Denali National Park
Home to the tallest mountain in North America, Denali National Park lies in the interior of Alaska and spans some 2 Million+ acres. Reachable using the Denali Highway, Parks Highway and Alaska Railroad, this national park is visited by thousands every year. There are multiple habitats including taiga forest, glaciers, and tundra. In Denali, you will find mountains so close you can stop the car and start walking up them, rivers, lakes, wildlife and everything beautiful that makes Alaska so magical. If you are planning to come to Alaska, I recommend stopping in Denali. There are tours, and activities centered on the beauty of Alaska such as Zip lining, ATV tours, and Helicopter tours, rafting, hiking and camping. You could easily spend weeks in Denali and still not scratch the surface of everything to see.
The national park started in the early 1920’s and has since expanded three times and is now larger than the state of New Hampshire. It has a seasonally open town from May – September hosting tour companies, places to eat and shop as well as stay the night. The Alaska Railroad also goes right through Denali and offers many trips from Anchorage and Fairbanks. Camping in Denali is a highlight but I do have to say you got to get your reservations in early because although there are 6 campgrounds, they fill up so fast. I should also mention that it is legal to park off the road and camp – I would suggest a semi secluded spot so you don’t have to hear the cars off the highway but if you can’t find a camping spot, there are a lot of pull offs you can camper In or camp. There are a lot of wild animals in this area of Alaska so make sure you have bear spray and follow good camping etiquette (you can follow this link here to read about proper camping etiquette).
I have compiled a list of places to stay, eat and things to do in the Denali National Park area. I hope it helps you have a great time there!
Where to stay
Because Denali is a National Park, there are places to stay that range from SUPER fancy to regular camping but the beauty of Denali is everywhere. I will try to include a few places of each type for some variety.
Deep in the Heart of Denali
These few places require a bus ride out there, I can also say I haven’t ever stayed in such a luxurious place but after doing a lot of research on them, I would love to some time. These places fill up fast so get your reservations in through their websites.
Denali Backcountry Lodge
Cannot drive yourself past mile 12 of Denali National Park. So they bus you in – unless you want to drive to Denali cabins and then go in from there. Check their website for more information.
This place offers: Guided hikes, food is included, spa, transport to wonder lake, bar and lounge, souvenir gift shops, wildlife tours
Kantishna Roadhouse
From the website: Kantishna Roadhouse offers an all-inclusive once in a lifetime Alaskan travel experience. Located 90 miles into the pristine natural wonder of Denali National Park in a remote area where few are lucky enough to travel, you will find adventure, tranquility and an escape from every-day modern life. Your stay includes private bus transportation into the heart of Denali Park, deluxe log cabin accommodations, meals, a variety of daily activities, hiking opportunities, naturalist programs and the chance to observe wildlife and experience the breathtaking scenery of Denali Park — up close and personal. Come and experience true Alaskan hospitality in this historic backcountry lodge.
Skyline Lodge
From the website: comfortable stay at the most intimate and small-scale accommodations inside the park at our skyline Lodge, the perfect basecamp for independent spirited travelers seeking the best in self-guided hiking, mountain biking and relaxing in the heart of Alaska’s pristine wilderness.
This place also offers flight tours and excursions.
Resorts and Hotels
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
238.5 Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
(907) 683-2282
This is the main hotel that you see when you enter the main area in Denali. They offer tours and packages such as photograpy tours, Airline sightseeing tours, jeep excursion tours, fly fishing and hiking tours. Note: they will not be open in 2021 but will open in 2022
McKinley Chalet Resort
Mile 238.9, 238.9 Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
(800) 544-0970
A westmark hotel that offers situated in the heart of the Denali Canyon on the banks of the Nenana River, less than 2 miles from the entrance to Denali National Park. Featuring modern amenities, comfortable accommodations and warm northern hospitality at the edge of the wilderness, the hotel has everything you need for an unforgettable Denali vacation.
Denali Bluffs Hotel
238 Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
(866) 683-8500
From the website: Outdoor adventure and true Alaskan hospitality await you at the Denali Bluffs Hotel in the gentle lower slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain. Ideally located, guests are close to area attractions, and surrounded by wilderness splendor.
Grande Denali Lodge
238 Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
(907) 683-5100
Owned by the same people who run Denali Bluffs hotel. The website states: The Grande Denali Lodge brings you genuine Alaskan hospitality, inviting accommodations and spectacular views! Located above the hustle of the highway, our guests consider their stay with us to be a highlight in their journey. This is the hotel you see up on the bluffs when you are driving through.
Cabins
Denali Cabins – Denali National Park
229 Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
(800) 808-8068
From the Website: Located in the vibrant landscapes of Denali National Park and Preserve, just eight miles south of the National Park entrance, the Denali Cabins are the perfect base camp to embark on your Denali adventures. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the congested park entrance, our 46 cedar cabins are peaceful abodes quietly nestled in the wilderness. You’ll unwind, relax and experience what authentic Alaska is all about.
Cabins at Denali
238 Parks Hwy, Denali Park, AK 99755
(800) 789-7238
From the website: Cabins at Denali is THE closest lodging to the entrance to Denali National Park.Our lodging is family friendly and fun, especially since it’s on the property of Nenana Raft Adventures. Most people love watching the rafts being launched. Our lodging units are perched on the hillside of the Nenana River offering a unique and relaxing setting. Large groups or families are welcome. Rest in comfort – Each of our cabins has double beds complete with linens, blankets, towels, private bathroom with hot water, electric heaters, mini refrigerator, microwave and outdoor gas grill. Perfect location for a family reunion.
Denali Crow’s Nest Log Cabins
Mile 238.5, Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
(907) 683-2723
From the website: Each exquisite, hand-built cabin features tasteful alpine furnishings, elegant décor and en-suite restroom. Our cabins feature premier amenities such as high-speed internet access, flat panel TV, and premium toiletries.
Carlo Creek Cabins
National Park and Preserve, 224 Parks Hwy, Denali Park, AK 99755
(907) 683-2576
From the website: The land was homesteaded in 1959 by Stoepler Family. All cabins and structures were handcrafted by the family mostly out of Alaskan black spruce. The famous big burls throughout the property are either from the property or collected while living off the rivers. The lodge office is the original structure and features many antiques collected from their Alaska frontier days. You’ll get a taste of the homesteader’s life in a cabin setting on 12 acres south of Denali National Park. If you want to see Alaska and stay in a cabin built with sweat and tears, and experience freedom, this is the place for you. Many guests say they can still feel a homesteader spirit.
McKinley Creekside Cabins & Cafe
224 Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
(907) 683-2277
From the website: McKinley Creekside Cabins, Café, & Bakery is a small locally owned and operated boutique Alaskan lodge, restaurant and bakery.
Creekside is located just 15 minutes from Denali National Park on beautiful Carlo Creek, surrounded by mountains.
Denali Hostel & Cabins
Denali National Park and Preserve, 224.1 Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
(907) 683-7503
From the website: At Denali Hostel & Cabins, our mission is to create a comfortable lodging environment that is accessible to all by providing a variety of accommodations that are affordable, comfortable and memorable.
Camping & RV sites
DENALI RAINBOW VILLAGE – RV PARK
Mile 238.6 Parks Hwy
907-683-7777
From the website: It is located just 1 mile north of the park entrance. It is also within walking distance to all the shops, restaurants and tours in the Denali area. We have a very knowledgeable and helpful staff to assist you in ensuring your trip to Denali is truly magical.
There are full and partial hook-up sites available. All sites have 20 and 30 amp hook-ups. There are a limited number of 50 amp sites in both, full and partial hook-ups. Full hook-up sites are either back in or Pull thru. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and access to free cable TV.
The RV Park has a dump station, pay showers, laundry, clean restrooms, RV supplies & firewood. Pets are allowed in the RV park. All pets must be on a leash & guests must pick up after their pets immediately. Dog walking for a fee can be arraigned. Wi-Fi provided by Tengo Internet in the RV park. Receive 1/2 hour free Wi-Fi then a small fee is charged for more time.
Denali National Park Campsites
So if you are staying in Denali National Park, I would recommend you go to this website to read about the campsites in the park to stay. I could tell you about them but honestly, the website does a really nice job of it. Generally, I would follow the advice – especially the reserve your site part. Also, make sure there is a bus to take you to your site if you are staying in some of the sites that are farther down the road as you may show up and not have a place to stay.
However if you have one in mind, I’ll put them here and link to them from the above website
What to See and Do
This is a hard section to write on because there are infinite things to do in Denali. Because Denali gets most of its visitors as travelers or tourists they have activities geared towards seeing and experiencing Alaska. So I guess you have to ask yourself what type of experience do you want? How much do you want to pay for it? What is your goal in visiting Denali? Also, there are SO many businesses that offer SO many things that my list will not be so exhaustive but I will include some of the more popular items for you to view and get a basic idea of the things you can look into while you are there. Keep in mind the park closes in September so a lot of these things are summer seasonal except for the free things which you can do year-round.
Top Free things to do in Denali
- Go Hiking on one of the many hiking trails
- Camping if you find a spot off the road
- Explore the little town
- Bird watch
- Berry pick if you find a patch
- Photography
- Animal watch
- Drive the road 12 miles in and see the wildlife
- Go for a bike ride
- Have lunch by the river
Things to Do in Denali – $$$
- Take the Train in and around Denali
- White Water Raft
- Zipline
- Take a Tour of the Park
- Camp/stay in a resort while you leisurely explore
- Helicopter/flightseeing Tours
- ATV/Jeep Tours
- Hiking Tours
- Animal sightseeing tours
- Mush your own sled dog teams
- Rent bikes for a day
https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-denali-national-park/
I have created this page here to see links of some of the places to check out from the list
What to Eat
Here is a list of the places to eat in Denali National Park – not including the food you can get from your hotel stay or lodge
Moose-AKa’s
238.9 Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
(907) 687-0003
Moose-AKa’s is a family owned and operated Eastern European Restaurant.
An authentic Serbian style tavern adorned with antiques collected in Serbia. In November 2017 FOODANDWINE.COM wrote an article in which they named Moose-AKa’s the coziest restaurant in Alaska.
The Overlook Restaurant
Located in the Crow’s Nest Cabins
238.5 Parks Hwy, Denali Park, AK 99755
(907) 683-3463
Fresh Alaskan Cuisine with Denali views since 1985.
Prospectors Pizzeria and Alehouse
National Park and Preserve, 238.9 Parks Hwy, Denali Park, AK 99755
(907) 683-7437
Rustic-style haunt offering draft beers, brick oven pizzas & other American staples since 1917.
Where to Hike
For a much cooler write up on this topic, click (here) but for the sake of this all inclusive write up about Denali’s hiking places, I will include the top three places to hike here. LIke I mentioned before, if you see a mountian, you can hike up to it – if you posess the skills. However, there are maintained trails in Denali that you are able to hike into. The Main Denali National Park website has a map and all types of things available that are maintained in Deanli that you can check out here.
Horseshoe Lake Trail
A two mile trail that goes around (you guessed it) a lake. There are places of uneven soil and rocks and roots but there is a bench at the top of the incline where you can look over the lake. the trail goes back down to the lake and its really beautiful. Depending on what time of year you go, you will be able to see Alaskan Wildlife here.
Mt. Healy Overlook Trail
I am on this trail in the picture of my “About me” section of this website. I went with my brother who (bless his lovely heart) chose to break in his new hiking boots on. Its about 3 miles one way and takes 2-3 hours depending on if you lollygag or not. The trail becomes increasingly steep but you traverse through forest into the rocks and tundra. You can potentially see Denali but my focus was on the peak of mt. Healy. We got to the look out and its just beautiful sitting there up so high in the middle of Alaska.
Triple Lakes Trail
This is the longest trail in Denali, boasting 9.5 miles one way. This would be a day hike as it takes around 5 hours each way. However, there are two bridges, and some creeks with views of three lakes. There are some marshy spots along with rocks and gravel but they put planks over them so you can finish the trail.
Whichever place you go Hiking in Denali, I cannot stress enough that you MUST be prepared, over prepared honestly. You have to know what you are doing. These arent city trails and Alaska although beautiful ALWAYS remains first and foremost, Wild.