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Denali National Park, Alaska


Denali National Park, Alaska

About Denali National Park, Alaska

AlaskaCruises.com visits Denali National Park, Alaska. From the moment you step off the Alaska Railroad at the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, you'll feel as if you've been transported back in time, where skyscrapers and traffic jams have been replaced by snowcapped mountain peaks and flocks of native birds. This Park defines the Alaskan Experience so Denali is included on virtually every Cruise Tour.

Towering above it all is the venerable Mt. Denali, the highest point in all of North America. At 20,320 feet, its summit beckons more than 1,000 climbers each year who brave the elements for the chance to scale its majestic face.

A Land Untouched by Man
Located 240 miles north of Anchorage, Denali encompasses 6 million acres of forests, tundra, glaciers and mountains - that's larger than the entire state of Massachusetts. Yet only 90 miles of main road traverses the park, leaving the moose, caribou, sheep and bears free to roam a wide area of land untouched by man.

Blueberries & Wildflowers
Of course, a good pair of binoculars aids the ample opportunities for animal watching, whether it is a grizzly foraging for berries or a golden eagle soaring through the crisp, clean Alaskan air. In the autumn months, a ready supply of blueberries, cranberries and crowberries keeps the wildlife active, much like the blooming wildflowers of the summer months attract shutterbugs in search of that perfect shot.

The Tundra & Muldrow Glacier
Denali is one of the few places where visitors can come in contact with the Alaskan tundra. Meaning a "vast, rolling, treeless plain," the tundra starts at 2,500 feet and extends up and along the massive Alaska Range.

Crossing a portion of the tundra is the Muldrow Glacier, which descends 16,000 feet from the upper slopes of Mt. Denali and comes to within one mile of the park road.



Denali National Park Facts & History

History of Denali National Park
  • Established
    February 26, 1917 (as Mount Denali National Park)
    December 2, 1980 (increased in size and name changed to Denali National Park and Preserve)
    Denali is the Athabaskan name for Mount Denali, and means "The High One." Although McKinley is the mountain's official name, "Denali" is the name favored by most Alaskans.

  • Size
    Park: 4,690,680 acres, 7,329.2 sq. miles; Preserve 1,337,523 acres, 2,089.9 sq. miles

The Athabaskan, Ahtna, Tanana and Koyukon were among the many Native Americans who lived and thrived in Denali's unique environment. Goldseekers rushed to Denali in the late 1800s and early 1900s. And Charles Sheldon, a railroad executive and avid outdoorsmen, made it his mission to see that the incredible landscape and awesome wildlife were protected.

In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson established Mount Denali National Park with 1.9 million acres. Harry Karstens, an adventurous sort who was a member of the first expedition to climb Mount Denali, became the Park's first ranger and superintendent.

More than 25 years ago the United Nations recognized the Park as an International Biosphere Reserve, a unique environment to be studied and observed without human intervention. Six years later the size of the park was tripled and renamed Denali National Park and Preserve.


Things To Do in Denali National Park, Alaska

Wildlife in Denali National Park
  • On the Denali Natural History Tour, you'll discover the beauty of taiga forests and explore miles of rolling tundra, searching for wildlife. And you won't miss a thing, because driver-guides will explain the region's natural history and geology.

  • The Tundra Wilderness Tour is an excellent way to spot the wildlife Alaska is famous for: such as moose, bear, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep just to name a few. The tour focuses on scouting out the wildlife in the park, in addition to explaining the historical and geographical background of the area.

  • Day Hiking - Day Hiking in Denali can include anything from a leisurely stroll along a river bar to an adventurous hike to the top of a mountain. Denali for the most part is a trailless wilderness. You will find short trails at the entrance of the park, shown on the map below, and near Polychrome Overlook, Eielson Visitor Center, and Wonder Lake.
    View Map of Entrance Area Trails

  • Camping - Camping in Denali offers a great way to experience this spectacular park. There are five established campgrounds in the park.
    Campground Information & Map

  • Mountaineering - All climbers attempting Mt. Denali or Mt. Foraker must register with Denali National Park & Preserve and pay a special use fee of $200.00 per climber plus park entrance fee ($10.00 per person or $20.00 per family).

  • Kennels Visit - The sled dogs of Denali have been important to the park for so long that they have become a part of the resource, and a cultural tradition worthy of protection. The dogs and the kennels where they live represent important pieces of American history: cultural and native significance, the pioneer experience in the far north and the history of Alaska's first national park.

  • Photography - Denali National Park & Preserve offers a world class setting for photography enthusiasts. From beginner to professional, photography is one way to capture the beauty and immensity of Denali.


Optional Land Excursions in Denali National Park, Alaska

Helicopter Flightseeing in Denali
  • Helicoper Flightseeing: Flightseeing aboard a helicopter is an ideal opportunity to see unexplored areas of Denali National Park accessible only by air. Follow Riley Creek over rugged foothills to the headwaters of Sanctuary River. Watch for grizzly bear, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Examine the dramatic geological features of the Polychrome Mountains and soar along the spine of the imposing Alaska Range. See the stunning Cantwell Glacier a virtual waterfall of ice cascading 900 feet to the valley below. You may catch a glimpse of majestic Mt. McKinley towering on the horizon.

  • Whitewater Rafting: For those who thirst for whitewater adventure, set a course through the Nenana River Gorge. Traveling in oar-powered rafts rowed by experienced guides, the raft trip through the Nenana Gorge is Alaskas most popular whitewater raft tour. No paddling is required just hang on as you make your way through miles of action packed whitewater adventure. Offering several major rapids, magnificent scenery, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife, this raft trip is popular with adventurous first timers and experienced whitewater veterans alike.

  • Golfing on Denali's Tundra: This is like no other golf excursion you have experienced. This rugged links-like nine hole golf course is maintained on tundra, creating a unique playing surface. Imagine recounting to your friends at home about your golf outing on the Alaska tundra. All golfing essentials are provided. The package tour includes the greens fee, clubs, power cart, scorecard, and as many playing balls as you need to finish your round. The relaxing environment, mountain air and spectacular panoramic scenery truly make this a once in a lifetime opportunity. Par 34/3000 yards.

  • Husky Homestead Tour: Dog mushing is a way of life in Alaska and this tour gives you a chance to meet someone who has dedicated his life to the sport and lifestyle. A few miles south of the Denali National Park entrance is a very special place called Goose Lake Kennel. It is home to champion Iditarod musher Jeff King, his wife Donna, a well-known wildlife artist, their three daughters, and 75 friendly, energetic sled dogs. You'll meet some of Jeff's champion Iditarod dogs up close and get to play with some of the puppies. See a training demonstration of a dog-powered carousel and daily life at the kennel.

Additional Shore Excursions are available. Please call us toll free at 1-800-201-6937 for more information and reservations.


More About Denali National Park, Alaska - Denali Links