Denali National Park

At 7370 square miles (over 6 million acres) Denali national park is larger than the states of Connecticut and Delaware combined. Denali’s crowning jewel is mount McKinley, standing at 20320 feet (6193 meters) McKinley is North America’s highest peak and on a clear summers day can be seen as far away as anchorage.

A true wilderness this park is very well managed and numbers of tourists are restricted in order to protect the wildlife. In order to enter the park a permit must be purchased for approx US$10 per person, however family, senior citizen and annual passes are amongst the other options. If you are wanting to stay within the park itself and get close to the nature then campgrounds can be found within the parks boundaries and cost on average US$12 – US$25 per person per night, many of these sites have facilities such as toilet blocks and picnic areas and this is about as close to camping in a true wilderness as you can get.

Being a protected and well managed national park Denali’s wildlife is better preserved than most and with its massive size the animals and birds that live here truly are wild and in their own habitat free from intrusion. Amongst the species that can be found here are brown and grizzly bears which are often seen in areas where forest meets lake and make a remarkable sight. Other animals that can be seen include caribou, moose, wolves and Dall sheep which make up just some of the 39 species of mammals that can be found here. 80% of the regions 167 species of bird are migratory and travel from six separate continents to spend their summer is this sub arctic landscape, species regularly seen here include the peregrine falcon, the northern hawk owl, the ptarmigan (Alaska’s national bird) and of course the golden eagle which is of course a sight that will stay in your mind long after you leave Denali.

There are several options to travel to Denali national park, travelling around Denali gives a few options, remembering you can drive into the start of the park but can not travel beyond 14 miles. Shuttle busses operate within the park and stop at regular intervals along the main routes and near hiking trails and campsites, bicycle hire is another option however is not permitted on the trails. Or simply take a tour bus through Denali national park, with more eyes scanning the landscape it’s easier to spot the wildlife.

Hiking is one of the most popular ways to this park however preparation and planning is key, there are fewer trails than you might expect and backcountry hiking (no trail hiking) is split into 43 regions and a permit must be obtained and only a certain number are issued for each day and night. Backcountry hiking is also much harder than sticking to a trail as the terrain is unpredictable and uneven and you may even need to cross the odd mountain stream so research of your route is essential. This form of hiking may be hard work however very little else gives you a sense of such remoteness and so few people makes this area feel a true wilderness and gives you the chance to be at one with nature.

As mentioned camping is the easiest way to get close to the local nature and wildlife when staying in Denali however for those of you who prefer a few more home comforts lodges and log cabins are also widely available. If staying in Denali as part of a tour most operators use the local hotels which range from basic to 5 star deluxe lodges, some giving you the option of that outdoor hot tub overlooking the stunning scenery of Denali.

However you choose to spend your time here you can not fail to be amazed at the scenery and wildlife, very few places on earth are as unspoilt and untouched by man giving a true feeling of remoteness here in one of nature’s true last wildernesses.