Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Denali
There is a free shuttle bus to Savage River at Mile 15 of the Park Road. At Mile 15 you’ll find the Savage River bridge, rest area, and trail. You can also drive to Mile 15. However, parking is limited at Savage River so taking the bus is recommended. The road is paved until Savage River. You might see wildlife along the way. The Savage River Shuttle Bus stops at the Mountain Vista Rest Stop (Mile 13) allowing riders to hike at Savage River Rest Area.
Yup, except if you are on a bike. Private cars aren't allowed on the Park Road past Mile 15. You need a special permit to reach Teklanika Campground. The Park Road is closed at Mile 43 due to construction work on a bridge over a rock slide in the Pretty Rocks area.
You can make your reservations online here.
You can make reservations over the phone at 1-800-622-7275 (U.S. and Canada.)
1-907-272-7275 (International and Alaska.)
You can make reservations and pick up tickets in person at the Wilderness Access Center at Denali Park.
Making reservations in person is best if you aren't certain of your schedule. You might have to wait a day or two if the park is crowded and the buses are full. Don't worry. There are plenty of other things to do in the Denali Area.
You can read the Bearfoot Guides Ebook for more information on Denali and your journey to Denali Park and along Alaska's road system.
You can find the Denali Summer Times print edition at the Anchorage International Airport, at car rentals, and all over the Denali Park area.
There will be park campgrounds open in the summer of 2024 along the Park Road. You can drive to three of them. In general they fill up fast and none offer "full-service" RV sites. Wonder Lake Campground will be closed due to bridge construction at Mile 43 of the Park Road. There is a dump station near Riley Creek. There are several private RV and campsites near the park along the Parks Highway.
Possibly, but don't bet on it. In the summer, clouds often cover the mountain, because it's so tall. Your best shot at seeing Denali within Denali Park is from a view at Mile 9 of the Park Road, because the Park Road is closed at Mile 43. Flightseeing is an excellent way to view the mountain.
A great place to see Denali by car on a sunny day is along the Parks Highway, south of Denali Park – where the mountain is often viewable all the way from Willow and Talkeetna to Denali State Park. However, the mountain is often obscured by clouds, so you have a better chance of seeing a bear – which can be breathtaking in a different way.
Comfortable walking shoes, a layered, waterproof jacket and a hat.
Binoculars for everybody.
Backpack with water & bug dope, medicines.
Sunglasses
Camera or camera phone
A properly fitting mask, depending on Covid rates in Alaska at the time of your visit.
Note: There is no cell phone service in much of the park once you get past the entrance area.
Go to the Denali Visitor Center to orient yourself, get advice and find out more about the park.
Make reservations for camping or bus rides and pick up your tickets at the Denali Bus Depot or the Riley Creek Mercantile.
This is the main Denali Visitor Center
The Main Denali Visitor Center has displays, movies, and a help desk. National Park Service rangers can answer your questions and give you good suggestions.
The Denali Bus Depot
Catch your bus at the Denali Bus Depot. Drivers don't sell tickets. You'll have to buy your bus ticket at the desk inside.
Savage River Rest Area Cabin
The nails on the shutters of this ranger cabin keep bears from breaking in. Nails sometimes work, but big grizzlies like to use them as back scratchers.
Horseshoe Lake Water
You can fill up your water bottles at the Bus Depot. The trail to Horseshoe Lake is a nice walk. Ask for directions on how to get there. There are sometimes ranger guided hikes to the lake.
Inside the main Denali Visitor Center
You'll find interesting displays about the park, its history, animals, and the Denali ecosystem as well as a ranger help desk.
The Bus Depot
This is one place you can pick up your tickets, make campground reservations and catch your bus. It has a big parking lot with plenty of room for large RV's but you can't park here overnight.
Savage River Trailhead
Just before the bridge at Mile 15 is a rest area. On nice days, the parking lot is often full. There is a trail that goes up towards a rock formation. Always go with someone, even on an easy hike. Don't get tempted to scramble up rocky slopes or cross rivers. Stay out of thick brush.