a $200.00 special use fee. But there’s plenty of outdoor adventure below the mountain as well among the lakes, creeks, glaciers and tundra in Denali National Park.
Hiking, biking and backpacking opportunities galore are available in Denali National Park. Hikers can enjoy everything from leisurely lakeside strolls to mountain-top treks courtesy of the parks many trails, like the Horseshoe Lake Hike, Mt. Healy Overlook and Savage Cabin Interpretive Trail, which takes guests on a guided tour of a historical cabin.
Biking is strictly prohibited on trails but there are 90 miles of road to peddle on and backcountry biking opportunities exist for the hardiest cyclists. Backpacking in Denali’s 2.5 million acre wilderness is something special. Backcountry Permits are free and camp buses leave daily. Backpackers should keep in mind that the 43 units have quotas and overnight-stay limits, so it’s essential to plan ahead.
Visitors who want to tour the park in the winter can do so courtesy of dog, machine or their own two (presumably) feet. Skijoring allows the pooch to pull the skier while more traditional dogsledding will make mushers merry. Cross-country skiing and snowboarding is good fun and great exercise, but visitors should make sure to match the show with the snow: long shoes for deep snow, short for rough tundra. Snowmobiles are permitted in the Preserve section of Denali National Park, and strict rules apply.
Denali National Park is famous for its abundant and diverse wildlife. It is home to 39 species of mammal, 167 of birds, 10 fishes and 1 lonesome amphibian, the tiny Wood Frog, an animal that survives freezing rock solid every winter. Other fabulous beasts found in the park include Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Wolverines, Red Squirrels, Dall Sheep, Moose, Hoary Marmots, Ptarmigan, Golden Eagles, Gyrfalcons and Common Redpoll.
Camping in Denali National Park is lovely. There are 5 established campgrounds, including Savage River, Riley Creek and Wonder Lake. Guests can stay a total of 14 days per year.
