Denali National Park & Preserve
Activities & Programs
While most of the action takes place during the summer, there are always lots of activities and programs to take advantage of at Denali National Park and Preserve. The following is a partial list of the various opportunities the park offers.
Air Tours
When it comes to getting an "overview" of Denali National Park, scenic air tours are second in popularity only to the Tundra Wilderness Tour or Denali Natural History Tour! Many visitors describe an air tour as "a once in a lifetime" experience, a chance to glimpse everything the park has to offer from a unique and breathtaking vantage point. For more information, inquire at the visitor center or visit www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/ index.htm.
Camping
In all, there are six campgrounds located in the park. Visitors may camp out at any one of these sites for a total of 14 days per year. Riley Creek Campground, located at the entrance to the park, is open year-round. Denali's campgrounds all have different access, fees and facilities. For more information on camping, please contact the park concessioner at (800) 622-7275 or visit www.reservedenali.com.
Campground Programs
Come learn about anything from grizzlies to glaciers during informal 30- to 45-minute programs. The topics and presentation times are listed on bulletin boards throughout the park. Programs are presented at the Savage River, Wonder Lake, Teklanika River and Riley Creek campgrounds.
Bicycling
Since visitors are allowed to bike all 90 miles of the park road, cycling is a wonderful way to get around the area, while enjoying every visual delight. Please note, though, that biking on trails is strictly prohibited. Camper buses have spots for a maximum of two bikes on a space-available basis. Keep in mind there are no repair stations, so riders have to plan to fix their own flats and tackle other mechanical problems. Also, make sure to carry water or have a filter, potable aqua tablets or other purification device to make water from streams and rivers safe to drink.
Fishing
While many streams or lakes in Denali National Park and Preserve are not prime sport fishing areas, there are spots to cast a line throughout the park. In the Kantishna area, for instance, Moose Creek and Wonder Lake offer opportunities for arctic grayling and lake trout fishing.
Hiking
Hiking in Denali National Park and Preserve can include anything from a leisurely stroll along a river to an adventurous hike up a mountain. There are a number of short, established trails at the entrance of the park and at Polychrome Overlook, Fish Creek and Wonder Lake—as well as backcountry options throughout. See "Walking & Hiking" on pages 34—36 for more detailed information.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted in the new additions to Denali National Park and Preserve. Sport hunting is allowed in the preserve during the appropriate hunting season, and subsistence hunting (for local rural residents) is allowed in the new park additions. Hunting is prohibited in the "old park," which is the area that most people visit. Specific hunting regulations are published annually. Animals subject to sport hunting on preserve lands include moose, Dall sheep, black and grizzly bears, wolves, wolverine, spruce grouse, ruffed grouse, willow ptarmigan, rock ptarmigan, white-tailed ptarmigan, snowshoe hares, coyote, red fox, lynx and squirrel. For more information, call (907) 683-2294.
Mountaineering
Adventurers wishing to climb Mount McKinley and Mount Foraker are encouraged to check out the extensive logistical and safety information on the park's website: www.nps.gov/dena. Climbers planning to scale either mountain must register with the park and pay a special-use fee of $200 per climber. In addition to the special use fee, there's a 60-day pre-registration regulation—this allows mountaineering rangers to have direct contact with climbers before they arrive in Talkeetna. Be advised that these regulations, designed to ensure visitor safety, will be strictly enforced. The park's mountaineering booklet is available in eight languages; it covers mandatory requirements, search and rescue information, clean climbing requirements, high-altitude medical problems, glacier hazards and self-sufficiency. Climbers should have a solid understanding of potentially serious medical problems and awareness of the extreme mental and physical stresses associated with high-altitude mountaineering. Contact the Talkeetna Ranger Station at (907) 733-2231 with any additional questions, or to request a hard copy of the mountaineering booklet. The booklet is also available on the park's website: www.nps.gov/dena.
Mushing
If you have a sled dog team, Denali National Park is the perfect playground! The National Park Service maintains a working kennel on the premises, and rangers continue the tradition of dog team patrols that began with the park's first rangers in the 1920s. Contact the kennel at (907) 683-9586 for any questions about mushing.
Sled Dog Demonstration
These unique 30-minute programs include an opportunity to tour the park kennels and visit Denali's Alaskan huskies. Free buses to the kennels leave the Denali Visitor Center approximately a half-hour before each demonstration (be advised that there is no parking available near the kennels themselves). Demonstrations begin Memorial Day weekend and are scheduled for 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
Savage River Walk
Explore the tundra while walking along the banks of the Savage River; you can witness some of the effects of glaciation and search the rocky slopes for wildlife. The trailhead is at mile 15, Savage River.
Short Guided Hikes
Check at the Denali Visitor Center for information regarding short guided hikes.
Skiing
Cross-country skiing is a serene, rewarding way to explore Denali—whether you undertake an afternoon trip on sled dog trails, explore the park road or go on an extended journey into the backcountry. Telemark skiing and snowboarding involve long climbs on foot, but are becoming increasingly popular. If you plan to travel in areas that present avalanche hazards, please have proper training and equipment.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is gaining in popularity as a great way to get outside and exercise in the winter. Different lengths of snowshoes serve different purposes; make sure you are prepared for both deep and shallow snow conditions.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling for traditional activities is permitted in the 1980 additions to Denali National Park and Preserve under select conditions (if snow cover is not adequate, this activity is strictly prohibited). Please contact park headquarters at (907) 683-2294 to make sure this activity is permitted on any given day.
Denali Visitor Center
It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from mid-May until mid-September. The center—located near the train station, has park rangers on duty, and exhibits on the history and resources of Denali. The 18-minute, high definition feature film, "Heartbeats of Denali" is shown on the hour and half hour in the Karstens Theater. The visitor center is located adjacent to the Denali Bookstore and the Morino Grill food service facility.
The Wilderness Access Center is located closer to the park road entrance. This is where visitors can purchase or pick up their shuttle bus or tour tickets and campground permits. There is also a Camper Store and Coffee Shop available located next to the concessioner. The Backcountry Information Center is located next to the Wilderness Access Center, and is where backpackers and other overnight backcountry users pick up their backcountry permits. Check at the park for hours of operation or call (907) 683-9274.
Denali In Depth
News from the Parks
Rainier Landmark Meets Wrecking Ball
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
New River Gorge National River Celebrates 30th Anniversary
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
Park to Go with 720 Sleds per Day
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
Falling Boulders Endanger Lives at Yosemite
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
Interior and Energy Team-up to Make National Parks “Green”
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
