Explore Parks
All ParksExploreActivitiesAlertsNewsroom
This site was made with love by Ben Myatt|API
National Park & Preserve

Denali National Park & Preserve

InformationFeb 28, 2026

Road Open To: Mile 13 (Mountain Vista)

View →
a white colored sheep standing on a mountainside overlooking a green valley

Congress originally created Denali National Park (called Mount McKinley National Park, at the time) to protect wildlife, particularly Dall sheep

Photo: NPS Photo / Nathan Kostegian

About

Denali is six million acres of wild land, bisected by one ribbon of road. Travelers along it see the relatively low-elevation taiga forest give way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America's tallest peak, 20,310' Mount McKinley. Wild animals large and small roam un-fenced lands, living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility and wilderness await.

Activities

Arts and CultureAstronomyStargazingBikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingClimbingMountain ClimbingDog SleddingFishing
Food
Flying
Guided Tours
Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
Hunting and Gathering
Gathering and Foraging
Hunting
Junior Ranger Program
Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing
Snow Play
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing
Wildlife Watching
Park Film
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

You can drive to Denali from Anchorage or Fairbanks, along Highway 3, which is known as the "George Parks Highway." Fairbanks is about 2 hours north, while Anchorage is 5 hours south of the Denali entrance. You can also reach Denali from either city via the Alaska Railroad, which is operated by the State of Alaska.

Get directions →

Weather

Summer is typically cool and wet, with highs typically in the upper 50s to low 60s, and lows in the 40s. On occasion, summer highs reach the low 80s, though this is rare. Snow can fall any month of the year, so be prepared for chilly weather even in summer. Fall colors emerge on the alpine tundra in August and in the low valleys in early September. Winter generally starts in mid-September, with temps often getting down to -40 by January. Spring is a short season in April / May, with highs above freezing.

News

Prescribed burn scheduled for February 19 – May 1
Feb 19, 2026

Prescribed burn scheduled for February 19 – May 1

Denali National Park and Preserve will be conducting prescribed burning of slash piles in the park entrance area between February 19 and May 1, 2026, dependent on weather and conditions on site.

Feb 12, 2026

Denali to Open Park Road to Mountain Vista on February 14, 2026

Effective Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Superintendent has authorized opening the Denali Park Road (the park road) to the Mountain Vista Rest Area (mile marker 12) for travel by private vehicles and commercial vehicles with permits. This opening occurs routinely each season, as weather permits.

Jan 18, 2026

Denali Opens Remaining Southern Portions of 1980 Park Additions to Snowmobiling for Traditional Activities

The Superintendent of Denali National Park and Preserve has determined that there is adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities in areas of the 1980 park additions that are south of the crest of the Alaska Range. Areas north of the crest were opened in December.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person$15.00