Best Activities in Denali National Park
Denali National Park is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the state of Alaska, and understandably so. With North America's tallest mountain, stunning wildlife and landscapes, and adventurous activities, Denali National Park is a must-see destination when in the last frontier. With many activities to choose from once you arrive, I have compiled a list of the best activities to choose from 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 Demmonstrations
Denali State Park Scenic Point
If possible, I highly recommend stopping at the
ATV Adventures
An activity for the adventurous souls, ATVing or through the forests and river beds surrounding the park was an unforgettable experience. The adrenaline of speeding through the rugged forests and over rock beds mixed with learning about the local geography of the land made for an overall incredibly enjoyable experience. I expected to simply be taken through forested areas, however we were taken over mulitple different landscapes and to various lookout spots of the stunning views. Denali ATV Adventures is the leading company for guided ATV tours in the area. Those of all skill levels are able to participate, both on a single or multi-person unit. However, this can be a downside for the more advanced riders, as the group does go as fast as the slowest riders. Foretunately my experience was more than excellent and I never felt held back by anyone in my group as we sped through the wilderness. Overall, ATVing is an activity I would highly recommend for those looking to be adventurous.
River Rafting
Another adventure for the adrenaline junkies out there, rafting on the Nenana River is an experience you will not forget. The ice cold glacier water that runs through the river creates the perfect once-in-a-lifetime 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 so that you can ensure you will be comfortable the entire time, from scenic rafts to more intense gourges. This is a much sought after experience.
Guided Bus Tours
Within the actual National Park, there are options to partake in guided bus tours 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 due to the secluded areas and distance from populated areas and humans. 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. But I will mention that all guests are able to visit into the 15-mile marker to view the park, so you still have the opportunity to see wildlife and parts of the park.
The Denali Visitor Center
I would highly suggest taking a walk around the visitor center while at Denali National Park. It was really beautifully designed, and there were so many educational sources throughout the center. 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.
While there are not a wide range of marked trails in the park, 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 and fully soak in the beauty from a birdseye view. This is a unique adventure that offers incomparable views. And the experience will be one that you will not forget if you are able to fork up the hefty price.
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 for the foodies out there. However, the 49th State Brewery is a famous brewery and restaurant in the area that is a must-visit joint, as it 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 into the park on his bus, breaking down, 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 absolutely unforgettable, in the most literal sense of the term. 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 which is an amazing treat for all of the dog lovers out there, as you get to see the only sled dog team in the U.S. National Parks.
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