How to get to Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a vast wilderness area located in the interior of Alaska. It is home to the tallest peak in North America, Denali, which rises over 20,000 feet above sea level. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou. Getting to Denali National Park can be an adventure in itself, as it is located far from major population centers and is only accessible by a few modes of transportation.

By Car:

One option for getting to Denali National Park is to drive. The park is located about 240 miles north of Anchorage and can be reached by car via the George Parks Highway (AK-3). The drive takes around four and a half hours and passes through scenic landscapes, including the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and the Denali State Park.

If you are driving from the lower 48 states, the journey to Denali National Park will require a significant amount of time and planning. It is possible to reach the park by driving the Alaska Highway from British Columbia, Canada, but this route is long and can be challenging, especially during the winter months. It is important to have a reliable vehicle and to be prepared for changing weather conditions and long stretches of road with limited services.

By Train:

Another option for getting to Denali National Park is by train. The Alaska Railroad offers daily service to the park from both Anchorage and Fairbanks. The train journey takes around eight hours from Anchorage and three hours from Fairbanks, and passes through some of Alaska’s most stunning landscapes, including glaciers, forests, and rivers.

The train service to Denali National Park is popular with tourists, as it offers a comfortable and scenic way to see the park. The train features large windows, an observation deck, and dining service. Passengers can also choose from a range of classes, including standard seats, private cabins, and luxury domed cars.

By Bus:

Another option for getting to Denali National Park is by bus. The park operates a shuttle bus service that runs throughout the park’s interior, providing access to many of the park’s most popular destinations, including the Denali Visitor Center and the Eielson Visitor Center.

The shuttle bus service operates from mid-May to mid-September and offers a range of options, including narrated tours, ranger-guided hikes, and self-guided tours. The shuttle buses are comfortable and spacious, and provide a great way to see the park’s vast wilderness areas.

By Air:

Finally, it is also possible to get to Denali National Park by air. The park has two airstrips, one at Kantishna and the other at the park entrance. There are several air taxi and charter companies that operate flights to Denali National Park from Anchorage and other locations in Alaska.

Flying to Denali National Park can be an expensive option, but it also offers some unique advantages, including the ability to see the park’s vast landscapes from the air. Some air taxi companies also offer landing tours, which allow visitors to explore remote areas of the park that are inaccessible by road or trail.

Getting to Denali National Park can be an adventure in itself, and there are several options available depending on your budget, time constraints, and sense of adventure. Whether you choose to drive, take the train, ride the shuttle bus, or fly, you are sure to be rewarded with stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and a unique experience that you will never forget.