Even for those who don’t like organized tours, booking a tour will help you see parts of the park that may otherwise be inaccessible. Private tour buses and vans are permitted deeper into the park than you are with an automobile. Here you can see the best of the park in a safe environment, while learning from experienced tour guides and naturalists. For those wanting a more up-close look at the mountain, you can do a “flightseeing” tour. There are two options. You can fly in on a plane and get great views of Denali and the surrounding area, or you can go in on a helicopter. Here you can land on a glacier and do some hiking near the mountains.

A park as vast as Denali has great opportunities for hiking. Because it’s a mountainous environment, be prepared to climb (and descend). A manageable and popular trail is the Mount Healy Overlook Trail. At about 7 miles out and back, the trail will give you amazing views of the mountains. It can be steep in spots, so make sure you’re physically able to complete it and take all the regular precautions. For a shorter and easier trail, try the Horseshoe Lake Trail. The trail is only about 2 miles and is suitable for most people. Keep in mind, of course, that any trail in the park is generally only usable during the high summer months and, at times, into early September. Also make sure to be mindful of bears and other wildlife and take appropriate precautions.  

Camping in Denali is a great way to immerse yourself in the park’s wilderness. For those seeking to go deeper into the park, it will be necessary to find a place to camp. The park has campgrounds available for RVs, tents and other vehicles. Be sure to make reservations if you’re unsure about availability. There are no amenities for RVs (water, electricity), so you’ll need to camp outside the park for those. Also, vehicles must camp in established campgrounds. Camping on the side of the road is prohibited. Prices will vary, so check the park’s website for updated information. Winter camping is free. For backcountry camping, you’ll need to obtain a free permit.