Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park and Preserve encompasses six million acres of wild landscape in interior Alaska, bisected by the Alaska Range and crowned by Denali, North America's tallest peak at 20,310 feet. The park protects complete subarctic ecosystems supporting wildlife populations including grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, moose, and caribou. With only one road accessing the park's interior and most of the landscape designated wilderness, Denali offers unparalleled wilderness experiences. The park's ecosystems range from taiga forests at lower elevations to alpine tundra and permanent ice fields. This intact ecosystem supports 39 mammal species, 169 bird species, and 1,500 plant species adapted to extreme conditions. The park serves as a critical refuge for wide-ranging species like wolves and grizzly bears that require vast territories, while caribou migrations connect habitats across the landscape. Denali implements minimal development strategies to preserve wilderness character while providing wildlife viewing opportunities. The park manages 600,000 annual visitors through a shuttle bus system limiting private vehicle access, protecting both wildlife and visitor experiences. Research programs include long-term wildlife monitoring, climate change studies, and subsistence use documentation while management focuses on maintaining natural processes.

Water Features

Glacial rivers, Kettle ponds, Braided streams

Ecosystem

This destination features a mountain & alpine ecosystem.