[FULL GUIDE] 100 Adventures and Hidden Gems in Denali National Park

Key Takeaways:

• Denali National Park offers diverse outdoor activities from hiking to wildlife viewing, with breathtaking landscapes and remote beauty.
• Whether you’re into backcountry exploration, mountaineering, or scenic drives, Denali provides a unique Alaskan experience for every type of traveler.
• The park’s history, including the legacy of the Denali region and its wildlife, makes it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Denali National Park, located in the heart of Alaska, is home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali, which soars to 20,310 feet above sea level. The park, spanning over 6 million acres, is a pristine wilderness filled with incredible wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and unique experiences. Since its establishment in 1917, Denali has drawn explorers, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world. From hiking and camping to wildlife watching and mountaineering, Denali National Park offers unforgettable opportunities for adventure, awe, and discovery. Whether you’re drawn to its rugged backcountry or its more accessible scenic routes, Denali is the ultimate destination for outdoor lovers.

100 Things to Do at Denali National Park:

#1 Hike the Savage River Loop: Enjoy a short, scenic loop trail that provides stunning views of the river and surrounding wilderness.

#2 Wildlife Viewing at the Teklanika River: This area offers prime wildlife spotting, with caribou, moose, and bears often visible near the river.

#3 Climb Denali Mountain: Challenge yourself to summit North America’s tallest peak, a challenging but rewarding mountaineering feat.

#4 Visit the Denali Visitor Center: Stop by for park information, exhibits, and to learn about the history of Denali National Park.

#5 Drive the Denali Park Road: Take a scenic drive through the park to see glaciers, wildlife, and majestic views of Denali.

#6 Go Rafting on the Nenana River: Experience whitewater rafting on the Nenana River with thrilling rapids and scenic views of the park.

#7 Tundra Wilderness Tour: Take a guided bus tour through Denali’s vast tundra, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy panoramic vistas.

#8 Hike the Mount Healy Overlook Trail: This strenuous hike leads to one of the best viewpoints in the park, offering sweeping views of the landscape.

#9 Take a Scenic Flight Over Denali: Soar over the park in a small plane for an aerial view of Denali, glaciers, and the surrounding wilderness.

#10 Explore the Polychrome Pass: Drive or hike through this colorful area where you can admire the stunning landscapes and remote beauty of Denali.

#11 Go Backpacking in the Savage River Area: Head into the backcountry for an unforgettable backpacking adventure amidst Denali’s rugged terrain.

#12 Visit the Denali National Park Sled Dog Kennels: See the park’s famous sled dogs and learn about the important role they play in winter operations.

#13 Watch the Midnight Sun at the Denali Highway: In summer, experience the magical midnight sun while driving along the scenic Denali Highway.

#14 Photography at Wonder Lake: Capture the stunning reflections of Denali and its surroundings at Wonder Lake, a photographer’s paradise.

#15 Stargazing at Denali: The park’s remote location provides incredible stargazing opportunities, especially during the summer months.

#16 Hike the Horseshoe Lake Trail: This easy, family-friendly trail leads to a picturesque lake and provides beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness.

#17 Wildlife Viewing on the Denali Park Road: The park road offers some of the best opportunities for spotting animals like bears, moose, and wolves.

#18 Climb Mount Foraker: For the experienced mountaineer, climb Mount Foraker, a challenging peak that stands tall next to Denali.

#19 Go Dog Sledding: Try a thrilling dog sledding adventure on glaciers or trails for a true Alaskan experience.

#20 Visit the Denali History Museum: Learn about the rich history of the region, from early explorers to the development of Denali National Park.

#21 Explore the Muldrow Glacier: This massive glacier can be explored on foot, offering incredible views of ice and rock formations.

#22 Hike the Triple Lakes Trail: A moderately challenging trail that takes you past three stunning alpine lakes, perfect for hiking and photography.

#23 Spot Wolves at the Teklanika River: The Teklanika River area is a great spot for wolf sightings, particularly early in the morning or at dusk.

#24 Go Cross-Country Skiing in Winter: In winter, Denali becomes a winter wonderland, offering great cross-country skiing opportunities in the snowy landscape.

#25 Take a Train Ride on the Alaska Railroad: Take the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Denali for a scenic and comfortable ride through beautiful Alaskan landscapes.

#26 Go Fly Fishing in the Teklanika River: The Teklanika River is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, especially for grayling and salmon.

#27 Take a Denali National Park Bus Tour: Hop on a bus for a guided tour to see the highlights of Denali, including wildlife, glaciers, and mountains.

#28 Visit the Eielson Visitor Center: Take a trip to this visitor center for panoramic views of Denali and great opportunities for wildlife viewing.

#29 Go Mountain Biking in Denali: Explore the park’s stunning terrain on two wheels, with several trails suitable for mountain biking.

#30 Snowshoeing at the Park Entrance: Enjoy a winter adventure with a snowshoeing trip right outside the park entrance, with trails that offer scenic views.

#31 Hike the Riley Creek Campground Trail: This easy trail leads through beautiful forested areas and along the creek, perfect for a leisurely hike.

#32 Explore the Wonder Lake Campground: Set up camp at Wonder Lake and enjoy breathtaking views of Denali and access to nearby hiking trails.

#33 Denali National Park Campgrounds: Stay at one of the park’s campgrounds for a rustic, immersive experience surrounded by nature.

#34 Watch the Wildlife on the Teklanika River: The Teklanika River area is home to abundant wildlife, including caribou, moose, and grizzly bears.

#35 Go Cross-Country Skiing on the Denali Highway: The Denali Highway offers beautiful winter landscapes, perfect for cross-country skiing and enjoying the quiet wilderness.

#36 Snowboarding at the Denali Ski Area: For winter sports enthusiasts, Denali’s small ski area offers a fun place to snowboard or ski.

#37 Take a Horseback Ride in Denali: Enjoy a horseback ride through the scenic trails of Denali for a unique way to experience the park.

#38 Take a Photography Tour of Denali: Join a guided photography tour to learn how to capture Denali’s incredible landscapes and wildlife.

#39 Raft the Nenana River with a Guide: For those seeking adventure, guided rafting tours provide a thrilling way to experience the river’s rapids.

#40 Go Dog Mushing at Denali: Experience the excitement of dog mushing, an Alaskan tradition, in the beautiful surroundings of Denali.

#41 Visit the Denali Visitor Center at Night: Take in the beautiful views of Denali’s dark sky and distant stars during a nighttime visit to the visitor center.

#42 Climb Mount Denali via the West Buttress: The West Buttress is the most popular route for climbers seeking to summit Denali.

#43 Explore the Denali Backcountry: If you’re an experienced adventurer, head into Denali’s remote backcountry for solitude and an untouched wilderness experience.

#44 Go Canoeing on Wonder Lake: Paddle across the tranquil waters of Wonder Lake for incredible views of Denali and the surrounding landscape.

#45 Join the Denali National Park Junior Ranger Program: Families with kids can participate in this fun and educational program to learn more about the park’s ecology and history.

#46 Photograph the Fall Foliage in Denali: Autumn is an ideal time to capture the stunning colors of the fall leaves against the backdrop of Denali’s peaks.

#47 Explore Denali’s Hidden Caves: Discover some of Denali’s lesser-known caves for a unique and adventurous experience.

#48 Take the Denali Wilderness Tour: For an up-close experience with nature, take a guided wilderness tour through the park’s untouched landscapes.

#49 Hike the Savage Alpine Trail: This challenging trail offers panoramic views and a great opportunity to spot wildlife along the way.

#50 Visit the Denali National Park Observatory: Head to this remote observatory for a chance to view celestial bodies in the Alaskan sky.

#51 Hike the Horseshoe Lake Trail: This easy hike offers a peaceful experience with a view of the lake surrounded by dense forest.

#52 Explore the Denali National Park Geology: Learn about the fascinating geology of Denali through ranger-led programs and interactive exhibits.

#53 Take a Denali Wildlife Tour: Go on a guided tour focused on wildlife viewing, where you’ll likely see bears, moose, and wolves.

#54 Check Out the Kantishna Roadhouse: Visit this historic road house for a rustic Alaskan experience and access to additional hiking trails.

#55 Go Ice Climbing on Denali’s Glaciers: For thrill-seekers, ice climbing on Denali’s glaciers provides an adrenaline-pumping challenge.

#56 Take a Nighttime Photography Tour: Capture the beauty of Denali under the stars by joining a nighttime photography tour with expert guidance.

#57 Visit the Denali Wilderness Access Center: Plan your backcountry adventure with a visit to this center, where you can find trail maps and information.

#58 Visit the Denali National Park Icefield: Explore the massive icefields that stretch across Denali, offering a surreal and unforgettable experience.

#59 Cross the Teklanika River by Foot: For the adventurous, crossing the Teklanika River on foot is an exciting and challenging way to experience the park’s beauty.

#60 Take a Sunset Drive on the Denali Park Road: Experience the park at sunset with breathtaking views of the mountain range as the light shifts across the landscape.

#61 Climb Mount Foraker: For the experienced mountaineer, take on the challenge of summiting Mount Foraker, a neighboring peak to Denali.

#62 Go Skiing on Denali’s Glaciers: Ski on some of the park’s glaciers for a truly unique experience in one of the world’s most remote locations.

#63 Visit the Denali National Park Shuttle Bus Stops: Hop on the shuttle buses to explore different sections of the park without the hassle of driving.

#64 Explore the Denali Backcountry by Boat: Take a guided boat tour to explore the wilderness from a different perspective, gliding across the water and spotting wildlife.

#65 Photograph the Wildflowers of Denali: During spring and summer, Denali blooms with vibrant wildflowers, perfect for nature photography.

#66 Go Wildlife Viewing at Toklat River: The Toklat River is a prime spot for spotting caribou, bears, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

#67 Join a Denali National Park Educational Program: Learn more about the park’s flora, fauna, and history by joining one of the park’s ranger-led educational programs.

#68 Take a Guided Nature Walk: Explore the park’s trails on a guided nature walk, where you’ll learn about the local wildlife, plants, and ecosystems.

#69 Hike the Stampede Trail: This rugged trail takes you deep into Denali’s wilderness, offering a chance for solitude and adventure.

#70 Catch a View of Denali from Wonder Lake: This picturesque lake offers one of the best views of the towering Denali peak, especially in the early morning light.

#71 Go on a Family Adventure at the Denali Park Entrance: Take your family on a fun adventure, enjoying easy hikes, wildlife spotting, and the park’s visitor centers.

#72 Explore the Alaska Range: Trek through the Alaska Range, which includes Denali and several other majestic peaks, offering scenic beauty and challenging climbs.

#73 Take a Road Trip on the Denali Highway: For an epic road trip, drive the Denali Highway, which offers sweeping views and access to hiking, camping, and fishing spots.

#74 Try the Denali Wilderness Backpacking Trails: For experienced backpackers, explore the backcountry trails and camp in the untouched wilderness of Denali.

#75 Spot Bald Eagles at the Nenana River: The river is a popular area for spotting bald eagles as they hunt for fish, especially in spring and fall.

#76 Go on a Night Hike: Take a ranger-led hike at night to experience the park’s wildlife and stargazing opportunities in complete darkness.

#77 Discover the History of Denali with the National Park Museum: Visit the museum to learn about the park’s rich history, from Native American heritage to modern conservation efforts.

#78 Explore the Denali National Park Glacial Features: Take a guided tour or hike to explore Denali’s glacial landscape, including hanging glaciers and moraine ridges.

#79 Enjoy a Scenic Ride on the Denali Highway in Autumn: Visit during the fall to see Denali’s vibrant autumn colors, making it the perfect time for a scenic drive.

#80 Catch a Moose Sighting at the Riley Creek Campground: This campground is a great spot to see moose, particularly during the early morning or late evening hours.

#81 Visit Denali’s Rock Creek: Explore Rock Creek, a peaceful spot for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching, offering a serene atmosphere.

#82 Go Backcountry Skiing: In winter, Denali offers excellent opportunities for backcountry skiing, with vast snowy fields and remote terrain.

#83 See the Alpenglow on Denali: The Alpenglow phenomenon, where the mountain’s peak glows during sunset, is a breathtaking sight best viewed from a high vantage point.

#84 Try Geocaching in Denali: Engage in a treasure hunt-style adventure by geocaching in the park’s wide-open spaces.

#85 Explore the Denali National Park Caves: Discover the hidden caves within the park, which are filled with fascinating rock formations and mineral deposits.

#86 Spend a Night in a Denali Yurt: For a unique experience, stay in a cozy yurt and enjoy the surrounding wilderness, perfect for a winter getaway.

#87 Go Horseback Riding in the Denali Wilderness: Enjoy the park on horseback with guided riding tours that offer a unique perspective on the landscape.

#88 Join a Denali National Park Photography Workshop: Take part in a photography workshop to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the park.

#89 Visit the Denali National Park Alpine Tundra: Hike through the park’s alpine tundra, a unique ecosystem filled with wildflowers, mosses, and lichen.

#90 Explore the Denali Ice Caves: Discover the hidden ice caves within the park’s glaciers, offering an otherworldly experience in the frozen wilderness.

#91 Relax at the Denali Cabins: Stay in rustic cabins near the park entrance, offering a comfortable and charming base for exploring Denali.

#92 Go Fly Fishing on the Nenana River: Enjoy fly fishing on one of Alaska’s most famous rivers, known for its abundance of salmon and trout.

#93 Take a Scenic Photography Tour: Join a guided tour that takes you to Denali’s most photogenic spots for breathtaking landscapes and wildlife shots.

#94 Go Whitewater Rafting in Denali: For an adrenaline-packed adventure, try whitewater rafting on the Nenana River.

#95 Watch the Fall Foliage on the Denali Highway: Visit during fall for a breathtaking display of colorful foliage against the backdrop of the mountains.

#96 Attend the Denali National Park Film Festival: Celebrate the park’s wildlife and history by attending this annual event that showcases films inspired by Denali.

#97 Experience the Denali Wilderness at Night: Enjoy a peaceful, quiet night in the wilderness, far from city lights, with a truly dark sky.

#98 Take a Helicopter Tour of Denali: Get a bird’s-eye view of Denali and its majestic surroundings with a thrilling helicopter tour.

#99 Climb Mount McKinley: For mountaineers seeking a challenge, attempt to summit Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America.

#100 Visit the Denali National Park Art Gallery: Explore local art inspired by the stunning beauty of Denali’s landscapes and wildlife.

Concluding

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or wildlife, use PlanMyWeekend.ai to make the most of your time at Denali National Park and plan the ultimate getaway.