Best Things to Do in Denali National Park

Covering over 6 million acres of rugged wilderness, Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska is a land of towering peaks, vast tundra, and incredible wildlife. Home to North America's tallest mountain, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), this national park offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures in the United States.

Whether you're a hiker, wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or casual visitor, Denali has something for everyone. From scenic drives and ranger-led programs to unforgettable backcountry experiences, here are the best things to do in Denali National Park.

1. Take a Scenic Drive on Denali Park Road

• Length: 92 miles (private vehicles allowed up to Mile 15)

• Best For: Stunning views, wildlife spotting, and photography

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening for wildlife activity

The Denali Park Road is the only road that runs through the park, offering incredible views of the Alaskan wilderness. While private vehicles are only allowed up to Mile 15 (Savage River), visitors can take a park shuttle or guided bus tour to explore further into the park.

Along the way, you’ll see majestic mountain landscapes, glacial rivers, and possibly even Denali itself (weather permitting). Wildlife sightings along the road are common, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Book shuttle or tour buses early—they fill up fast in peak season.
✔️ Best time for clear views of Denali? Mornings are usually less cloudy.
✔️ Bring binoculars! Many animals are spotted in the distance.

2. Go Wildlife Spotting in the Tundra

• Best For: Wildlife photography and animal encounters

• Common Sightings: Grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves

Denali is one of the best places in the world for wildlife viewing. The open tundra landscapes make it easier to spot large mammals, and because the park has no fences, animals roam freely across the vast terrain.

Moose are often seen near Riley Creek and Horseshoe Lake, while grizzly bears and caribou are frequently spotted along Denali Park Road. Wolves are more elusive but can sometimes be seen in deeper parts of the park, such as Toklat River and Wonder Lake.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Visit in the early morning or late evening for the best chances of spotting animals.
✔️ Keep a safe distance—at least 300 yards from bears and 25 yards from other wildlife.
✔️ Use a zoom lens for photography rather than trying to get closer.

3. Hike the Stunning Trails of Denali

• Best For: All levels of hikers

• Trail Options:

1. Easy: Horseshoe Lake Trail (2 miles round trip)

2. Moderate: Savage River Loop (4 miles round trip)

3. Challenging: Mount Healy Overlook (5.5 miles round trip, 1,700 feet elevation gain)
   

Denali National Park is unlike most national parks in that there are very few marked trails—much of the park is true wilderness. However, the few maintained trails near the entrance offer spectacular views of mountains, rivers, and forests.

For those looking for a short and scenic walk, Horseshoe Lake Trail is an easy hike through forests leading to a beautiful glacial lake. If you want something more challenging, Mount Healy Overlook Trail provides breathtaking views of the park from above.

For the truly adventurous, Denali offers open backcountry hiking, meaning you can pick your own path and explore the wilderness without trails!

Insider Tips:

✔️ Be prepared for bears—carry bear spray and know how to use it.
✔️ Dress in layers—weather can change rapidly.
✔️ Leave no trace—follow park guidelines to protect the fragile ecosystem.

4. Visit Eielson Visitor Center for Epic Views

• Location: Mile 66 on Denali Park Road

• Best For: Incredible views of Denali and educational exhibits

Eielson Visitor Center is one of the best places to see Denali on a clear day. Located deep inside the park, this visitor center offers panoramic views of the Alaska Range, exhibits on glaciers and wildlife, and ranger-led programs.

Even if Denali is covered in clouds, the scenery from Eielson is worth the visit. Plus, hiking trails nearby offer great opportunities to explore the open tundra landscapes.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Weather changes quickly—Denali is only visible about 30% of the time.
✔️ Bring snacks and water—there are no food services inside the park.
✔️ Stay for a ranger talk to learn more about the park’s history and ecology.

5. Experience the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights

• Best For: Unique seasonal experiences

• Best Time to See the Midnight Sun: May–July

• Best Time to See the Northern Lights: Late August–April

Denali offers some of the most breathtaking natural light shows on Earth. In summer, visitors experience nearly 24 hours of daylight thanks to the Midnight Sun, making it possible to explore at any hour.

In contrast, if you visit in fall, winter, or early spring, you may witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dancing across the sky. With minimal light pollution, Denali is one of the best places in Alaska to see this natural wonder.

Insider Tips:

✔️ For the best Northern Lights experience, visit in September.
✔️ Use a camera with long exposure settings to capture the aurora.
✔️ For the Midnight Sun, bring an eye mask if you have trouble sleeping in bright conditions.

6. Go Rafting on the Nenana River

• Best For: Adventure seekers and families

• Options: Calm scenic floats or thrilling whitewater rapids

For a thrilling experience, head to the Nenana River, which runs along the eastern border of Denali. Visitors can choose between gentle scenic floats, perfect for photography and relaxation, or adrenaline-pumping Class III & IV rapids for an exciting adventure.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Wear waterproof gear—the glacial water is freezing cold!
✔️ Go with a guided tour for the best experience.
✔️ For a calmer ride, book a scenic float trip instead of whitewater rafting.