Basic Information - Denali National Park & Preserve (U.S. National ...

In 1917, Congress created this park for one main reason: to protect Dall sheep. Over time, Congress expanded the park boundaries and added other reasons for its existence, including protection of North America's tallest mountain (Mount McKinley) and to provide a place for wilderness recreation. Today, most people arrive in Denali hoping to see the mountain, view wildlife (such as bears, moose, caribou, sheep, and wolves), and experience the vast wilderness.

Denali National Park and Preserve has just one road, the Denali Park Road, and it is the main avenue for visitors to see and experience Denali. As you begin planning a trip to Denali, it's important to understand how the road operates.

The road is 92 miles long, and only the first 15 miles are paved. The paved section, leading from the park entrance to Savage River, is the only section that personal vehicles may drive. In the summer, the first 15 miles are open for public (non-commercial) vehicles to drive and buses provide transportation along the rest of the road. In winter, only the first 3 miles of the road are open for public vehicles, and the rest of the road is closed due to snow. Buses do not operate in fall, winter, or spring.

Physical Address

Many rural locations in Alaska use a mile marker on a road to denote their physical address (as opposed to a traditional street number).

For people who wish to use a GPS device to navigate their way here, you may need to input the latitude and longitude of the park entrance: 63.728443, -148.886572.

Directions

Operating Hours & Seasons

The main season for visitors is May 20 through the second or third week in September, though there is plenty to see and do outside of the summer. There is just one road in Denali and it is closed for most of the winter, though the park remains open for winter recreation. 

There is no gate at the park entrance, so you are technically able to visit any time of the day or night (which, in summer, is quite bright thanks to how long the sun is up!). You can day hike, bike, etc. any time, but camping overnight is only allowed in designated campgrounds or with a backpacking permit.  To plan a trip effectively, however, you may need to learn more about:

• Visitor centers and campgrounds
• Bus trips in the park
• Backpacking and other things to do
• Spring or fall info (for visits before or after the summer season of mid-May to mid-September)
• Winter activities (for visits between mid-October to mid-April)

Weather

Fees & Passes

Denali charges an entrance fee year-round for all visitors ages 16 years and up. Visitors 15 years and under are free. No refunds are given due to inclement weather.

Please note that some activities, such as summer bus trips or staying in park campgrounds, have additional costs.

Holders of a valid Denali National Park Annual Pass or an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands pass, such as an America the Beautiful Annual Pass, Senior Pass or Access Pass, do not need to pay the park entrance fee. These passes cover entry for the passholder and up to three other adults in their party. Costs for these passes vary. The Senior Pass and Access Pass also provide a 50% nightly discount on camping in Denali. None of these passes influence bus ticket prices, however. Learn more about the America the Beautiful nationwide pass program.

Find more specific information on our fees and passes page.

Visitor Centers

Most visitor centers in Denali are open in summer only (roughly mid-May through mid-September). The Murie Science and Learning Center is open to the public in winter only as the Winter Visitor Center.

Internet & Cellular Access

Plan Your Visit

• Mid-May to Mid-September How to Explore Denali in Summer

  Look for wildlife and wilderness during a bus trip in Denali. Most of the sole road is open only to buses during summer (May 20–mid-Sept.).

• October to April Plan a Winter Visit

  Closed in winter? Not Denali! Winter is a great time to explore the park, whether by foot, ski, snowshoe, bike, or more!

• Plan a Fall or Spring Visit

  Expect limited services if you're visiting during the quieter seasons of fall (mid-September to October) or spring (mid-April to mid-May).

• Things to Do

  Explore the many activities Denali offers to visitors of all ages and experience levels.

• Maps

  Learn where you can drive, where you can ride a bus, and where to hike with road maps and trail maps.

• Current Conditions

  Check here for the latest updates on closures, current road status, and changes to park operations due to the Pretty Rocks landslide.

• Park Statistics and Facts

  Browse statistics like budget and visitation, find detailed policies and regulations and learn more in general about park management.

• Park Calendar

  Browse our calendar for regularly scheduled summer ranger programs and special events.

• Explore a trail or go off-trail Take a Hike!

  Discover trails in Denali, or learn about hiking off-trail in the wilderness.

• Eating & Sleeping

  Learn about options for lodging, campgrounds, restaurants, and picnic areas.

• Goods and Services

  Learn where to find services such as restrooms, food and water, fuel, camping supplies, post office services, and more.

• Pets

  Pets are welcome in Denali but are not allowed on most trails. Read more about pet regulations here.

Science, history, and more

Opportunities to work with us