Denali National Park

Visitor Centers:

• Denali Visitor Center: Open May 15 through mid-September, 8 am to 6 pm
• Eielson Visitor Center: Open June 1 through mid-September, 9 am to 7 pm
• Murie Science and Learning Center: Open daily from 9 am - 4 pm
• Wilderness Access Center: Open May 15 through mid-September, 7 am to 7 pm
• Talkeetna Ranger Station: Open year round - hours vary by season

Denali National Park is open year round, and most summer visitor services and activities are available between late May and early September. Operating hours at Denali are highly dependent on seasons and weather. To check current operating hours and for more information about seasonal activities and closures, visit the park's website.

The park's one road, Denali Park Road, is 92 miles long, and only the first 15 miles are paved. The paved portion, leading from the park entrance to Savage River, is open during the summer for public (non-commercial) vehicles to drive. Summer travel beyond mile 15 is restricted to shuttle or tour bus or under human power.

The summer season in Denali runs from late May through early September. Visitors hoping to catch the wildflowers at their peak will want to visit the park from mid-June to mid-July. The wildflowers tend to peak around July 1 along and near the road and continue later into July at higher elevations and on north-facing slopes. Fall colors in the park are best observed from the last week of August through the first week of September depending on the weather as early snow or hard rain and wind can rapidly spoil the fall colors.

Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.

• Purchase an annual pass for all national parks sites, $80

Camping:
There are six established campgrounds in Denali. Reservations for each summer season can be made as early as December 1 of the preceding year. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1 (800) 622-7275.

• Riley Creek: Open year round, fees charged May 15 - mid-September each year, free in winter
• Savage River: Open May 19 - mid-September
• Sanctuary River: Open May 20 - mid-September
• Teklanika River: Open May 20 - mid-September
• Igloo Creek: Open May 20 - mid-September
• Wonder Lake: Open June 8 - mid-September

In addition to the established campgrounds at Denali, visitors can camp in the backcountry while on a backpacking trip. For more details about camping within the park, click here.

Lodging:
There are no NPS-operated accommodations in Denali. There are a few privately run lodges within the park in addition to a broad variety of lodging facilities outside of the park. To learn more about lodging in and around Denali, visit the park's website.

The Morino Grill, located next to the Denali Visitor Center, is the only restaurant in the park. Snacks can be purchased at the Wilderness Access Center and snacks, sandwiches, and camping food can be purchased at the Mercantile located in the Riley Creek Campground.

In summer, there are numerous restaurants that operate outside of the park, along Highway 3. The summer season runs from June through August. Businesses open at different times each year, so prepare for limited services if you visit in May or September. In fall, winter, and spring, the nearest restaurants and convenience stores are located in Healy, 11 miles to the north.

Shuttle Buses:
Summer travel beyond mile 15, which is hugely recommended, is available by shuttle, bus, or on foot. Keep in mind that bus schedules are subject to small adjustments throughout the season. Visitors can acquire the most recent schedule at the Wilderness Access Center or Denali Visitor Center. To learn more about current operating hours, fees, and destinations, click here.

• Toklat River: May 20 - September 15
• Eielson Visitor Center: June 1 - September 15
• Wonder Lake: June 8 - September 15
• Kantishna: June 8 - September 15
• Camper Bus: June 1 - September 14

Tour Buses:
Tour buses feature a trained naturalist who drives the bus and narrates during the tour. To learn more about tour bus options, click here.

• Denali Natural History Tour: mid-May - mid-September
• Tundra Wilderness Tour: May 20 - mid-September
• Kantishna Experience: June 8 - mid-September

Courtesy Buses:
There are three free bus services available in the park's entrance area that travel between the various visitor service buildings. For more information and to see current operating schedules, click here.

• Savage River Shuttle
• Riley Loop Shuttle
• Sled Demonstration Shuttle

Denali National Park offers a multitude of ways to explore the park's vast and awe-inspiring landscape. If you are visiting the park in the summer, you can choose from a variety of activities including hiking, sightseeing by bus, visiting the sled dog kennels, cycling the Denali Park Road, or "flight"-seeing by plane. Those hardy enough to explore the park in the winter can expect a similarly stunning landscape, but should come prepared to face extreme weather and solitude. Additionally, Denali offers several specialized activities for those planning a longer stay in the park. Backpacking, hunting, and climbing Mount Denali or Mount Foraker are all options for the more adventurous visitor. Visit Denali's website for more information on the park's other activities.

To download a variety of free brochures to help plan your visit, click here.