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.
