Planning a trip to the Alaska Range soon?
Before you go, you need to map out the best way to see Denali National Park.
This famous nature preserve covers about 6 million acres of Alaskan wilderness.
It’s also home to Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) — the tallest peak in America.
Aside from 160 miles of snowy summits and green, untouched plains, this park also boasts a diverse and interesting roster of wildlife.
Wolves, caribou, and grizzly bears (oh my!) can be spotted by lucky visitors, alongside some moose and Dall’s sheep.
Smaller mammals include red squirrels, foxes, and marmots.
These tinier critters are more social and can be seen alongside hiking trails or skittering across the main campgrounds.
So with so much to see and so much ground to cover, it’s best you figure out how you’re going to get around Denali before you actually get there.
Don’t worry; with options like scenic bus tours, thrilling flightseeing trips, and guided hikes, there’s a way for everyone to get around.
Bus Tours on Denali Park Road
Taking a bus tour is one of the best ways to see Denali National Park.
Private vehicles are only allowed on the first 15 miles of the 91-mile Denali Park Road, so hopping on a bus is essential to go deeper into the park.
A crowd favorite is the Tundra Wilderness Tour.
This guided experience is one of the more in-depth bus tours available.
It takes visitors quite deep into the park, giving them the chance to see incredible wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, and caribou.
And on clear days, you’ll even get breathtaking views of Denali itself.
If you’re short on time, consider the Denali Natural History Tour.
While it doesn’t go as far as the Tundra Wilderness, it still offers great wildlife sightings and a glimpse into the park’s cultural history.
For more flexibility, transit buses allow you to hop off and explore hiking trails before catching another bus back.
Flightseeing Trips: See Denali From Above
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the park, flightseeing might be the best way to see Denali National Park.
Imagine soaring above the Alaska Range with Denali’s peaks and glaciers stretching out below you.
Many flightseeing tours leave from Talkeetna or Anchorage, so it’s easy to book one even if you’re staying outside the park.
You’re in for a treat, as some tours include glacier landings.
Yes; you’ll actually land on a glacier and get to step out onto the ice — truly an unforgettable moment!
Clear weather is key for flightseeing, so keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is well worth it for the incredible views.
Hiking and Viewing Points
For those who prefer exploring on foot, hiking is another great way to get around.
Several trails near the first 15 miles of Denali Park Road are easily accessible and perfect for day hikes.
The Savage River Loop Trail is a great choice for families or beginners.
This easy, scenic hike follows the river and offers plenty of chances to spot wildlife.
For a more challenging adventure, visitors can try the Triple Lakes Trail.
It’s much longer than the Savage River Loop, and it takes you through winding forests and lengthy ridges.
It’s worth it for the view, though; the scenery you’ll see along the way is absolutely stunning.
Don’t miss iconic viewpoints like Stony Pass and the Eielson Visitor Center.
Both are accessible by bus and offer some of the most dramatic views of Denali and the surrounding wilderness.
Nearby Locations: An Alternative POV
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, don’t worry.
Nearby towns like Talkeetna and Anchorage provide excellent alternatives for viewing Denali.
In Talkeetna, head to the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge or Talkeetna Riverfront Park for a clear view of the mountain range.
In Anchorage, spots like Point Woronzof or Earthquake Park offer distant but beautiful perspectives of Denali.
Sometimes, the best way to see Denali National Park includes thinking outside the park boundaries.
These nearby locations give you another chance to take in the mountain’s grandeur.
The Best Times to Visit Denali for Clear Shots
Timing matters when you’re planning to see Denali.
If you’re after certain scenes or landscapes, the season and time of day will affect your view.
Winter months, from December to February, usually offer the clearest skies.
This makes them ideal for mountain viewing.
However, access to certain areas of the park is limited during this time.
Plus, outside temperatures can be extreme.
For milder weather, consider visiting in early spring or late summer.
March through mid-April offers clear skies and fewer crowds as the park begins to thaw.
In summer, early mornings are your best bet for clear views before clouds roll in.
Wildlife Viewing on Bus Tours
One of the highlights of visiting Denali is the incredible wildlife.
If you’re an animal lover, a bus tour is the best way to see Denali National Park.
It’s an incredibly reliable method for spotting animals thanks to the buses’ elevated designs and expert guides.
As you travel along Denali Park Road, you’re likely to see grizzly bears, black bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep.
Drivers are trained to stop for wildlife sightings, giving everyone a chance to watch and take photos.
If you’re lucky, you might spot wolves in the distance or catch eagles soaring overhead.
Bus tours are a great way to experience Denali’s vibrant ecosystem up close.
Guided Hikes for an In-Depth Experience
Guided hikes are a great way to explore Denali National Park while learning more about its unique environment.
Ranger-led walks, available from late May to mid-September, are perfect for families or anyone wanting to dive deeper into the park’s history and ecology.
Private guided hikes are also an option, offering a personalized experience tailored to your group’s interests and abilities.
You might find yourself wandering the Triple Lakes Trail or exploring lesser-known paths.
Either way, guided hikes provide a richer connection to the park.
Explore Denali National Park with Travel by Maeghan
Planning a trip to Alaska can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
At Travel by Maeghan, I specialize in helping families and groups find the best way to see Denali National Park.
From booking bus tours and flightseeing trips to recommending the best hiking trails, I’ll take care of all the details.
Reach out today, and let me help you plan an unforgettable trip.