Denali National Park

The breathtaking wilderness of Denali National Park stretches across 160 miles of the Alaska Range with incredible mountain scenery and diverse wildlife. Named ‘Great One’ by the indigenous Athabascan people, Mount Denali (formerly McKinley) is the highest peak in North America, and at 6,190m actually taller than Everest if measured from base to summit. A popular excursion is a flightseeing trip to fully appreciate the scale of the amazing mountainous panorama.

Wildlife includes Alaska’s Big Five – bears, moose, caribou, wolves and Dall sheep. The park has large populations of both grizzlies and black bears and is one of the best places in the world to see wolves.

Denali Visitor Center near the entrance has extensive exhibits, films, a giant map of the park, and eight hiking trails near the entrance, taking in lakes, rivers and beautiful alpine scenery.

Highlights further in the park include the Savage Alpine Trail, a steep climb rewarded by breathtaking views, as well as the Horseshoe Lake Trail and Wonder Lake. The park can be reached by train on the Alaska Railroad that passes through or you can drive to some sections of the park, but guided tours are the best way to explore.