Where to Stay When Visiting Alaska's Denali National Park

Travel the park roadPerhaps the best-known excursion in Denali is taking a bus ride on the lone road running into the park. Narrated tour buses and hop-on, hop-off transit buses used to run all the way down the 92-mile park road—but an ongoing land slump has forced partial closure of the road, so all vehicle traffic currently turns around at mile 43. For a quick (and free) taste of the park road, you can catch the courtesy shuttle that runs between the Denali Visitor Center and Savage River (mile 15 of the park road).You can also rent a bicycle from Bike Denali, about a (bikeable) mile outside the park entrance, and explore as far as you'd like along the park road, or drive your personal vehicle as far as mile 15 during peak season, although the small parking area at Savage River fills up fast.See North America's tallest peakIt's natural to expect a glimpse of North America's tallest mountain, Denali, when you come to the park that bears its name. But you'll have to venture to at least mile 9 of the park road before the elevation is high enough to reveal 20,310' Denali. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also hike to the top of the aptly named Mountain Vista trail, at about mile 12, for more views.The mountain is often obscured by clouds, so if you don't get to see it while in the park, don't despair: You can also catch a glimpse from the Alaska Railroad trains or, if you're driving, from several well-marked waysides along the Parks Highway.Take a hikeDenali is home to a handful of beautiful hiking trails, including the beloved Savage River and Savage Alpine trails, as well as the stunning Triple Lakes Trail, where you might be able to add beavers to your wildlife-viewing checklist. You're also welcome to hike off-trail from the park road—just hop off at any likely-looking pullout and explore.No matter where you hike, it's important that you carry bear spray—which you can rent from the Alaska Geographic store in the park, next to the Denali Visitor Center—and know what to do if you encounter wildlife. Park rangers are also available to help you choose a hiking destination and coach you on how to handle wildlife encounters. They also lead a variety of group activities, including hikes both on- and off-trail.Visit with sled dogsDenali National Park is home to the National Park Service's only working kennel of sled dogs. Rangers demonstrate how they work with the dogs two to three times per day throughout the summer; you can walk to the kennels from the park entrance, or catch a free shuttle bus.Other toursYou'll see a wide variety of other tour options advertised for Denali National Park, including whitewater rafting, horseback riding, ATV tours, and jeep tours. With very few exceptions, these take place along the boundary of the park, not actually in it. But adventuring alongside Denali can be a fine—and thrilling—way to spend your visit.Among companies operating just outside the park, Denali Horseback Tours is a perennial favorite. Their reliable steeds take you off into the hills for beautiful vistas overlooking the park and neighboring lands, without any of the noise or exhaust from a jeep or ATV tour. If you do want the thrill of a motor-driven vehicle, though, Denali ATV Adventures is hugely popular.A last (and favorite) way of seeing Denali at near-distance is from the water. Whitewater rafting tours from companies like the family-owned Denali Raft Adventures take you down the Nenana River, which forms the natural boundary on the east side of Denali National Park. Rafting excursions range from pulse-pounding to relatively sedate, so there’s something for almost everybody.If you’re ready to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Alaska Alpine Adventures is an excellent guide service that does have the required permits to work inside the park. Just note that their custom hiking and backpacking tours demand a fairly high level of physical fitness.