SamDenali National Park is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the state of Alaska, and understandably so. Denali National Park offers North America’s tallest mountain. It boasts stunning wildlife and landscapes. Adventurous activities also make it a must-see destination when in the last frontier. Once you arrive, there are many activities to choose from. I have compiled a list of the best experiences to make your visit as enjoyable as possible!
- Denali State Park Scenic Point
- ATV Adventures
- River Rafting
- Guided Bus Tours
- Denali Visitor Center
- Various Hikes
- Flightseeing Tours
- 49th State Brewery
- Sled Dog Demonstrations
Denali State Park Scenic Point
Denali Mountain is absolutely stunning. I highly recommend stopping at the Denali State Park Scenic Overlook. This is the best way to experience Denali. If you are inside the park, you will be too close to see the mountain in all its glory. If you are driving up to Denali, stop by the Polychrome Overlook that is just outside of Talkeetna. You will not regret the beautiful views that you can soak in of the entire mountain range.
ATV Adventures
ATVing through the forests and riverbeds surrounding the park is unforgettable. It was an activity for adventurous souls. The adrenaline of speeding through the rugged forests and over rock beds was thrilling, and learning about the local geography added to the excitement. This combination made for an overall incredibly enjoyable experience.
You will be taken through multiple different landscapes and to various lookout spots to admire the stunning views. Denali ATV Adventures is the leading company for guided ATV tours in the area. Those of all skill levels can participate, both on a single or multi-person unit. The guides do an incredible job of making sure everyone feels comfortable and is having an enjoyable experience. This is an activity I would highly suggest to those looking for a more thrilling adventure.
River Rafting
Another adventure for the adrenaline junkies out there: rafting on the Nenana River. This is an experience you will not forget. The ice cold glacier water that runs through the river creates an incredibly unique river rafting experience. The guides will often even give you the choice to jump in the frigid waters to fully immerse yourself in the cold. Most companies offer varying levels of difficulty for the rafting experiences. This way you can choose the tour that best suits your adventure level. This is a much sought after experience.
Guided Bus Tours
Within the actual National Park, there are options to partake in guided bus tours. These tours take you through the depths of the park that are elsewise inaccessible. This is a great option for those that want to get deeper into the true wilderness of Denali. It often results in more wildlife encounters, as these areas of the park are highly untouched by humans, causing minimal disturbances to nature.
However, the compromise is that the tours consist of sitting on a school bus for many hours. Being the only accessible way into the park, this is often worth it for many people to experience. All guests can visit up to the 15-mile marker to view the park. Therefore, you still have the opportunity to see some wildlife and parts of the park.
The Denali Visitor Center
The Denali National Park Visitor Center is an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages. From teaching about the common animals in the park, to the history and the culture in the area, it is definitely worth the visit. And you will for sure walk away with a bit more knowledge on the native landscape.
Various Hikes
There are a variety of hikes near the front of the park, from beginner 20 minute hikes to more advanced trails that will take multiple hours, there are many options for you to experience at your desired level. One of the most popular hikes in the area is the Mount Healy Overlook Trail. The trail is 2.7 miles one-way and typically takes about 2 hours to get to the top.
There are not a wide range of marked trails in the park. However, hikers are free to hike wherever they please with no trail to follow. This can be intimidating at first, but can also lead to an amazing adventure.
Flightseeing Tours
While a very expensive option, flightseeing tours are often pursued in Alaska due to the vast expanse of the land. It allows people to truly get the best views of the mountains, glaciers, and expansive landscapes. This is a unique adventure that offers incomparable views. Having been to Denali multiple times, this is by far the best experience I have had within the state. It was absolutely unforgettable and worth every penny.
49th State Brewery
An eclectic brewery inside and a tourist attraction outside, the joint is more than unique. Due to the secluded location of Healy, the town adjacent to Denali National Park, there are not many restaurants in the area. However, the 49th State Brewery is a must-visit joint that will not disappoint.
Outside the joint stands a well-known tourist attraction, a replica of the bus from the story “Into the Wild.” A true story based on a man driving his bus into the park, getting stranded in the wilderness, and ultimately dying. The bus remains untouched in the park to this day, and this replica is a sought after attraction representing this well-known story.
Apart from the unique attractions, the food at this joint is incredible. A pub-style brewery, there are so many options to choose from. I highly recommend their macaroni and cheese dish, as it is quite literally the best I have ever had at any restaurant. Their house-made root beer, something you do not often come across was quite the delight as well. And with them being a brewery, they serve an array of unique brews.
Sled Dog Demonstrations
Denali National Park has a sled dog team that works hard year-round with the rangers. One of the bonuses of this is that the park offers a sled dog demonstration to guests, where you can tour the kennels and see a demonstration of how the sled dogs work. This program is free to park guests. It’s an amazing treat for all of the dog lovers out there. You get to see the only sled dog team in the U.S. National Parks.
Denali National Park & Preserve is an incredible park to experience and explore. If you have visited before, leave a comment below sharing what you’re favorite part of the trip was!
