Denali National Park & Preserve

About Denali

Denali is six million acres of wild land, bisected by one ribbon of road. Travelers along it see the relatively low-elevation taiga forest give way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America's tallest peak, 20,310' Mount McKinley. Wild animals large and small roam un-fenced lands, living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility and wilderness await.

From the National Park Service.

Entrance fees

Park annual pass

The Denali Annual Pass covers up to four adults. You may purchase it online or in person at the park.

Reservations

NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.

Weather and seasons

Summer is typically cool and wet, with highs typically in the upper 50s to low 60s, and lows in the 40s. On occasion, summer highs reach the low 80s, though this is rare. Snow can fall any month of the year, so be prepared for chilly weather even in summer. Fall colors emerge on the alpine tundra in August and in the low valleys in early September. Winter generally starts in mid-September, with temps often getting down to -40 by January. Spring is a short season in April / May, with highs above freezing.

Hours

Denali is open 24-hours a day, although services are limited after-hours (generally after 4 pm in winter or 6 pm in summer). There is no gate at the park entrance. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds (with a valid reservation) or in the rest of the park with a free backpacking permit.

Getting there

You can drive to Denali from Anchorage or Fairbanks, along Highway 3, which is known as the "George Parks Highway." Fairbanks is about 2 hours north, while Anchorage is 5 hours south of the Denali entrance. You can also reach Denali from either city via the Alaska Railroad, which is operated by the State of Alaska.

Campgrounds

• Igloo CreekFirst come, first served
• Riley CreekBook on Recreation.gov
• Sanctuary RiverBook on Recreation.gov
• Savage RiverBook on Recreation.gov
• Teklanika RiverBook on Recreation.gov
• Wonder LakeBook on Recreation.gov

Webcams

• Denali Puppycam (live video)
• Berry Bear (live video)

Visitor centers

• Denali Visitor Center
• Murie Science and Learning Center
• Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station
• Denali Bus Depot
• Indoor Picnic Area
• Eielson Visitor Center

Alerts

• Information: Road Open To: Mile 3 (Park Headquarters)

As of October 26, 2026. Current alerts on nps.gov

Sources

Prices checked by hand against the park's fees page on October 26, 2026 (page last updated June 2, 2025).

Denali National Park & Preserve fees on nps.gov. Prices, park information and photos from the NPS Data API, checked October 26, 2026. Photos credited to the National Park Service.