Denali is a land of big landscapes, bigger wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re hiking solo or joining a flight tour, there’s something here for every budget and adventure level—year-round.
✅ Free & Low-Cost Things to Do
Hiking – Trails range from easy strolls to all-day climbs. Popular hikes near the entrance include:
Horseshoe Lake Trail
Savage River Loop
Mount Healy Overlook Trail
Backcountry Camping – Park off the road (where legal) or reserve one of 6 official campgrounds. Free dispersed camping is allowed with caution and care.
Scenic Drives – Drive the first 12 miles of Denali Park Road in your own vehicle to see wildlife, mountains, and scenic overlooks.
Wildlife Watching – Moose, caribou, Dall sheep, foxes, and sometimes bears can be seen from the road or trails.
Photography – Capture stunning panoramas, wildflowers, and wildlife. Early morning and sunset offer the best light.
Picnicking – Enjoy a riverside lunch with views of the Nenana River or Savage River.
Town Walk – The seasonal town near the park entrance has gift shops, local cafes, and scenic boardwalks.
Berry Picking & Birdwatching – Seasonal blueberries, crowberries, and migrating birds offer quiet moments of discovery in late summer.
🚌 Sightseeing & Scenic Tours
Alaska Railroad
Ride the Denali Star scenic train between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Choose Adventure Class or GoldStar Dome for a glass-ceiling view.
📞 800-544-0552
Reserve Denali Bus Tours
Narrated bus tours offer safe and comfortable access deep into the park.
Options:
Natural History Tour (shortest, family-friendly)
Tundra Wilderness Tour (best for wildlife)
Kantishna Experience (longest ranger-led tour)
Denali Air
Private scenic flights over Denali and the Alaska Range.
📍 Mile 229.5 Parks Hwy, Denali Park, AK
📞 907-683-2261
Temsco Helicopters
Helicopter tours with glacier landings, tundra landings, and aerial views of Denali.
📞 907-683-0683
💥 Adventure Activities
Denali Raft Adventures
Whitewater and scenic float trips on the Nenana River.
Trip Options:
Canyon Run: Class III–IV rapids, high adrenaline
Wilderness Run: Family-friendly float
Healy Express: Combo of both runs
📍 Mile 238.6 Parks Hwy, Denali Park, AK
📞 907-683-2234 or 907-322-7046
Denali ATV Adventures
Guided ATV tours through backcountry trails and creeks.
Trip lengths: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
📍 Otto Lake Road, Healy, AK
📞 907-683-4288
Denali Jeep Excursions
Follow your guide in a 4-door Jeep on scenic off-road adventures.
📍 Mile 238.6 Parks Hwy, Denali Park, AK
📞 907-683-5337
Denali Park Zipline
Zip across tree-top platforms with views of the Alaska Range.
Length: 3-hour tour with 6 ziplines and 3 sky bridges
📍 Otto Lake Rd, Healy, AK
📞 907-683-2947
Denali Bike Adventures
Rent bikes and explore the first 12 miles of Denali Park Road.
Use shuttle buses to extend your route.
📞 907-683-1239
🐕 Dog Mushing & Kennel Tours
Husky Homestead
Meet Iditarod Champion Jeff King’s sled dogs and hear stories of the trail.
📍 Mile 230 Parks Hwy, Denali Park, AK
📞 907-683-2904
DogGoneIt Tours
Visit a real racing kennel. Play with puppies and watch summer dog mushing demos.
📍 Stampede Rd, Healy, AK
📞 907-683-1005
✨ Unique & Bonus Experiences
Talkeetna Air Taxi – Kantishna Day Trip
Fly into Kantishna Roadhouse for lunch, gold panning, and a visit to one of the most remote parts of the park.
📞 907-733-2218
Denali Sled Dog Kennels (NPS)
Visit the official sled dog kennels run by the National Park Service. Free ranger presentations during summer.
❄️ Winter Activities in Denali (Nov–March)
Denali is much quieter in winter, but also full of magic—especially for those seeking solitude and starlit skies.
Denali Dog Sled Expeditions
Multi-day mushing trips inside Denali. True wilderness travel with experienced mushers.
📞 907-683-2863
Aurora Viewing
Northern lights are visible in the area as early as September, peaking February–March. Minimal light pollution makes Denali one of Alaska’s best aurora spots.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Groomed trails near Riley Creek Campground and unmaintained trails deeper into the park. Bring your own gear or rent in Healy or Fairbanks.
Winter Photography
Winter scenes include frozen rivers, snow-draped spruce trees, and moose in the frost. A dream for landscape photographers.