Denali National Park Active and Adventure Vacations

Denali National Park Active and Adventure Travel Guide

Other Guides for Denali National Park

Active and Adventure Destinations Near Denali National Park

Pacific Coast Active and Adventure States/Provinces

Active and Adventure Travel Destinations

Mount McKinley in Denali National Park, Alaska
Mount McKinley in Denali National Park, Alaska (Weststock)


Denali National Park Active and Adventure Highlights

By Travel Expert: Karen Kefauver
  • Denali ranks as one of the most bike-friendly national parks. The park road (the only road for bike use) is 90 miles long, and bikes are allowed throughout the whole length. You also can take your bicycle with you on a camper shuttle bus.
  • Overnight backpacking is a popular activity for wilderness trekking enthusiasts. Backcountry stays in Denali National Park require a free backcountry permit available at the visitor center during the summer months and at park headquarters during the winter months. Most areas require the use of Bear Resistant Food Containers, distributed free of charge with your backcountry permit. Bear encounters are fairly common, so learn how to handle them ahead of time.
  • The most challenging peak to summit in the United States is Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley). With a summit of 20,320 feet, temperatures known to fall below minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and 95-mile-per-hour winds, summiting Denali is for expert mountaineers only.
  • To access day hikes (and scout longer backpacking adventures) in Denali, follow the park road. Take a shuttle bus, get off at an interesting location, and hike from there. When you feel you've gone far enough, turn back and either wait for the next shuttle bus or walk along the road until the next bus comes.
  • Take a dogsledding tour with Mary Shields. Mary was the first woman to finish the 1,049-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Mary enjoys the pure pleasure of long spring trips with her dogs, exploring the wild country of Alaska, and meeting the people who live in the "bush" communities of Alaska. She offers tours ranging in length from one to ten days.

Denali National Park Overview

Denali (Den-al-ee) stands alone among the national parks: It gives regular people easy access to real wilderness, with sweeping tundra vistas, abundant wildlife, and North America's tallest mountain. Other wilderness areas in Alaska may have equally inspiring scenery and even more animals, but Denali is unique because of its accessibility to visitors -- and because that accessibility hasn't spoiled the natural experience, as...

Read Entire Review


Hotels

McKinley Chalet Resort
Milepost 238 George Parks Highway
Denali, AK Map
Distance: 21.6 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
Not Yet Rated
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Family travel

from: $289 compare hotel rates
Grande Denali Lodge
238 Parks Highway
Denali National Park, AK 99755 Map
Distance: 21.2 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
Not Yet Rated
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated

from: $259 compare hotel rates
McKinley Village Lodge
Milepost 231 George Parks Hwy
Denali National Park, AK 99755 Map
Distance: 22.7 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
Not Yet Rated
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated


advertisement

Great Hotel Deals in Denali National Park, AK

compare rates

Attractions

expert favorite attraction
Junior Ranger Program
Denali National Park and Preserve, P.O. Box 9
Denali National Park, Alaska 99755-9998
Distance: 53.7 Miles (from destination center)
Description: Designed for families to learn about the park... Read More
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel Family travel

expert favorite attraction
Murie Science and Learning Center
Denali National Park and Preserve, P.O. Box 136
Denali National Park, Alaska 99755
Distance: 53.7 Miles (from destination center)
Description: The Murie Science and Learning Center provides... Read More
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel Family travel

expert favorite attraction
Sled Dog Demonstrations
Denali National Park and Preserve, P.O. Box 9
Denali National Park, Alaska 99755-9998
Distance: 53.7 Miles (from destination center)
Description: Your family will enjoy visiting the national Park... Read More
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel Family travel


Feature Articles


Trip Ideas



GORPTravel Trips



Denali National Park Active and Adventure Travel Guides

advertisement


take me fishing
Select a state:



advertisement

Travel Interest Guides

spring driving guide
Spring Driving Guide
Top itineraries, family-friendly asphalt-obsessed exploration, global four-wheel touring, tips, photos—it's all here.
interactive gift guide guide
Interactive Gift Guide
Surprise your active-minded, travel-obsessed mom with some of the best gear ever profiled in Outside magazine.
family guide
Family Guide
Our esteemed travel experts have chosen the best places, hotels, and attractions to make your summer family outing the best ever.
beach guide
Beach Guide
Whether you dive, kiteboard, windsurf, or just strive to perfect the art of sun-bathing, our experts have got the spot.