Denali National Park and Preserve:USA
Located in Alaska, Denali National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States and protects one of the most spectacular natural wonders on Earth: Denali, or Mount McKinley.
Denali National Park and Preserve protects more than 66,000 acres that are home to several hundred species of plants and animals. The park features glaciers, rivers, lakes, mountains, tundra and boreal forests.
Denali is also home to a wide variety of wildlife including caribou, moose, grizzly bears, wolves and Dall sheep as well as other animals like wolverines and lynxes. The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 for its cultural significance as well as its natural beauty.
The easiest way to get to Denali National Park is by plane. There are flights from Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, with several flights each day. However, the cost of an aeroplane ticket can be expensive. The park also offers a bus system that runs from Anchorage, Fairbanks and Tok, which can save you some money. In addition to these options, there is an option for people with their own vehicles who want to drive into the park. The road is only open during certain times of year due to heavy snowfall so you should check before making plans for your trip.
If you plan your trip well in advance and have time to save up, you can fly into Anchorage then rent a car and drive yourself to the park entrance.
From Fairbanks, there are several ways to get to Denali National Park and Preserve. There is a train that goes up the Dalton Highway (a major road in Alaska) which will take about 2 hours. If you don’t have time for this, you can also take a helicopter ride up the Dalton Highway for about $200 per person.
Ideal Times to Visit Denali National Park
If you can visit Denali National Park during the summer and fall seasons, the best time to go is from late June through August. The summer months are warmer, but more importantly for most visitors, there are fewer tourists. In addition, the weather in this region is more predictable than during the winter months when storms can occur any day of the week.
The winter season is relatively mild compared to other times of year. There are many snow-covered mountains in Alaska, but they usually don’t stay covered for long. Besides being prone to freezing temperatures, winter also has its share of snowstorms that can wreak havoc on roads and trails.
If you want to avoid crowds and maximise your chances of seeing wildlife, then look no further than mid-June through early July or late September through early October. During these months, there are fewer people around because most have already returned home by then.
Great Sights to Catch in Denali National Park
Denali is a park that is not only beautiful but also very diverse. There are so many different sights to see in Denali National Park that make your trip to Alaska unforgettable.
The first sight you will see when entering Denali National Park is Mt McKinley, the tallest peak in North America at 20,320 feet. Mt McKinley is an incredibly popular hiking destination with over 50 miles of trails and roads leading up to its summit.
There’s also the Gates of the Arctic Wilderness, which is where the park’s eastern and western boundaries begin. This is also where you’ll find the Alaskan Way Visitor Centre and the Talkeetna Ranger Station, which are great stops for information and supplies before or after your trip.
What Is the Wildlife of Denali National Park Like?
The wildlife of Denali National Park is one of the most diverse in the world, with more than 3,000 animal species documented.
The park’s wolves are among the largest in Alaska. Other large predators in the park include brown bears, lynx and wolverines. Bears are found throughout the park and can be seen on many hiking trails during daylight hours. Bears love berries, so visitors should watch where they’re stepping when out for walks at night or near campsites in bear country areas!
Mountain goats live in Denali National Park as well as nearby Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Mountain goats are susceptible to cold weather conditions, so they will seek shelter during severe winter storms or when temperatures drop below freezing levels at night.
The Takeaway
If you’ve always wanted to see the wilderness but either don’t have the means or are afraid of the danger, Denali National Park may be just what you’re looking for. With glaciers so big you can walk right up to them, mountains that tower more than three miles above you, and bears and moose wandering through your campground, nature takes your breath away in this preserve.
