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Denali National Park & Preserve

Designation: National Park & Preserve

Location: Alaska

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Denali is six million acres of wild land, bisected by one ribbon of road. Travelers along it see the relatively low-elevation taiga forest give way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America's tallest peak, 20,310' Mount McKinley. Wild animals large and small roam un-fenced lands, living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility and wilderness await.

🌤 Weather Information

Summer is typically cool and wet, with highs typically in the upper 50s to low 60s, and lows in the 40s. On occasion, summer highs reach the low 80s, though this is rare. Snow can fall any month of the year, so be prepared for chilly weather even in summer. Fall colors emerge on the alpine tundra in August and in the low valleys in early September. Winter generally starts in mid-September, with temps often getting down to -40 by January. Spring is a short season in April / May, with highs above freezing.

🚗 Directions

You can drive to Denali from Anchorage or Fairbanks, along Highway 3, which is known as the "George Parks Highway." Fairbanks is about 2 hours north, while Anchorage is 5 hours south of the Denali entrance. You can also reach Denali from either city via the Alaska Railroad, which is operated by the State of Alaska.

Images

a white colored sheep standing on a mountainside overlooking a green valley

Congress originally created Denali National Park (called Mount McKinley National Park, at the time) to protect wildlife, particularly Dall sheep

Credit: NPS Photo / Nathan Kostegian

snowy mountains reflected in a pond

Mount McKinley is the highest mountain in North America

Credit: NPS Photo / Nathan Kostegian

A huge snowy mountain looming over a landscape of forests and water

The view of Mt. McKinley from the south, in Talkeetna, Alaska

Credit: NPS Photo / Emily Mesner

a vast white mountain looming over a brown landscape

Many bus trips into Denali pause at Stony Overlook, which features a great view of Mt. McKinley when skies are clear

Credit: NPS Photo / Nathan Kostegian

a man standing next to a green bus

Transit buses are a primary way for visitors to sightsee in Denali during summer

Credit: NPS Photo / Emily Mesner

light turns a snowy mountain shades of pink and purple

Alpenglow on North America's tallest peak

Credit: NPS Photo / Emily Mesner

a park ranger leading hikers up a steep mountainside

Visitors following a ranger on a Discovery Hike, an off-trail adventure

Credit: NPS Photo / Emily Mesner

three brown bears walking along a dirt road

Grizzlies walking on the park's sole road

Credit: NPS Photo / Emily Mesner

a bus on a gravel road behind a large caribou that is trotting on the road

A tour bus pauses to view a caribou as it walks on the Denali Park Road

Credit: NPS Photo / Emily Mesner

a large seated crowd faces a park ranger and a small group of sled dogs

A crowd takes in a sled dog demonstration in the Denali Park Kennels

Credit: NPS Photo / Emily Mesner

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday

All Day

Monday

All Day

Tuesday

All Day

Wednesday

All Day

Thursday

All Day

Friday

All Day

Saturday

All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person

Denali charges an entrance fee year-round. Youth age 15 or younger are free. For people age 16 or older, the $15 entrance fee provides a 7-day entrance permit. Be prepared to show your receipt or pass (digital or physical) if requested by park staff.

$15.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park

The Denali Annual Pass covers up to four adults. You may purchase it online or in person at the park.

$45.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Sunday, Mar 29

Partly Cloudy

High: 23.1°F | Low: 4.8°F

Humidity: 89%

Wind: 6.5 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.5

Sunrise: 07:32 AM

Sunset: 08:46 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (83%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 11°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Monday, Mar 30

Light freezing rain

Light freezing rain

High: 17.6°F | Low: 1.5°F

Humidity: 88%

Wind: 4.9 mph

Rain Chance: 79%

UV Index: 0.5

Sunrise: 07:29 AM

Sunset: 08:49 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (90%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 6.7°F

Cloud Cover: 79%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Tuesday, Mar 31

Light snow

High: 17.8°F | Low: 3.8°F

Humidity: 91%

Wind: 5.4 mph

Rain Chance: 66%

UV Index: 0.5

Sunrise: 07:25 AM

Sunset: 08:52 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (95%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 7.7°F

Cloud Cover: 66%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Road Open To: Mile 30 (Teklanika River) Information

The Denali Park Road is open to Mile 30, Teklanika River. Please stay alert for heavy equipment traveling on the park road.

Denali Park Road Information Information

In summer, the Denali Park Road is open to Mile 15 (Savage River) for personal vehicles. Vehicle travel further into the park is limited to transit and tour buses.

Partial Road Closure Impacting Long Bus Rides, Wonder Lake and Kantishna Caution

There is a partial road closure at Mile 67, just west of Eielson Visitor Center. The closure is due to a large mudslide. This only effects Wonder Lake and Kantishna-bound visitors, as well as pedestrians and cyclists trying to travel through this area.

Park Operations Altered Due to Pretty Rocks Landslide Park Closure

Summer access to facilities and services in Denali remains altered due to the Pretty Rocks Landslide and the associated closure of the Park Road at Mile 43. Check here for more information on what to expect.

Road Open To: Mile 3 (Park Headquarters) Information

The Denali Park Road is currently open to Mile 3, Park Headquarters. Snowy conditions beyond that point prevent vehicle travel, though pedestrian travel is permitted.

High Fire Danger

Very high fire danger exists throughout Interior Alaska due to a lack of recent precipitation, high winds and hot, dry weather. Park officials urge visitors to be especially careful with anything that may cause a spark this Memorial Day weekend.

Road Closure at Mile 31 Park Closure

Due to erosion at Teklanika Bridge (Mile 31), the park road is closed at Teklanika Rest Stop (Mile 30) to all vehicles, including buses. Limited pedestrian access is allowed. The road will reopen once repairs are complete and conditions are safe.

Heavy Rain and Snow Expected

The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rain and snow in the Denali area through Tuesday, 9/15. 3" to 6" of snow is possible above 3,000' elevation, meaning many areas of the park road may close. Up to 1" of rain is expected at lower elevations.

Road Construction Information

Summer road work will occur along the first 15 miles of the Denali Park Road, from 8 pm - 8 am. There will be delays during that period, along with a few multi-hour closures. There may also be daytime delays, up to 5 minutes either way.

Denali Park Road Information Information

In summer, the Denali Park Road is open to Mile 15 (Savage River) for personal vehicles. Vehicle travel further into the park is limited to transit and tour buses.

All Open Fires Prohibited

Very high fire danger exists in Denali National Park and Preserve due to a lack of recent precipitation, high winds and hot, dry weather.

Park Operations Altered Due to Pretty Rocks Landslide Park Closure

Summer access to facilities and services in Denali remains altered due to the Pretty Rocks Landslide and the associated closure of the Park Road at Mile 43. Check here for more information on what to expect.

Reminder: Stay Safe When Viewing Wildlife Caution

Moose have occasionally been seen near the entrance of the park. Please do not stop your car on Highway 3 to view wildlife - this is extremely dangerous. Enter the park and look for a safe place to leave your car, if you wish to view wildlife near Hwy 3.

Wildlife Closure: Savage Cabin Trail to Primrose (Mile 13 to 17) Danger

Due to wildlife-human interaction, the Park Road and all hiking trails Mile 13 to 17 are closed to private vehicles, bicycles, and foot traffic. Savage River Campground is limited to hard-sided RVs. Parking and restrooms remain open at Mountain Vista.

Road Closure: Friday, September 26

On Friday, September 26, a contractor will be working on a utility below the park road near Headquarters. Therefore, the road will be closed to all vehicle traffic at roughly Mile 3. The road will re-open on Saturday morning.

Summer Visitors: Expect Delays Driving To / From Denali

The State of Alaska has myriad road construction projects scheduled for Highway 3 in 2015. Highway 3 is the sole road link to Denali. Expect lengthy delays traveling to or from Denali this summer.

Night-time road closures

There will be night-time road closures (from 11:00 pm – 5:00 am) at Mile 3 the nights of Monday, September 17 – Friday, September 20 for the replacement of a large culvert.

Road Open To: Mile 13 (Mountain Vista) Information

The Denali Park Road is open to Mile 13, Mountain Vista. Wintry conditions beyond that point prevent vehicle travel, though pedestrian travel is permitted. Be prepared for winter driving conditions to reach Mile 13.

Swift Water Advisory Caution

Due to recent heavy rain and snowfall, waterways are running high and swift. Use caution when walking along trail areas with fast-moving, powerful streams and rivers. Swift currents can pose a serious risk, even in seemingly calm sections. Stay alert.

Water Unavailable at Teklanika Campground

As of Wednesday, 9/16, water is unavailable at Teklanika Campground. If you are camping at Tek, be sure to bring plenty of water.

Park Road closed at Mile 13 to private vehicles and foot traffic Danger

Due to recent bear-human interactions, the Denali Park Road is currently closed to private vehicles and foot traffic beyond a barricade established at Mile 13, near a trail to Savage Cabin. Bicycles are allowed along the road, but may not stop.

Wildlife Closure, Mile 8 Caution

An area about two miles north of the Denali Park Road near Mile 8 is closed temporarily for visitor safety following a surprise encounter involving a hiker and a sow grizzly with at least one cub.

Wildlife Closure, Sanctuary River Caution

Packrafters and hikers: Backcountry Unit 5 is closed between the Park Road and Double Mountain for wildlife habitat protection until further notice. This includes Sanctuary River and the Sanctuary River Valley. Please plan your trip accordingly.

Park Events

Sled Dog Kennels Open Hours

In the winter (mid-September through mid-May), the historic Sled Dog Kennels are open on weekend afternoons only. Come visit with Denali's friendly canine rangers! The dogs may be out on the trail, but a ranger will be available to chat.

Date: Sep 20, 2025 12:00am to Sep 20, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Solstice Ski and Stroll

Please join Denali National Park and Preserve for an evening celebrating the winter solstice. Bring your skis or snowshoes and drop by the Winter Visitor Center between 4–6pm to explore the boreal forest along a luminary-lit trail. This event is family friendly, and the trail is appropriate for all levels of skiing and snowshoe ability. Hot drinks will be provided at the Indoor Picnic Area. Please bring a mug, headlamp, and warm layers as we observe and celebrate the longest night of the year! (Note: Event was originally scheduled for 12/21, but was re-scheduled due to extreme cold temperatures.)

Date: Dec 28, 2025 12:00am to Dec 28, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Winterfest

Please join Denali National Park and Preserve on February 21-22, 2026, for the annual Winterfest celebrations. This fee-free weekend will offer events and activities for the whole family.

The 2026 schedule will be posted once event times are confirmed.

Date: Feb 21, 2026 12:00am to Feb 22, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
Mile 237 Highway 3
Denali Park, AK 99755

🏤 Mailing Address:
PO Box 9
Denali Park, AK 99755

📞 Voice Phone: 9076839532

✉️ Email: denali_info@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact

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