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' Denali. Wild animals large and small roam un-fenced lands, living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility and wilderness await.

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.

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.

Denali is the highest mountain in North America

The view of Denali from the south, in Talkeetna, Alaska

Many bus trips into Denali pause at Stony Overlook, which features a great view of Denali when skies are clear

Transit buses are a primary way for visitors to sightsee in Denali during summer

Alpenglow on North America's tallest peak, Denali

Visitors following a ranger on a Discovery Hike, an off-trail adventure

Grizzlies walking on the park's sole road

A tour bus pauses to view a caribou as it walks on the Denali Park Road

A crowd takes in a sled dog demonstration in the Denali Park Kennels