Denali National Park

Denali National Park by Uwe Bergwitz via Shutterstock.

Denali National Park and Preserve, in Alaska, is dominated by North America’s tallest peak—Mount Denali. The park’s vast wilderness is home to grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou, making it a wildlife-watcher’s dream.

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✅ Fast Facts

State(s): Alaska
Area: 6,045,153 acres (24,463.87 sq km) – 3rd largest national park of 63
Highest Elevation: Denali Summit – 20,320 ft (6,193.54 m)
Lowest Elevation: Yentna River – 240 ft (73.15 m)
Date Established: February 26, 1917
Annual Visitors: 427,562 visitors in 2022
Nearest Town: Healy, Alaska

⛰ Recommended Day Hikes

Park Tracker considers a “day hike” to be a hike under 10 miles. Below we provide our top five recommendations inside the park, along with AllTrails links to the hikes.

  1. Savage Alpine Trail (4 mi, Strenuous) – Offers sweeping views of the Alaska Range.
  2. Thorofare Ridge Trail (2 mi, Strenuous) – Known for its unbeatable views of Denali.
  3. Horseshoe Lake Trail (3.2 mi, Moderate) – Features diverse habitats and wildlife viewing.
  4. Savage River Loop (2 mi, Easy) – Provides tranquility and potential wildlife sightings.
  5. Triple Lakes Trail (Longest in the park, Moderate to Difficult) – Known for its length and scenic views.

🧗🏻‍♂️ Popular Activities in Denali National Park

Denali is about more than just hiking. See below for some of the best non-hiking activities to do in Denali National Park.

  1. Wildlife bus tours for viewing grizzlies, moose, and more
  2. Dog sledding demonstrations at the kennels
  3. Flightseeing around Mount Denali
  4. Fishing in the park’s rivers and streams
  5. Attending ranger-led evening programs at campgrounds

🛎️ Where to Stay Near Denali National Park

While there are ample camping and vacation rental options near most US national parks, I personally highly prefer staying at Hilton-branded properties when traveling to national parks. As such, below are the five closest Hilton properties to Denali National Park.

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🍔 What to Eat Near Denali National Park

After hiking and exploring Denali National Park, odds are high you’re going to be hungry. Here are five of the best restaurant options within and near the park.

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