Denali National Park in Alaska is the bucket-list destination for any nature lover or wilderness adventurer. Located in the heart of the state, Denali spans over six million acres, is home to North America’s highest peak, and offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Adventures at this national park are simply bigger and better.
One of the most popular activities within these millions of acres is hiking. With more than 200 miles of trails, there’s literally a trail for every skill level. Denali also offers backcountry camping, which allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the wilderness and get off the beaten path. For those interested in a more leisurely experience, there are also guided bus tours available that take visitors through the park and offer stunning views of the mountains and wildlife.
In addition to hiking and camping, this national park is home to an abundance of wildlife. Visitors have the opportunity to see bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and many other animals in their natural habitat. Denali National Park is also home to a variety of bird species, including eagles, owls, and ptarmigans.
One of the most unique aspects of Denali National Park is its location in the heart of the Alaska Range. The park’s mountains are some of the highest and most spectacular in the world and offer unparalleled views. From the summit of Mount Denali, the highest North American peak, visitors can see for hundreds of miles in every direction.
Mount Denali was once known as Mount McKinley in honor of the then-U.S. President, William McKinley. However, it’s always been known as Mount Denali to the indigenous peoples of the region. Named after McKinley in 1917, Mount Denali wouldn’t receive acknowledgement of its traditional Athabaskan name for nearly a century — in 2015, the Obama White House recognized the traditional name of the mountain and acknowledged the cultural significance Alaskan Natives gave to the name.
If you’re planning a visit to Denali National Park, it’s important to be prepared for the weather. The park can be quite cold, even in the summer months, so packing warm clothing and gear, in addition to plenty of food and water, is important. There aren’t many facilities within the park given its wilderness location.
Denali National Park is a truly amazing destination that offers something for everyone from the seasoned hiker to an admirer of wilderness beauty. No matter what you choose to do, adventures at this national park are simply bigger and better.