Hiking in Denali

Denali is predominately a trailless park. Hikers must travel cross-country. Be prepared for uneven terrain and possibly streams and brush. There is a trail system in the park entrance area. Many rewards await those who take the challenge of hiking without a trail in the backcountry of Denali: spectacular vistas, possible encounters with wildlife, and the experience of traveling the land much as the first explorers did. Be sure to carry the proper gear and be familiar with potential hazards and bear safety precautions. A Ranger led Discovery Hike provides an excellent introduction to backcountry day hiking in Denali. Sign up for Discovery Hikes at the Visitor Center.

Backcountry Hiking Information:
Years ago a conscious decision was made not to develop trails in Denali. Wilderness in Alaska by its very nature should be trailless, providing a contrast to other wilderness units elsewhere. Realizing trails become travel corridors that bring hikers and concentrate their impacts, having no trails helps us to disperse use and lessen impacts on the landscape. Overnight stays in the backcountry of Denali National Park require a free backcountry permit. Permits are available at the Visitor Center during the summer months and at Headquarters during the winter months. Permits are issued only one day in advance; reservations are not accepted. All areas require the use of Bear Resistant Food Containers (BRFCs) distributed free of charge with your backcountry permit. Please return your container(s) promptly at the end of your trip. To purchase your own container, stop by the Visitor Center bookstore. Backcountry Permits are available at the backcountry desk at the visitor center one day in advance only.

Day Hiking:
Day hiking in Denali can include anything from a leisurely stroll along a river bar to an adventurous hike to the top of a mountain. Denali for the most part is a trailless wilderness. You will find short trails at the entrance of the park, and near Polychrome Overlook, Eielson Visitor Center, and Wonder Lake.

Nature Walks:
You may join a ranger for a guided hike or educational talk. National Park Rangers and Naturalists offer visitors a variety of programs. You can learn about anything from grizzlies to glaciers during informal 30 to 45 minute programs. Topics are listed on bulletin boards throughout the park.


Flightseeing:
You may want to land on a mountain lake, fly over fjords, view glaciers and wildlife or just enjoy the phenomenal and breathtaking beauty of Denali. Scheduled services are also available to Fairbanks. Book A Flight Here

Location:
Denali National Park straddles the Alaska Range. The park entrance is 237 highway miles north of Anchorage and 125 miles south of Fairbanks. Mount McKinley itself is about 140 miles north of Anchorage.
Access:
Primarily highway with air taxi service available in spring and summer
Accomodations:
Nine hotels/motels, nine bed & breakfasts, one hostel, five campground/RV parks, 17 lodges/cabins, five restaurants.