Top 15 Things to See & Do in Denali National Park
Denali National Park in Alaska is world-famous, and for good reason. The landscapes are utterly breathtaking, and the wildlife is unlike anywhere else in the world. On top of that — literally — you have Denali, the highest peak in North America, towering over the park. With all of that to offer, there is plenty to see and do here. Here is a list of the top things to see and do in Denali National Park.
1. Viewing the Majestic Denali
Formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali stands at 20,310 feet. The staggering height is hard to imagine until you’re looking up at it, but it is an amazing sight to see in person. On clear days, you can see all the way up to the snowy peak. Surrounded by vast wilderness and rugged terrain, Denali is not just the highest peak in North America, but also a symbol of the unspoiled natural beauty found in Alaska.
Activities: Photography, scenic flights, and hiking in nearby areas for the best views.
2. Wildlife Spotting
When you visit Denali, you may be surprised by how vast and unspoiled it actually is. There is a ton of wildlife here, so keep your eyes peeled for bears, moose, wolves, and sheep. People tend to picture Alaska as a frozen wasteland, but the park is home to multiple habitat types, including tundras and forests, meaning it supports a huge range of animals. Denali offers a ton of opportunities to see animals in their natural habitats — a golden opportunity for nature lovers.
Activities: Guided wildlife tours, hiking, and camping. Early morning or dusk are the best times for sightings.
3. Hiking the Park Trails
With trails ranging from easy to challenging, hiking in Denali offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a challenging rugged mountain trail, or a calm walk through a meadow, Denali has you covered. Even if you’ve visited before, no walk through Denali is ever the same twice, especially if you’re lucky enough to visit during different seasons, as that can make the difference between a blanket of snow or a carpet of wildflowers.
Recommended Trails: The Horseshoe Lake Trail, Savage River Loop, and the strenuous Mount Healy Overlook Trail.
4. Dog Sledding Demonstrations
When it comes to a one of a kind experience, Denali has gone to the dogs — it’s the only national park with a working dog sled team. The team does demonstrations that show how essential they are to the park. You’ll get to see the show off their skills while also enjoying the amazing teamwork they do with their mushers.
Activities: Attend demonstrations, meet the dogs, and learn about sledding.
5. The Denali Park Road Experience
If you’re not feeling up to a hike, no worries! Denali has still got you covered. The park is home to the Denali Park Road, a 92-mile road that winds through some of the most gorgeous scenery in the park. When you ride the Denali Park Road, you’ll get to see everything from forests to tundras, likely catching glimpses of wildlife while you’re at it. Mountain views and river valleys alike are seen from the road, so you can enjoy all of the beauty of the park from the comfort of your seat.
Activities: Bus tours are the primary way to explore, as private vehicle access is limited.
6. Flightseeing Tours
Get more of a bird’s eye view of Denali from an aerial tour! Get a better perspective of the sheer vastness of the wilderness, as you can see everything from the glaciers to Denali itself from the air. You’ll be able to see miles of wilderness stretched out below you as your pilot points out important landmarks and roaming wildlife. An aerial tour is truly a one of a kind way to experience the Alaskan wilderness.
Activities: Fixed-wing or helicopter tours, some of which include glacier landings.
7. Exploring the Wilderness
For the more adventurous, backcountry hiking and camping offer an immersive wilderness experience. To truly connect with the raw beauty of Denali, venturing off the beaten path is a must. When you set off into the wilderness of Denali, you truly get to appreciate the sheer size of the park and the huge stretches of land available to explore. From exploring forests to climbing glaciers, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the best Alaska has to offer.
Preparation: Obtain a backcountry permit and attend a safety orientation.
8. Photography and Art
If you’re the creative sort, Denali National Park will set your soul singing. There are a million colors and textures to see, with the changing seasons making it so that you can never see the same sight twice. From rugged peaks to fields of new-fallen snow, the northern lights to powerful wildlife encounters, you will be inspired and your creative spirit rejuvenated.
Activities: Photography, painting, and participating in art workshops.
9. Rafting and Fishing
Denali National Park is home to the Nenana River, where water-loving visitors can enjoy fishing and rafting. Whether you’re floating your way down the river or simply casting a line from its banks, you can enjoy your favorite water activities while surrounded by the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness.
Activities: Guided rafting trips and fishing for Arctic grayling and other species.
10. Visitor Centers and Ranger Programs
Denali's visitor centers provide educational exhibits and ranger-led programs. If you have any questions about the park, the rangers are the ones to ask. They can also recommend good hiking trails based on your experience, perfect viewing areas, and where you can see the best wildlife.
Activities: Attend talks, guided walks, and children's programs.
11. Camping in the Park
Denali offers six campgrounds, each with a unique setting. If you want to camp in the park while enjoying easy access to facilities and trails, Riley Creek is perfect for you. However, if you want a more secluded location, Wonder Lake Campground may be a better choice. Wonder Lake also offers a gorgeous view of Denali, adding to its appeal.
Activities: Tent and RV camping, campfire talks.
12. Visiting the Eielson Visitor Center
The Eielseon Visitor Center is located on Park Road. The Center has interactive exhibits and ranger-led programs, which can help you understand the park even more. The visitor center also has a fantastic view of Denali, making it a great stopping point for photographs.
Activities: Interactive exhibits, ranger talks, and hiking nearby trails.
13. Seasonal Activities
Depending on the season, activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and viewing the northern lights are available. When the weather is warmer, you can enjoy rolling hills covered in wildflowers, and bird watchers will be delighted by the variety of feathered friends there are to see. Autumn brings stunning colors, ideal for photography and peaceful walks. Each season has different activities available — which really means you should try to visit more than once!
Activities: Winter sports, aurora borealis photography.
14. Attending the Denali Music Festival
This annual event celebrates music and art inspired by the beauty of Denali. The Denali Music Festival is more than just music — it also involves interactive art installations and a fun, open atmosphere. Every artist and musician that comes to the festival is sharing their interpretation of the Alaskan wilderness, making it a fun and unique way to enjoy the park.
Activities: Enjoy concerts and art displays.
15. Discovering the Area’s History and Culture
You likely know that the name Denali came from a local indigenous culture, but wouldn’t it be great to have a deeper understanding? The park is home to exhibits that teach you the history of the park as well as the history and cultures of the area’s indigenous peoples. You can also learn more about early settlers and explorers.
Activities: Visit cultural exhibits and attend storytelling sessions.
Don’t Miss Everything Denali Has to Offer
You don’t just go to Denali National Park — you experience it. Whether you’re just taking in the stunning views or diving into hiking every mountain, the park has something for everyone. Water sports and cultural exhibits, festivals and wildlife; make sure you plan ahead to get the most out of your trip. Denali National Park is full of memories waiting to be made.
Denali is a vast national park with miles and miles of untamed wilderness and amazing sights to see. With so much to take in, it can be easy to miss some of the must-dos on your list. That's why it is best to take in the park with a tour guide, so you have an expert at your side who can make sure you see everything you want — and maybe show you some things you didn't even know to look for!
Book A Guided Tour With Northern Epics Today
Embarking on a guided hiking and walking tour in Denali National Park, Alaska, with Northern Epics offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. With our experienced guide, you’ll have someone on hand ready to answer any questions, guide you to all of the best spots, and reveal hidden wonders you didn’t even know to look for.
Don't miss the chance to experience the majesty of Denali in the company of those who know it best. Book with Northern Epics today and prepare to be captivated by the natural beauty and grandeur of Alaska's most iconic national park.
