Discover the best things to do in Denali National Park - We offer sightseeing tours, cultural experiences, adventure activities, and day trips with top-rated local guides.
Top Attractions in Denali National Park
Denali National Park, located in the heart of Alaska, is one of America’s most breathtaking wilderness destinations. Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali, the park offers incredible opportunities for outdoor adventure and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore rugged hiking trails, enjoy scenic bus tours, and marvel at stunning glaciers, rivers, and alpine tundra landscapes. The park is also a sanctuary for grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and Dall sheep, making it a paradise for nature and photography enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or serene moments in untouched wilderness, Denali National Park promises an unforgettable Alaskan experience.
Get ready for an adventure in the Alaskan wilderness with an ATV tour from Denali. On an automatic single or double ATV, you'll ride along trails surrounded by Denali National Park at speeds up to 30 mph (48 kph), and make stops to enjoy 360-degree views of the Alaska Range, Otto Lake, and the Healy Valley. Traverse rocky creek beds and splash through the water (weather permitting) as a guide leads you through the rugged terrain and provides opportunities for photography. Wildlife is abundant, so watch for moose on the trail. When booking, select from several departure times and decide whether you want a single or 2-passenger side-by-side ATV.
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Soar through the boreal forest and over Alaskan tundra on an exhilarating 3-hour zipline tour — the only one of its kind in the Denali National Park area. Follow the lead of professional certified guides across six suspension bridges and seven thrilling ziplines. There’s even a heart-pounding dual racer finale. The course is open seasonally, from May through September.
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Rafting on the Nenana river allows you to float along the natural boundary of Denali National Park. This allows you to peek into the Park without the traffic.
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See the wilds of Alaska on a Side by Side ATV with a full windshield, roof, seat belts, gas pedal, and break. This fun and fantastic machine handles the rough terrain well - all near the Denali National Park boundary in the heart of Alaska. This is a great tour for couples, friends, and families. All ages are welcome with various start times each day and personal guides to cater to your needs. Photo opportunities abound on this 3 hour tour and a full service back country meal is provided. Please allow 3 1/2 hours if we are picking you up at your hotel.
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Rafting on the Nenana river allows you to float along the natural boundary of Denali National Park. This allows you to peek into the Park without the traffic.
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You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Journey across Alaska's tundra the way the original pioneers did, by horse-drawn covered wagon, on this 3-hour excursion from Black Diamond Resort. Set out from Healy for this wagon trip across the northern border of Denali National Park, which takes you back through time to learn about the area’s historic and natural treasures. Bask in mountain scenery and then stop to enjoy a delicious back-country dining experience. Choose from several day and evening departure times, and relish the convenience of round-trip transport.
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Fly with the original flightseeing company in Denali for your best odds of seeing The Mountain "face to face." Passengers on this flight see more of Denali, more often than anyone else. Your highly experienced pilots possess the skills and knowledge to take advantage of the unique airstrip location just outside the road entrance into Denali NP. 99% of the flight is within Denali National Park, giving you a comprehensive tour of its wild and majestic beauty. Fly among jagged mountaintops and over tumbling glaciers on a stunning 200-mile flight to get within ½ mile and circle Denali to see every spectacular corner (weather permitting).
Special Note(s): This tour is headset equipped, fully narrated and all seats are window seats on twin engine aircraft. Precise flight routes are dictated by current weather conditions. Anticipated flight routes will be discussed with passengers during a pre-flight briefing. Flight time is 60 - 70 minutes.
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Come explore the Alaska Wilderness off the road. Explore in a guided and climate controlled Search & Rescue Fat Truck/Sherp while staying safe from the weather, bugs, and the occasional wild animal. This 3 Hour tour takes you off road up steep mining trails to vista views, teaches you about the local history, and geological formations near Denali National Park in an adventurous off road Fat Truck search & rescue vehicle. (Plan on about 3.5-4 hours if using the the hotel shuttle service from select hotels during the summer season)
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Come explore the Denali Highway with us! Drive a new 4-door Jeep Wrangler or ride as a passenger, all while experiencing scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, and glaciers! 4 hours in length, not including lodging transfer. Open seasonally May through September.
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Get out and ride in the Alaskan Boreal Forest! Traveling at speeds up to 30 mph, maneuver through the taiga to picturesque panoramas of the Alaska Range. Observe glacial moraines and historic archaeological dig sites while navigating tree rutted trails, mountain-fed creek beds, and boggy tundra. Spend more time riding on the trail than any other Denali area off-road adventure tour. You may learn how to make fireweed tea, leave with a blueberry smile, or even chat about survival. Periodic stops are made for photography and wildlife sightings. Tackle the terrain in a single-rider ATV or share the thrill in a multi-passenger side-by-side ATV. Trails are challenging for all experience levels. Total tour covers about 20 miles with 2½ hours on the trails.
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Stroll leisurely through the forest of Denali National Park. As you walk, listen to your guide talk about the plants, animals, ecology, geology, and more that make Denali unique. Taste the bounty of edible berries that pepper Denali's forests.
Your guide is a true expert. Not a mid-rate guide who knows a few fun facts. They're a Naturalist who's prepared to answer any question you throw at them. They're ready for wildlife encounters with bear spray and good training. They have a Wilderness First Responder certification, making them better prepared than an EMT for an emergency in the backcountry. See? I told you they were an expert.
This is your chance to experience Alaska up close and personal. Your chance to feel the peat moss that so few do. Taste the elusive and legendary cloudberries. This is more than a walk. It's an all expenses paid teleportation into the inner workings of Denali National Park.
OH! And we donate 5% to conservation. You're helping Denali by taking this tour!
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Journey into the wilds of Alaska on a unique family-friendly treasure hunt aboard an off-road vehicle driven by our trained guide. Set out from Healy for this 3-hour guided adventure and work together searching for hidden clues, seeking out quartz and granite rocks, and exchanging geocache treasures, which results in a take-home souvenir. Learn about local history, flora, and fauna and refuel with a traditional back country meal.
Please let us know when booking if you are driving yourself or if you need to be picked up at your hotel choice. The pick up time at your hotel is the listed booking time. If you are driving yourself to our location plase arrive 15 minutes later. We are located at 1.2 Mile Otto Lake Road, turn onto Otto Lake Raod at Mile 247 off the George Parks Highway.
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Take home awe-inspiring photographs of Alaska! With a maximum of 4 participants per tour, you will receive a personalized photography experience featuring panoramic landscapes, majestic mountains, and reflection ponds. Our photo guides are expert photographers and light-wranglers; they will be your location scout, driver, and instructor – seeking out the best locations and the most dramatic lighting in real time. Guides provide individualized instruction so you can hone your skills as you capture beautiful images that will last a lifetime. This guided excursion offers one-on-one attention and allows you to feel like you have the locations all to yourself for a truly immersive experience.
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Explore the rugged Alaskan wilderness on your own 4WD ATV machine. Join your guide for a personal tour of the backcountry, basking in the surrounding scenery while traversing dry creek beds and dirt paths on an off-road adventure. Your 3-hour excursion includes a hearty meal — the perfect refuel before you hop back on board the ATV for a thrilling return to your starting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Healy are included.
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Embark on a moderate 3-hour walk through in the Denali area with an informative naturalist guide and a small group limited to seven people. Explore both within and outside the wilderness of Denali National Park, moving slowly through the boreal forest of the Alaska Range. Choose a morning, afternoon or evening walk.
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Adventure. Authenticity. Exploration. This tour embodies these ideas. Leave the trails and cookie-cutter tours behind to go off-trail into the magical boreal forest just outside of Denali National Park.
Put on your future-shoes for a moment. Your feet sink into the deep moss that carpets the forest floor. It feels like walking on a memory foam mattress. Your guide hands you a handful wild blueberries. They’re tastier than the ones you bought at the store. The flavors wash over your tongue as your guide tells you about the nutritional benefits.
From the corner of your eye you spot movement! A snowshoe hare. It hasn’t lost its ivory-white winter coat yet. Your guide decides to change course and follow the hare. Why not? You’re not on a trail.
Now drag yourself back to the present. Is that snapshot something you want to experience on your Denali vacation? If so, you're the person we designed this tour for. The magic starts when you leave the trail.
We donate 5% to conservation.
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Discover the Top Attractions in Denali National Park
Spanning over six million acres of pristine wilderness, Denali National Park in Alaska is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the United States. Known for its towering mountains, abundant wildlife, and untouched natural beauty, the park offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. At its heart stands Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest peak at 20,310 feet. From scenic drives and hiking trails to glacier views and wildlife encounters, Denali National Park offers something unforgettable for every type of traveler.
Denali – North America’s Tallest Peak
The highlight of the park, Denali, dominates the skyline and attracts adventurers from around the world. Whether you’re viewing it from a distance or attempting a summit climb, the mountain’s sheer size and beauty are breathtaking. The best vantage points for seeing Denali are from the Eielson Visitor Center and Wonder Lake, where you can capture stunning photos on clear days. Even if clouds obscure the peak, the surrounding landscapes of glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged valleys make the journey worthwhile.
Denali Park Road – Scenic Bus Tours and Wildlife Viewing
One of the most popular ways to explore Denali National Park is along the Denali Park Road, a 92-mile stretch that cuts through some of the most beautiful wilderness in Alaska. Private vehicles are only allowed on the first 15 miles, but beyond that, visitors can take guided shuttle or tour buses to access deeper parts of the park. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to spot wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and moose. The narrated tours provide fascinating insights into the park’s history, geology, and wildlife conservation efforts.
Eielson Visitor Center – Panoramic Views and Hiking Trails
Located at mile 66 of the Park Road, the Eielson Visitor Center is one of the best places to enjoy unobstructed views of Denali on clear days. The center features interactive exhibits, ranger-led programs, and access to several hiking trails. The popular Thorofare Ridge Trail offers a moderate hike with breathtaking vistas of tundra landscapes, alpine valleys, and the Alaska Range. For visitors looking to combine education with scenic beauty, the Eielson Visitor Center is a must-see attraction.
Wonder Lake – A Photographer’s Paradise
Just past the Eielson Visitor Center lies Wonder Lake, one of the most iconic and photographed spots in Denali National Park. On clear days, the calm waters reflect the towering Denali peak, creating postcard-perfect views. The area is also a popular camping destination, offering opportunities for backcountry hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing under Alaska’s pristine night skies. Whether you’re a professional photographer or simply love stunning landscapes, Wonder Lake should be on your Denali itinerary.
Savage River – Scenic Hikes and Wildlife Encounters
For travelers seeking shorter hikes near the park entrance, the Savage River area offers excellent options. The Savage River Loop Trail is a relatively easy 2-mile hike along the river, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and tundra landscapes. Wildlife sightings are common here, with chances to spot marmots, Dall sheep, and occasionally bears. This area is perfect for families or those looking to enjoy Denali’s natural beauty without venturing deep into the park.
Toklat River – Rugged Wilderness and Backcountry Access
The Toklat River area offers dramatic views of braided riverbeds and rugged mountain terrain. It’s a popular stop on Denali bus tours and serves as a gateway to some of the park’s best backcountry hiking. Visitors can explore trails near the river or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the Alaska Range. The Toklat River Contact Station also offers ranger programs that provide insights into the park’s ecosystems and wildlife.
Sled Dog Demonstrations – A Unique Denali Experience
Denali National Park is the only U.S. national park with its own team of working sled dogs, known as the park’s “canine rangers.” Visitors can attend sled dog demonstrations to learn about the important role these dogs play in maintaining the park’s wilderness. During summer, you can meet the dogs, watch live demonstrations, and gain a deeper appreciation for this long-standing Alaskan tradition. It’s a fun and educational experience, especially for families with children.
Wildlife Watching – Grizzlies, Wolves, and More
Denali is renowned for its abundant wildlife and offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Alaska. Resident species include grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Birdwatchers will also delight in spotting golden eagles, ptarmigans, and migratory birds throughout the park. To maximize your chances of seeing wildlife, take an early morning or evening shuttle bus, when animals are most active. Always remember to maintain a safe distance and respect their natural habitat.
Glacier Viewing – Nature’s Frozen Wonders
Denali National Park is home to over 40 glaciers, offering awe-inspiring views of Alaska’s icy landscapes. The Kahiltna Glacier, the largest in the park, stretches over 44 miles and can be seen from several scenic viewpoints. Flightseeing tours are also available for a once-in-a-lifetime aerial perspective of the park’s glaciers, mountain peaks, and vast wilderness. Whether from the ground or the air, Denali’s glaciers are a true testament to the raw power of nature.
Plan Your Visit to Denali National Park
A trip to Denali National Park is an unforgettable adventure filled with stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural experiences. Whether you’re hiking tundra trails, photographing glaciers, or learning about the park’s history, Denali offers endless opportunities to connect with nature. Be sure to plan ahead, as summer is the busiest season, and accommodations and tour spots fill up quickly. Regardless of when you visit, Denali promises breathtaking beauty and an authentic taste of Alaska’s wild frontier.
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