denali
Jupiter Images
4
National Park Service
authentic alaskan
“I feel very fortunate to be able to spend much of my time in the national park that is a top destination for visitors to Alaska. I never cease to be amazed at the wildlife viewing opportunities that visitors experience during a bus trip on the Denali Park Road. For those who wish something more adventuresome, the mostly trail-less wilderness begins just a step away from the road. As a year-round resident I am enthralled by the park’s landscape, its seasonal changes, and the creatures that call it home every time I come in, whether it is for work, a day hike, or an overnight trip. I consider it an honor to be part of the team that helps to protect and preserve the park and the experience here for current and future generations of visitors.” Kris Fister, national park public affairs officer
Called Denali, meaning “the Great One or High One,” by the Athabascan Native people, North America’s highest peak at 20,320 feet is also known as Mt. McKinley and dominates the park when visible. Denali National Park and Preserve covers six million acres of pristine wilderness – larger than the state of Massachusetts – and is accessible by an easy 2-hour drive or 4-hour train trip from Fairbanks. You can drive your own vehicle to mile 14 of the park road, but to go further you’ll need to book a seat on a bus that can take you as far as Kantishna, 95 miles from the park entrance. The varied terrain includes crystal clear