National Park & Preserve · Alaska
Denali National Park & Preserve
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.
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Group Camping
- RV Camping
- Climbing
- Mountain Climbing
- Dog Sledding
- Fishing
- Food
- Flying
- Guided Tours
- Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
- Hunting and Gathering
- Gathering and Foraging
- Hunting
Weather & when to go
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.
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
Operating hours
All Park Hours
Denali is open 24-hours a day, although services are limited after-hours (generally after 4 pm in winter or 6 pm in summer). There is no gate at the park entrance. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds (with a valid reservation) or in the rest of the park with a free backpacking permit.
Campgrounds
Riley Creek
Savage River
Sanctuary River
Teklanika River
Igloo Creek
Wonder Lake
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit Denali National Park & Preserve?
- Entrance to Denali National Park & Preserve costs $15.00 (Entrance - Per Person). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at Denali National Park & Preserve?
- Denali is open 24-hours a day, although services are limited after-hours (generally after 4 pm in winter or 6 pm in summer). There is no gate at the park entrance. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds (with a valid reservation) or in the rest of the park with a free backpacking per…
- Do I need a reservation for Denali National Park & Preserve?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Denali National Park & Preserve. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
Related guides
Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Denali National Park & Preserve.
One Day in Denali National Park: Itinerary
Plan one day in Denali National Park: when to ride the park bus, short walks near the entrance, wildlife tips, and a bad-weather backup plan.
Where to Stay in Denali National Park: Best Areas
From Nenana Canyon hotels to remote Kantishna lodges: how to pick where to stay in Denali National Park based on how deep into the park you want to go.
How to Visit Kobuk Valley National Park
No roads, no trails, no campgrounds, and about 17,000 visitors a year. Here is exactly how to reach the least-visited national park in the country.
How to Visit Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska
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Best Time to Visit Denali National Park
When to visit Denali for open buses, fall tundra color, fewer mosquitoes and the best odds of seeing the mountain itself.
How to Visit Gates of the Arctic National Park
A practical planning guide to Gates of the Arctic National Park: air taxi access from Bettles and Coldfoot, the Dalton Highway walk-in, costs, timing and safety.