11 Unforgettable Things to Do in Denali National Park: My Personal Adventure
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For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to visit Denali National Park and she her majestic beauty in all her glory. If you are anything like me and enjoy nature, hikes, seeing wildlife, and a majestic mountain, then you have come to the right place! My goal is to inspire you to connect with nature and see views that look like they came right out of a dream. From moose, to eagles, and everything in between, there are countless things to do in Denali. I am hoping this post inspires you to not only book a trip to Alaska but also dedicate sometime to Denali and experience this one in a lifetime destination.
Introduction
Denali National Park is more than the largest mountain in the United States. It’s over six million acres of trees, plants, wildlife, and surround the majestic mountain. The park offers hundreds of things to see and do, and based on my personal experiences, I have curated a list of my 11 favorite things to do in this majestic park. Ready to be inspired? Let’s dive in!
1. Drive Through
Taking a drive through the park is a great way to see the park on your own terms. If you have a car, driving through the park yourself allows you to stop where you want and see the park on your own terms. This was great for us, because we loved taking our time and stopping at unique photo stops that buses wouldn’t have necessarily stopped at. It is important to note though, that private vehicles can only access the first 15 miles of the park, while park buses can provide a deeper visibility into the park.
2. Enjoy a Park Bus Tour
Another great thing to do during your stay is a bus tour through the park. You can take a bus excursion that will take you to mile 43 where you will have a great opportunity to see wildlife, and if you are lucky, get a glimpse of the magnificent mountain. What we loved about the bus tour is that we were able to get some additional educational commentary that we didn’t get on our own drive.
3. Stop at the Savage River Area
Another activity that I highly recommend during your visit it to explore the Savage River area. This area is located at mile marker 15 and is accessible by private cars. If you are driving yourself, this is a great stop where you can explore several of the hiking trails in the area and see Dall sheep and other potential wildlife.
4. Visit the Denali Visitor Center
Make sure you absolutely make a pit stop at the visitor center while you are here. We were able to walk around and listened to the park rangers talk about the park, we watched a few education videos, and my nephew was able to get his national park passport book stamped. This visitor center is a great place to learn about the park’s history, the wildlife, and plan your list of things to do during your visit.
5. Helicopter Ride Over Denali
One excursion that would be absolutely incredible would be a helicopter ride over Denali. We did not do this while we were there, but pictures that I saw from those folks who did do this, were breathtaking. Taking a helicopter over the park gives you amazing views of the mountains, glaciers, and landscapes that you would never experience unless you were above them. There are tons of helicopter tours to choose from, including some that will even stop on a glacier, which would be an incredible experience.
6. Hike Mount Healy Overlook Trail
If you drove yourself, and want another hike option, then this moderate 5.4-mile loop hike may be exactly what you want to add to your itinerary. This hike offers amazing panoramic views of the entire park and wildlife. The trailhead for this hike is very close to the visitor center, making it very convenient for those looking to explore on foot and not worry about having to find adequate parking.
7. Go Dog Sledding
Another unforgettable thing to do while you are here is to visit a dog sled kennel. Fun fact: Denali is the only national park that has a working dog sled kennel. Here we were able to learn about the history of dog sledding, watched a demonstration, and learned why these dog sleds are critical in the winter months. Not only was this fun to learn about, but it was also fun to get on a dog sled and have them take us for a ride!
8. See The Big Five
Africa isn’t the only place where you can see the “Big Five”. Denali actually has their own “Big Five”, and we were fortunate to get to see them all! These “Big Five” include: the grizzly bear, caribou, moose, wolves, and Dall sheep. Get your binoculars out and keep your eyes peeled at all times while in the park.
9. Camp in the Park
If you enjoy the great outdoors and camping, then this is a great activity to add to your itinerary. We did not camp, but we saw the camp sites, and it looked like it would be a great experience. There are actually several various campsites, and all offer great views and access to various parts of the park. These do sell out quickly, so if you want to camp at Denali, make sure you make reservations ahead of time and get a guaranteed spot.
10. Take a Ranger-Led Program
If you want to learn more about the the park’s culture, wildlife, and geology, then I would highly recommend that you take a ranger-led program. These programs are suitable for all ages, and you can get the schedule for these programs from the Denali Visitor Center.
11. Bike on Denali Park Road
Another great way to explore park is on bike. Biking is permitted on Denali Park Road and it’s a great way to explore the park at your own pace, similar to driving. You should be prepared for varying terrain and unpredictable weather. There are several buses that also use this road, so yield to the buses and always be on the lookout for wildlife.
Conclusion: Things to do in Denali National Park
Exploring Denali National Park was nothing short of incredible. There are countless things to do in Denali, and the no matter what you choose to do, you will not be disappointed. Each and every activity offers something unique and special, and you will leave the park with memories that will last a lifetime. I hope this blog has inspired you to visit the park and has provided you with some ideas on things to do in Denali National Park.