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DenaliDenali for Families |
Brochure Denali for Families for Denali National Park & Preserve (NP&PRES) in Alaska. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
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Denali
for
Families
A Visitor’s Guide to
Denali National Park and Preserve
The current park lands of Denali National Park and Preserve include the traditional
homelands of the Dene, also known as the Athabascan People. They are the Ahtna,
Benhti Kenaga’ (Tanana), Dinak’I (Upper Kuskokwim), and Denaakk’e (Koyukon), and
in the southeast park, the Dena’ina. For thousands of years, these peoples have
interacted with the land to make homes, hunt and gather foods, create art, and trade.
Alaska Natives have been stewards of the land since long before it was managed by
the National Park Service, and they continute to practice traditional values and utilize
park resources today.
Credits
Author: Kris Capps
Editors: Jill Bruebaker, Ellen Grover, Sierra Mclane,
Sarah Hayes, and Laura Vachula.
Layout and Design: Ellen Grover, Elizabeth Menezes,
Laura Vachula, and Debbie Whitecar
Inspiration and Oversight: Christie Denzel Anastasia,
Kristen Friesen, Philip Hooge, Shelli Huls, Sierra McLane,
Ingrid Nixon, and Lisa Oakley
Many thanks to the families who provided photographs,
quotes, and inspiration for sharing Denali with others.
May families everywhere get to experience special
outdoor places.
Front Cover: Emily Mesner
This guide was produced by the National Park Service
and Alaska Geographic working in partnership through
the Murie Science and Learning Center.
Denali Families
for
A Visitor’s Guide to
Denali National Park and Preserve
Produced in 2015
NPS Photo
Updated in 2020
Contents
How To Use This Book
Park Road, Entrance Area, and Trails
Planning Your Trip
Local Amenities
Visitor Centers
Safety First
Leave No Trace
Experience Denali: Hiking
Hiking Checklist
Off-Trail Hiking
Experience Denali: Camping
Backcountry Camping
Experience Denali: Biking
Biking Checklist
Experience Denali: By Bus
Bus Checklist
Which Bus?
Bus Etiquette
Car Seat
Experience Denali: In Fall, Winter, Spring
1
3
5
7
10
13
17
20
20
21
24
26
28
28
30
30
31
32
33
35
Family Fun in the Entrance Area
Denali Visitor Center
Murie Science and Learning Center
Denali Sled Dog Kennels
Camping in the Entrance Area
Hiking in the Entrance Area
Biking in the Entrance Area
Family Fun in the Savage River Area
Camping in the Savage River Area
Hiking in the Savage River Area
Biking in the Savage River Area
Family Fun Beyond Mile 15
Camping Beyond Mile 15
Hiking Beyond Mile 15
Biking Beyond Mile 15
Family Fun at Eielson
Eielson Visitor Center
Hiking at Eielson
Family Fun at Wonder Lake
Camping at Wonder Lake
Hiking at Wonder Lake
Extending Your Visit
Visiting Talkeetna
Staying Connected
38
38
41
43
45
47
52
53
53
55
57
60
60
61
62
64
64
65
68
68
69
72
74
75
Welcome to Denali
From Our Family to Yours
Denali National Park and Preserve is a
vast wilderness in Interior Alaska. Here,
visitors are encouraged to forge their own
paths and make their own discoveries.
The memories of these extraordinary
experiences can last a lifetime.
People dream of visiting Denali for many
reasons. Like the wilderness here, the
opportunities are vast. Whether you’re
hoping to see a large mammal, like a
moose or grizzly bear, looking forward
to the thrill and independence of hiking,
or excited to experience an ecosystem
that is different from your home, there’s
something for everyone. We know that it
is not always easy to coordinate a group
traveling together, so we wrote this book
oto
Ph
S
P
N
for families and independent travelers
who want to prepare for and make the
most of a self-guided visit to Denali. With
a dash of planning, you can enjoy a trip
that is fun for the whole family.
Denali for Families is the result of park
efforts to make Denali a welcoming and
accessible place for families and lifelong
learners. Inside this book, you will find
details on how to plan your trip to Denali,
what to bring, and what amenities are
available once you get here. We explain
how to stay safe around wildlife, how to
keep warm and dry, and how to help your
family to leave no trace during your time
here. We unpack Denali’s transportation
systems and recommend good places
for learning, hiking, biking, camping, and
adventuring with family members of all
ages.
Local Denali families made the
recommendations that you will find in
this book, and photographs of these
families are featured on its pages. We love
this park, and this book represents our
welcome, from our family to yours, so that
you can love it, too.
NPS Photo / Kent Miller
How To Use This Book
Whether you’ve already reached the park or you’re dreaming about a trip, we’ve compiled
some important tips to consider as you prepare to explore Denali with your family.
The first few pages of this book are filled
with Information to help with trip planning
and park orientation and answers many of
the most frequently asked questions. Be
sure to review the wildlife safety information
before you begin your travels through bear
country.
The Experience Denali section provides
an overview of what to expect if you plan to
camp, hike, bike, or ride the bus while you
are here.
The third part of the book leads you to the
Family Fun you can have in Denali. This is
where you’ll learn where to camp, great
areas for hiking or biking, and what to see
and do in each part of the park. The section
is divided into five areas, moving further
into the park as you go: the Entrance Area,
Savage River, Beyond Mile 15, Eielson, and
Wonder Lake.
Explore the resources listed in the
Extending Your Visit and Staying
Connected sections at the back of the book
where you’ll find ideas to keep your Denali
adventure alive after you arrive home.
1
We want you to travel smart and have fun.
To enhance your experience, take this book
along with you so you won’t forget to talk
about the special call-out features.
Science facts so you can
learn all about the park.
Fun facts that your travel
companions will love.
Specially written with
kids in mind.
Hint
Important tips
for visitors.
NPS Photo / Nathan Kostegian
2
Denali Park Road
To Fairbanks
Healy
10 Miles
0
0
3
10 Kilometers
Campground
Savage River
Check Station
Restrooms
Information
Denali Bus
Depot
Murie Science
and Learning
Center
Riley
Creek
Sanctuary
River
Teklanika River
Savage
River
Denali
Visitor
Center
Geo rg Pa k H
e r s i gh
Mountain
Vista
Igloo Creek
Kantishna
Toklat River
Polychrome
Overlook
w ay
3
Wonder
Lake
Eielson Visitor Center
Cantwell
8
To Paxson
To Talkeetna
and Anchorage
3
Entrance Area
Facilities and Trails
To Fairbanks
GE
O
RG
E
PA
Horseshoe
Lake Trail
RK
S
HI
GH
W
AY
Denali Bus
Depot
(H
W
Y
ail
l
Riley Creek
Mercantile
a Tr
o k Trai
Taig
Ov
lo
th
l
er
Riley Creek
Campground
Morino Grill and
Denali Park Store
Train Depot
Tra
il
io n
Cr
ee
k
Tr
a
il
Denali Visitor
Center
at
nl
e
Ro
ck
Meadow View
Connector Trail
R
M
e
dsid
oa
i
cK
yS
t
Riley Creek
Day-Use Area
l
ai
Tr
Triple
La
AD
K RO
PAR
ALI
DEN
North
k e s Tr
Park Headquarters
Pa
Jonesville
Connector
Trail
Bike Path
y
e
Bik
Mount Hea
3)
Murie Science and Learning Center
(Winter Visitor Center)
ai
l
To Anchorage
Sled Dog Kennels
4
Planning Your Trip
All trips involve careful planning. When traveling with a family, that careful planning can
make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and a disaster.
Whether you’ve already reached the park entrance area or you’re dreaming about a trip,
we’ve compiled some important tips to consider as you prepare to explore Denali. It’s good
to check the park website as well for information on current conditions.
Your stay
One of the most important decisions to make before your trip is how long you will have
at the park to explore. Some visitors come for only half a day, some for several days, and
still others for a week or more. It’s a long way to Denali even if you are already in Alaska,
so make sure you allow enough time to relax and enjoy the experience. Here are some
suggestions to help you plan.
If you have 1 day
Explore the entrance area!
Visit the Denali Visitor
Center and the sled dog
kennels. Then take the free
shuttle to Savage River for
sightseeing and to hike.
There are also a variety
of trails to explore in the
entrance area starting from
the visitor center. Camp at
Riley Creek Campground.
5
7
If you have 2-3 days If you have more
Enjoy activities in the
than 3 days
entrance area, and then
spend one full day on a
transit bus past Mile 15,
getting off to explore stops
along the way (read more
about riding park buses
with young kids in the
Experience Denali: By Bus
section).
More than 600,000 visitors
make their way to Denali
each year.
Explore the entrance area,
then camp at Savage River
or Teklanika and ride a
transit bus to Eielson or
Wonder Lake.
Family Photo
Getting here
•
•
•
•
From Anchorage: 237 miles, 5 hours by car, 7.5 hours by train
From Fairbanks: 120 miles, 2.5 hours by car, 4 hours by train
From Talkeetna: 137 miles, 3 hours by car, 4.5 hours by train
From Seward: 363 miles, 7 hours by car, 11.5 hours by train
Lodging
There are no hotels inside the park (other than a few in Kantishna), only campgrounds.
Accommodations can be found in Healy, Cantwell, and along the George Parks Highway.
For hotel information, contact the Denali Chamber of Commerce at 907-683-4636.
When to visit
Most people visit Denali during the summer season or the shoulder seasons. The summer
season lasts from roughly mid-May through mid-September. The shoulder seasons run
for a few weeks before and after the summer season. Summer is the time when most
visitors come to Denali and when the widest variety of services and activities are possible.
Reservations
Once you’ve decided when you will visit the park, make
reservations. For camping and bus reservations, visit
www.reservedenali.com or call 1-800-622-7275.
How much does it cost?
Check the park website for current pricing,
but here is a sampling of fees.
• Entrance: $15 per person (good for 7
days), ages 15 and under are free.
• Transit Buses: $34-65 (depending on
destination), ages 15 and under are free.
• Camping: $17-34 per night, depending
on site and tent/RV.
Family Photo
6
Local Amenities
Bathrooms
Restroom facilities are located at visitor
centers, campground facilities, and bus
stops throughout the entrance area. Buses
along the Park Road stop about every 90
minutes for a bathroom break.
Medical
The closest physicians and hospitals are in
Fairbanks, 120 miles away. For emergency
care one mile north of the park in summer,
contact Canyon Clinic at 907-683-4433.
Emergency: Dial 911
Report emergencies to park rangers,
campground hosts, or bus drivers.
Food
There is only one restaurant in the park,
the Morino Grill, located next to the Denali
Visitor Center. Basic groceries and some
pre-packaged food can be found at the
Riley Creek Mercantile, adjacent to the Riley
Creek Campground. The Denali Bus Depot
sells snacks and coffee. There are also
some restaurants and convenience stores
located just outside the park. Note that
most of these options are only available in
summer. Groceries, camping gear, and other
essentials are available year-round in Healy,
13 miles north of the park entrance.
Picnic Areas
•
•
•
•
Riley Creek Day-Use Area (entrance area)
Denali Visitor Center (outside of the
downstairs door)
Mountain Vista Rest Area (Mile 13)
Savage River Turnout (Mile 15)
Phones and Internet
7
NPS Photo / Charlotte Bodak
There is cell phone coverage in the park
entrance area, but only as far as Mile 4 along
the Park Road. There are no pay phones in
the park. Free wireless internet is available
to visitors at the Denali Visitor Center, Denali
Bus Depot, Riley Creek Mercantile, and
Winter Visitor Center (Murie Science and
Learning Center).
Fuel
In summer, there is a gas station one mile
north of the park. Year-round gas stations
are also located 13 miles north in Healy and
30 miles south in Cantwell.
Laundry and Showers
In summer, these essentials can be found
at the Riley Creek Mercantile, adjacent to
the Riley Creek Campground.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on most park trails, on
the bus, or in the backcountry. They may
be walked on the road, Bike Path, and the
Roadside Trail, but must be on a leash at all
times. Pets must never be left unattended.
Post Office
For the Denali National Park postmark, take
your cards to the post office near the Riley
Creek Campground.
Lost & Found
Contact a ranger or call 907-683-9275.
Child Care
Denali Preschool and Learning Center has
drop-off service on a space-available basis.
Call 907-683-7789 for more information.
NPS Photo
The park is home to Denali,
the tallest mountain in
North America, at 20,310
feet (6,190 m). The name,
Denali, means “The High
One” in Native Athabascan.
8
“A trip out to Eielson Visitor
Center is a supreme family
adventure. Opportunities
for learning, discovery,
and enrichment abound.
But there is also ample
opportunity for just
having fun!”
Family Photo
Visitor Centers
Here are some of the main facilities in Denali where you can find information, amenities,
and friendly staff who can help you to make the most out of your visit.
Denali Visitor Center
Located in the park entrance area, this is
a must stop for all visitors. There is a lot to
see and do here, and the center provides
a great introduction to the park. You’ll
find general information, bus schedules,
exhibits, interpretive programs, a park film,
a bookstore, and ranger-guided walks. See
page 38 for more information.
Murie Science and
Learning Center
Located in the park entrance area, this
science center doubles as the park’s Winter
Visitor Center and has exhibits, handson activities for kids, and information on
research taking place in the park. See page
41 for details.
Riley Creek Mercantile
Denali Bus Depot
Located in the park entrance area, all
transit buses depart from here. You can
also obtain general information, bus tickets,
and campground information here.
Toklat Rest Stop
Get off the bus here at Mile 53 to stretch
your legs and enjoy views of the Toklat
River, use the restroom, shop at the
bookstore, and obtain information at the
Toklat tent.
Eielson Visitor Center
Located at Mile 66 on the Park Road, this is
another must stop if you are traveling this
far into the park. Get off the bus and stretch
your legs on one of the hiking trails, check
out the exhibits, and talk to a ranger. See
page 64 for more information.
Located in the park entrance area,
the Mercantile has snacks (including
ice cream!), bathrooms, showers, and
information. It’s where you’ll check in
if you are camping at any of the park
campgrounds.
10
Denali Park Road
The Denali Park Road stretches 92 miles from the George Parks
Highway to the former mining camp of Kantishna. In summer, the
first 15 miles are accessible to private vehicles. Visitors must use
the park bus system to travel beyond. Throughout this guide and
during your visit here, you will frequently hear sections of the road
referred to by the mile number, although in most instances there
is no visual mile marker.
The Park Road is a narrow, gravel road where buses travel at a
moderate pace, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy the view.
The first 15 miles are paved; this is a good place to look for moose
and caribou. Take a look at the streambeds as you pass because
animals like to walk along those gravel bars and can be easy to
spot. After Savage River at Mile 15, you start to leave the trees
behind and the country opens up to tundra and mountains.
If you have children, you will be the best judge for how long they
may enjoy riding on a bus in the park. Many parents find it most
rewarding to prioritize off-bus adventures, with short to moderate
bus rides in between.
While on the bus, children can get impatient when wildlife
sightings are sporadic or if that grizzly bear is too far away to see
with the naked eye. If you have binoculars, be sure to bring them
for far-away sightings. Your chances of seeing a bear improve if
you go as far as Toklat at Mile 53. Another 13 miles takes you to
the Eielson Visitor Center. There’s plenty of room to stretch
your legs here and time for children to run around outside.
11
NPS Photo
Hint
A special event called Road Lottery starts the second Friday after Labor
Day. Families who win a permit can drive their personal vehicles into the
park beyond Mile 15 on one day and set their own pace. Apply for this
privilege in the spring at www.recreation.gov. Winners are notified in
June. Be warned, the road can close at any time due to bad weather.
Safety First
At its core, Denali is a wild place. You might see a
moose walking through your campground or hike
for hours through the remote wilderness without
seeing another group. The wild parts of the park can
be some of the most appealing, but it is important to
remember that every activity is at your own risk. Keep
in mind that even the entrance of Denali is several
hours from the nearest hospital and other emergency
services. You know your family best, so choose
activities based on each member’s abilities. Being
prepared is the best way to have a fun and safe trip!
Preparing for Weather
Like the rest of Alaska, weather in Denali is
extremely variable. Rangers tell visitors to
expect sun, wind, rain, clouds—and even
snow—all on the same day! Average summer
temperatures range from 33 to 75o F.
What to wear
Bring good rain gear (tops and bottoms), a
winter hat (even in the summer, it can drop to
below freezing at night!), mittens or gloves, a
hat (for sun or rain), several layers of clothing
(wool or fleece is better than cotton), spare
socks, good hiking shoes or boots, and a little
extra of everything! Denali National Park and
Preserve is a remote park two to five hours
from a large city, so bring everything with you.
13
Hint
There is no cell service
beyond Mile 4 of the Park
Road (which is most of the
park). Give your itinerary to
those who aren’t traveling
with you and let them know
that they may not be able to
reach you while you explore
Denali—even for a few days if
you are camping further in!
Preparing for Wildlife
Denali National Park
and Preserve was
created in 1917 to
protect the Dall sheep.
During your visit to Denali, there’s a good chance that you will encounter wildlife. Whether
it’s a grizzly bear, moose, or a small arctic ground squirrel, it’s important to remember
that these animals are truly wild, and you should use caution when they are around. You
can safely observe animals in Denali and help protect their well-being by following a few
guidelines.
Stay away
Seeing wildlife is fun for
all ages, but make sure to
keep your distance. You
are required to stay 25
yards from all wildlife (even
further from bears – see
the next pages). If your
presence changes the
animals’ behavior, you are
too close. Binoculars can
help you observe animals
from a safe distance for
both you and them.
NPS Photo/ Kent Miller
Don’t feed wildlife
Feeding wild animals
teaches them bad habits
and puts their health at
risk. Protect the creatures
in Denali by making sure all
of your food ends up in a
human mouth only. Learn
more about good Leave No
Trace practices on page 17.
Know what to do
Ask a ranger or look in the
Summer Guide for a quick
wildlife safety briefing on
how to respond if an animal
becomes aggressive. For
example, if a moose feels
threatened, it will charge!
Run away as quickly as
you can. The next page
has detailed instructions
for staying safe if you
encounter a bear.
14
Bear Safety
Denali is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Black bears
are usually found in forested areas of the park, while grizzly bears
generally live on the tundra. You are as likely to encounter a bear on
a trail as anywhere else in the park, since bears like to use trails too!
Are you prepared if you encounter a bear? Be sure to keep your
distance (the requirement is a minimum of 300 yards) and know
that the best place to view a wild bear up close is from inside a bus.
To keep your family safe in bear country, follow these safety rules:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Carry bear spray. Keep it accessible, and know how to use it.
Never run away from a bear. This will cause a chase response,
and bears can run faster than people.
Never approach a bear.
Never get between a sow and her cubs.
Never drop your pack or anything else to distract a bear.
Never leave food out unattended for a bear to find.
Always be aware of your surroundings.
Watch for bear tracks and scat.
Make lots of noise when hiking on trails or in the backcountry.
Sing or talk with your companions as you walk. Be especially
vigilant in dense brush, along rivers, and when walking into
the wind.
If you have a bear encounter, be sure to report it to a park ranger.
15
What To Do in a
Bear Encounter
Unaware Bear
If you see a bear and the bear does not
see you, slowly and quietly back away and
reroute around the bear.
Surprised or Threatened Bear
If you surprise a bear or it feels threatened, it
may charge you or approach aggressively.
1. Gather into a group and get your bear
spray ready.
2. Wave your arms over your head slowly
and speak in a low, calm voice, showing
the bear that you are not a threat.
3. Slowly back away if possible, but
do not run!
4. If the bear continues to approach and
comes within range (20 feet), use your
bear spray, aiming at the bear’s head.
Curious Bear
If a bear acts tolerant of people, seems
curious, or approaches you in a
non-aggressive way, stand your ground.
1. Gather into a group, get your bear spray
ready, and plant your feet.
2. Wave your arms over your head and
shout aggressively and sternly at the
bear to look threatening.
3. If the bear comes within range (20 feet),
use your bear spray, aiming at the
bear’s head.
Family Photo
16
Leave No Trace
Leave the park the way you would like to find it! Challenge your family to leave behind no
trace that you were there. This will help keep Denali National Park and Preserve in great
shape, both for future visitors and for the wildlife that calls this magical place home.
Travel and Camp
on Durable
Surfaces
If you are on a formal trail,
stay on the trail. If you are
hiking away from a formal
trail, spread your group out
and walk side by side. Try
walking on hard surfaces
like gravel bars rather than
vegetation, and do not
leave navigational aids such
as cairns or arrows so the
next visitors can experience
that same feeling of
discovery that you did.
Dispose of Waste
Properly
When you stop for a snack,
be sure to pick up all of
your trash and bring it back
with you to throw away.
Don’t leave any food scraps
behind, even those that
are biodegradble. Ground
squirrels or birds might look
like they want a handout,
but don’t give it to them. By
not feeding animals you can
help keep wildlife wild.
Be Considerate of
Other Visitors
Keep your group size
small, be courteous, and
let nature’s sounds prevail.
When you get home, share
your pictures with friends
and famiy but remember
not to post GPS-referenced
photos or track logs on
social media. This protects
resources and lets future
visitors have that same
experience of discovery.
Dig a Hole
There are no toilets off the road! Be prepared with a trowel
so you can dig a hole at least 6 inches deep and at least
100 feet away from water to safely dispose of human feces.
Remember to carry out all your toilet paper and wipes.
17
NPS Photo
Leave only footprints...
Take only pictures
Enjoy the rocks, flowers, and bones that you
may find while exploring, but please do not
take anything with you besides memories.
Leave everything behind for others to enjoy!
If you find something that you think might be
an artifact (an item 50 years or older), leave it
where you found it. If you want to remember
your find AND help park archeologists, take
a photograph of your discovery. When you
return to the park entrance, notify a ranger
at the Denali Visitor Center, describe where
the artifact is located, and show them your
photo. Sometimes where an artifact is
located is as important as what it is.
Not long ago, a preschooler found
an unusual looking stick on the
braided riverbed. It turned out to be
an artifact made of caribou antler,
hundreds of years old. This discovery
helped archeologists document use
of this area by Alaska Natives.
Park archeologists learn about early park
inhabitants with these kinds of exciting
discoveries. They’ve found evidence that
humans have inhabited this area for over
13,000 years. Alaska Natives still use the
land for hunting and gathering, turning the
wild resources into food, clothing, shelter,
medicine, transportation, and handicrafts,
just as their ancestors have for thousands of
years. Today these activities are considered
subsistence use.
Family Photo
18
Denali National Park and Preserve has more than six million
acres of wilderness to explore. This is a wild place where
you get to find your own way, because in much of the park
there are no formal trails. If there is an established trail,
please stay on it.
Family Photo
Experience Denali
hiking
There are lots of trails near the entrance to the park, or a short distance away. The Family
Fun sections of this book describe great trails for families, detailing where to access the
trail, hiking distance, level of difficulty, and interesting things to see and talk about along
the way. The hiking times provided are for an average adult walker, so adjust the time
accordingly for your group—double it if hiking with kids under age 5.
Hiking Checklist
Here’s a list of important items to include in your pack. Remember to dress in layers of
non-absorbent clothing, such as fleece or wool. Avoid cotton because when it gets wet, it
stays wet. For hikes longer than an hour, tell someone where you’re going.
Water and snacks—lots of snacks
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes and extra socks
Rain gear—the weather changes fast
Hat and gloves—yes, even in summer
Extra layers of clothing in case it gets colder or you get wet
Map and/or trail guide
Binoculars and camera
Sunscreen and sun hat
Insect repellent and/or head nets
First aid kit, knife, whistle, and compass or GPS
Bear spray
Toilet paper and a plastic bag to pack it all out
20
Off-Trail Hiking
An off-trail wilderness hike can be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Just
get off the bus and start hiking—anywhere. You may hike a bit, stop at a river for a while to
play, hike a little more, then have a snack and relax. The rewards are worth the effort, and
you’ll generally find yourselves alone in the wilderness, even if you never leave sight of
the Park Road.
Where to Begin
A good strategy is to take an early transit bus into the park, traveling to either Toklat River or
Eielson Visitor Center, and scouting the terrain from the Park Road. On your return towards
the park entrance, you can ask your driver to let you off at whatever area looked most
appealing. After your hike, return to anywhere along the road and wave down a passing
transit bus. You can also stop by the Backcountry Information Center to ask the rangers for
ideas and to watch the safety video.
NPS Photo / Sierra Mc
Lan
e
21
Hint
Much of the park’s landscape
that the road runs through is
above tree line. If you’re not
experienced with a map and
compass, pick an area with
good visibility and use the
Park Road as your navigation
tool. Keep an eye on the road
as you hike away, and when
you’re ready to return, hike
back in the same direction.
NPS Photo / Sierra McLane
Hint
If you haven’t hiked here before, try hiking with a ranger. Ranger-led
Discovery Hikes are offered daily during the summer. Topics and
difficulty levels vary, so check with the Denali Visitor Center to find a
hike that matches your group’s age and ability.
NPS Photo / Sean Proctor
Experience Denali
camping
One of the best ways to connect with nature in Denali National Park and Preserve is to
go camping. You may choose an established campground or you can backpack until you
find a great place in the wilderness to spend the night. Backcountry camping takes more
planning, especially with children, but it can be done, and it’s a fantastic way to teach
self-reliance, leave no trace values, and the awe of discovery.
All six of the park’s campgrounds are described in more detail later, but here is a quick
overview of each.
Riley Creek,
Mile 1
The largest campground
in the park is perfect for
families on a tight schedule
that need easy access to
park amenities. There’s
good hiking and many
activities in the area. There
are sites for RVs and tents,
flush toilets, and running
water.
Savage River,
Mile 13
This smaller campground
is close to the entrance
area with sites for RVs and
tents, flush toilets, and
running water. You can drive
your own vehicle to the
campground and feel a little
closer to the wilderness.
There’s also good hiking in
the area.
Denali National Park
and Preserve is only
300 miles south of
the Arctic Circle.
Sanctuary River,
Mile 23
This is one of the smallest campgrounds in the
park with only seven tent
sites and no treated water.
No vehicles are allowed
here, so you must take the
park camper bus. A good
choice for families with
some camping experience.
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Teklanika River, Mile 29
Great family campground for
those wanting to get farther into
the park and looking for a more
remote experience. You can
drive your own vehicle to the
campground, but you must stay
a minimum of three nights.
Igloo Creek, Mile 34
Like Sanctuary, this is one of the
smallest campgrounds with only
seven tent sites and no treated
water. No vehicles are allowed
here, so you must take the park
camper bus.
If you plan to camp
•
•
•
•
Bring a three-season, rainproof tent.
Bring a warm sleeping bag and
warm clothing.
Bring all your own food; there are not
many stores in the area.
Make a reservation in advance. Each
campsite is limited to no more than 8
people per site, except Wonder Lake,
which is limited to 4 per site. Some
campgrounds are tent-only, and
some accommodate RVs. There are
no electrical or water hookups for RVs
in the park.
Wonder Lake, Mile 85
For those wanting to see it all!
Be aware that it takes about six
hours to get here on the bus.
Tents only, no vehicles. A good
choice if you have the time.
Water and toilets are available at
this campground.
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t
ho
SP
NP
Camping Tips
Bear-resistant food storage is a requirement while
camping in Denali. Food and scented items can be
stored inside a hard-sided vehicle at your campsite. Permanent bear-resistant food lockers are also
available at all campgrounds.
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/K
aitl
in Th
oresen
Backcountry Camping
Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the established campgrounds. This could be a
memorable experience for your family. It does require some pre-planning and some
backcountry experience.
When you arrive, go to the Backcountry Information Center in the park entrance area
to choose a destination area for your trek, watch the safety video, and obtain a free
backcountry permit. Permits cannot be reserved in advance. Depending on when you
arrive and where you plan to go, you may be able to begin your backpacking adventure
the same day. Most likely, though, you’ll spend the night in the entrance area before you
board the camper bus and head into the wilderness.
With children, you might not have to hike far to have amazing, new experiences. However,
you do have to camp at least one-half mile away from and out of sight of the Park Road.
This can be harder than it looks in the vast open tundra. Experts at the Backcountry
Information Center can suggest areas that might be most appropriate for your family.
Remember that it is required that you store your food and other smelly items in a
bear-resistant food container. The rangers at the Backcountry Information Center will
be happy to provide you with as many containers as you need, so ask for extras if you
anticipate needing to store food-soiled clothing or diapers. They are bulky, so you might
nee