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Denali National Park is a must-see trip for many of us! There’s plenty to be amazed by on the 235-mile route. As we drive to Denali and then back to Anchorage, we’ll discover breathtaking views of Cook Inlet from the scenic Arctic Valley Road. Stop at Chugach State Park for miles of forests, mountains, and rivers, plus Thunderbird Falls.
As we drive, we’ll hear the tales of spirit houses at Eklutna Village Historical Park, along with the historic Russian Orthodox Church at St. Nicholas. The Knik Glacier shows off 400-foot-tall walls of ice, and the Mat-Su Valley looks like a second Eden.
No trip to Alaska is complete without following the prospectors at Independence Mine State Historical Park. Hatcher Pass offers a massive, abandoned gold mine to explore. Later, we’ll stop by Willow, the Iditarod Dog Sled race! We’ll stop by Willow Lake, its official starting point.
As we approach Denali, the narration will provide plenty of tips on the best hikes, viewpoints, and stops inside the park.
At the Anchorage starting point, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the hub for domestic and international travel, and is only five miles away from downtown Anchorage.
This makes it easy to fly into ANC, rent a car near the airport, and find accommodations in Anchorage. Then, start your tour bright and early at the starting point on East 5th Avenue.
From the Denali starting point, Fairbanks Airport (FAI) is the nearest airport, 120 miles north of the Park Entrance. Cars can be rented at FAI, or the Alaska Railroad can be taken from the airport to Healy, which is only about 12 miles away from the Park entrance. Healy offers rental cars as well.
From Anchorage, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the hub for domestic and international travel, and is only five miles away from downtown Anchorage.
From Denali, Fairbanks Airport (FAI) is the nearest airport, 120 miles north of the Park Entrance.
Cars can be rented at ANC or FAI airports. Car rentals are also available at the Healy train stop, 12 miles from Denali National Park. Approach Denali starting point from Healy via Route 3. The Anchorage starting point begins on E 5th Street.
Cross gulf cruises often disembark at Seward. This is a good opportunity to add a Seward-Anchorage tour, and then take the Anchorage to Denali driving tour. Rent a car at Seward, then take a 2.5-hour driving tour to Anchorage.
There’s no fee to drive the route between Anchorage and Denali. Most stops along the route are free to explore. Some, like Eklutna Lake, require a small parking fee. Hatcher Pass has a guided tour available for a small fee.
There is no cost to enter Denali State Park; however, Denali National Park requires a pass to enter, which must be reserved online in advance. They do not accept cash at the gate. Frequent travelers may benefit from a National Parks annual pass.
There is a small cost for using the camping facilities at Denali State Park or Denali National Park during the summer, and they must be booked in advance. Campsites are free in the winter but still require advance registration.
No advance permits are required for the highway or most trails, but always check the Alaska Department of Parks and Outdoor Recreation or National Park Service websites for seasonal updates.
Anchorage offers a wide range of accommodations, from full-service hotels and boutique lodges to cozy B&Bs, making it a convenient base before heading to Denali. It’s also a great place to rent a car or pick up last-minute supplies.
From the opposite direction, Fairbanks has options ranging from quaint stays to luxury hotels, plus unique experiences like dog sled demonstrations. Talkeetna is a smaller town but offers charming cabins and B&Bs in the scenic Mat-Su Valley along the route.
We recommend booking ahead, as accommodations fill quickly during the busy summer season. For availability and rates along the route, check platforms like Alaska.org.
Camping in Alaska is a special experience. K’esugi Ken Campground in Denali State Park does not require an NPS pass. It features paved roads, a ranger station, bathrooms, picnic areas, 10 walk-in campsites, 32 RV sites, and a group site for up to 50 people. Three public-use cabins are available with advance online reservations.
Also within Denali State Park, Byers Lake Campground has 73 campsites and three public-use cabins. Amenities include a boat launch, canoe and kayak rentals, excellent fishing, and access to the Kesugi Ridge Trail.
Lower Troublesome Creek Campground offers a quieter stay with 20 simple campsites, fire rings, trail access, bathrooms, Denali Ridge views, and great grayling fishing.
Summer is the best time to visit Alaska, with relatively warm, dry weather ideal for hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching.
Note that Denali National Park and Denali State Park are separate parks with different facilities. The National Park requires an entrance pass and has visitor centers, while the State Park offers excellent wilderness exploration and campgrounds.
Denali National Park’s Park Road is the only road through the park. From May 20 to early September, the first 15 miles are open to private vehicles and tour buses; in winter, only the first 3 miles are plowed, and buses don’t run. Campsites require reservations; backpacking permits are required for wilderness camping.
Summer (May 20-early September) is Denali’s fully open season, with buses, ranger-led hikes, and open campgrounds.
Fall (mid-September–October) is brief but quieter. The Winter Visitor Center opens near the start of Park Road, and Riley Creek Campground remains available.
Winter (October-May) brings extreme cold and deep snow but offers opportunities to see the Northern Lights, cross-country ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile.
Spring (late April-May 20) is another short season with unpredictable weather. Park Road gradually reopens as snow is cleared, and hiking or biking is possible. Riley Creek Campground stays open year-round, and backpacking is allowed with a permit.
You can make the drive from Anchorage to Denali National Park in a single day, though you will need to be selective about which hikes you take and how long you spend at each stop. Since you’ll come back the way you came, you can always return to spots that you didn’t have time for on the way out to Denali.
If you have an extra day or so, you can make more time to explore Denali and then take one of our Anchorage to Seward to Anchorage to Homer tours.
Starting out early or staying out a little later can help you avoid crowds along popular spots. Remember, you’ll have much more daylight in the summer to work with. Wildlife is typically more active around dawn and dusk, so there’s a greater chance of getting some wildlife photos at those times. Best recommendations are to plan a long day with a break in the afternoon, allowing for early start times and momentum to see additional sights in the evening.
The third largest State Park in Alaska, Chugach shelters almost half a million acres of glistening icefields, dense forests, and mountains just begging to be admired. Dozens of short trails make the Alaskan wilderness accessible to anyone, and the hills are dotted with blueberries in the late summer. Keep an eye out for moose strolling through!
High in the Talkeetna Mountains lies Hatcher Pass, an alpine destination rich with gold rush era lore. When gold was discovered here in the 1890s, prospectors flocked to the mountains, only to leave behind the whole mining town, preserved today as Independence Mine State Historical Park. Wander the mining town or pick your berries high up in the mountains, picturing what life would have been like here for the miners and their families. Hiking the Gold Cord Lake Trail delivers a stunning view of boulders and a crystal-clear mountain lake that rewards intrepid visitors with a feeling like being at the top of the world.
This small community shares the stories of the dynamic cultures that have made Alaska their home over the centuries. The humble Russian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas dates back to the 1870s, and the cemetery shelters the tiny, colorful “spirit houses,” which were believed by the Dena’ina People to shelter the spirits of departed loved ones. Their stories all play out under the shelter of the Chucach Mountains, and the nearby Eklutna lake offers the perfect place for a scenic lunch or some kayaking or biking.
This massive sheet of ice towers 400 feet tall and 5 miles wide! The mighty blue glacier feeds the rushing Knick River and supports the vibrant ecosystem surrounding the glacier, complete with bobbing icebergs. Approaching, it looks like a giant, frozen sea spilling from the Chugach Mountains. Wide gravel flats left behind by retreating ice surround the glacier, along with braided channels of glacial meltwater that snake through the valley. As the colors change with the patterns of sun and cloud each day, Knick Glacier gives a vibrant reminder that Alaska is a living, breathing glacial landscape.
No visit to the lakes, rivers, and valleys of Alaska is complete without a scenic drive through Mat-Su Valley. Created by the Matanuska and Susitna Rivers, the valley delights visitors with charming small towns nestled among vast wilderness vistas, making it the perfect spot to take in a relaxing view while resting up for the next hike. The rivers house abundant fish and wildlife; kayakers and fishermen alike can enjoy the peaceful views of the mountains! Mat-Su is also a gateway to adventure, with trails leading up into the mountains.
North America’s tallest peak is the reigning monarch of over six million acres of wild landscape. Truly one of the most untouched wilderness lands on the entire continent, only a single road winds through the Park. Grizzly bears, moose, wolves, deer, and Dall sheep roam freely, making this the destination of a lifetime for wildlife photographers. Hikers can strike out into the backcountry for primitive camping, or visitors can enjoy a bus-tour and ranger-led hike through the frontcountry. Either way, catching a glimpse of the mountain as it rises above the miles of forest, rivers, and rocks is truly a breathtaking experience.
This easy, family-friendly hike is a one-mile loop, typically taking 30 minutes to an hour. The path through the birch forest is a must-see hike that’s, close to Anchorage, easily accessible, and provides some beautiful views without a long scramble. The well-maintained trail leads to an overlook of a dramatic 200-foot waterfall, with a few slightly steeper sections near the viewing area. The trailhead is located in Chugach State Park off the Old Glenn Highway near Eklutna, about 25 miles northeast of Anchorage. Hikers should stay on the trail – there are steep dropoffs along the path.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hike in the famous Denali National Park! A scenic hike in Denali National Park & Preserve, this 2-mile loop generally takes about an hour to complete. This easy, mostly flat trail follows the Savage River with beautiful mountain views and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, thanks to open viewing opportunities along the hike. The trailhead is located at Savage River along Denali Park Road and is accessible by shuttle bus during the summer season. Note that the Savage Alpine Trail departs from the same trailhead, but follows an 8-mile loop.
Welcome to the History Trail! For folks who want a more mellow hike, McKinley Station Trial offers a gentle stroll with signage along the path that tells the story of Denali’s history. This easy-to-moderate trail is also in Denali National Park & Preserve. A 3 mile out-and-back trail that takes roughly two hours to hike. The gravel path has gentle elevation changes and connects the Denali Visitor Center area with Riley Creek Campground. The trailhead begins near the Denali Visitor Center, making it easy to access.
This is the hike to take in Denali to see the Chulitna River framed by the stunning mountains. This trail in Denali State Park is a short and easy walk, about one mile out-and-back, and usually completed in under 30 minutes. This flat trail follows the creek and offers a peaceful forest setting – the creek is a perfect spot for fishing, too! The trailhead is located off the George Parks Highway near the Troublesome Creek access area.
Ready for a bit of a challenge? This moderate trail is in Denali State Park, so there’s no entry fee here, but still some incredible views of the Alaskan wilderness. It is a 6.5-mile out-and-back hike that typically takes about 3 to 3.5 hours round trip. The trail climbs steadily for about 1,000 feet to open ridge viewpoints with sweeping views of the Alaska Range on clear days, including the peak of Denali rising into the sky. Rocky terrain scattered with wildflowers greets hikers in the summertime, as the green hills sweep out beneath the view. The trailhead is located at Kesugi K’en Campground off the George Parks Highway near Trapper Creek.
One day is enough to complete the drive from Anchorage to Denali State Park, but we recommend a full two days to allow time for hiking and sightseeing. Add another day or two, and you can take in the sights in the surrounding area, like the Seward Highway tour or the Sterling Highway Tour.
If you only have one day, you can focus on making the four-hour drive between Anchorage and Denali (or vice versa), with a few quick stops for taking in the views along the way at places like Eklutna Village Historical Park and Thunderbird Falls. If you only have time for one hike through Denali National Park, the Savage Creek Trail is a good pick with some beautiful views.
If you have two full days, you can enjoy more hiking at stops like Knick Glacier, Byers Lake, or Triple Lakes Trail. This also improves your chances of seeing wildlife. There’s a lot of travel time in between stops on this tour, including a full hour between Denali State Park and Denali National Park.
With three or more days, you can really take your time for the full Alaska experience. Reserve a campsite at Denali, or get a backpacking permit if you’re really brave. Try a longer hike like Kesugi Ridge or the Savage Alpine Trail. Linger at Mat-Su Valley and try your hand at some fishing or berry picking if you’re there in the summer, or snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter.
A sample two-day itinerary for someone staying in Anchorage might look like this:
Day 1
Set out on Arctic Valley Road for sightseeing, including Cook Inlet and Chugach State Park. Stop at Eklutna Village Historical Park to see the colorful spirit houses and historic St. Nicholas Church. Stretch your legs with the short hike to Thunderbird Falls or detour to Eklutna Lake. Stop for a picnic lunch, or continue to Mat-Su Valley for some first-rate farm-to-table dining. If you have time and energy, you can explore Knick Glacier, or save that for tomorrow. Drive on to Denali State Park and try one of the shorter hikes here, if daylight permits. Stay overnight at one of the hotels or lodges near the park entrance.
Day 2
The next day, try a longer hike at Denali State Park earlier in the day. Then head back toward Anchorage by following the reverse route in your app tour. This is your chance to see the spots you only heard about yesterday. Consider Willow Lake to see the start of the famous Iditarod dog race, along with Knick Glacier and its 4,000-foot-tall ice sheet. Hatcher Pass is a memorable trail through an old gold mining town, so squeeze that in if you have time. Return to Anchorage in time for dinner, then explore the city if you have a little more time.
Bring Layers: Alaska’s weather can change quickly. Dress in moisture-wicking layers, and pack a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy walking shoes, even in summer.
DC Charger / Portable Battery: GPS, tour apps, and cameras drain batteries fast. Bring a DC charger or portable battery pack.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, chapstick, and a hat help protect against glare from snow, water, and icefields.
Binoculars & Camera: Perfect for spotting beluga whales, puffins, or moose. A camera is a must for capturing glaciers, fjords, and wildlife.
Gas: Make sure to fill up your car in Anchorage and stock up on any other provisions you might need. From the Denali entrance, a gas station is available 1 mile north of the park on Route 3/Parks Highway.
Driving & Transportation Tips: Rental cars are limited and expensive in summer, so reserve early. A midsize SUV is helpful for gravel pullouts and variable road conditions.
Wildlife Protection & First Aid: Carry bear spray if hiking in remote areas, and know how to use it. A small first aid kit is essential for minor scrapes, blisters, or emergencies on trails.
Reusable Water Bottle & Snacks: Bring plenty of water and light snacks for hikes and fjord excursions. Services are limited on trails.
Cash: Carry some cash, as small-town shops, markets, or campgrounds may not take cards.
Optional Gear: Trekking poles for steep trails, insect repellent for forests, waterproof cases for phones/cameras, and a swimsuit if you want to try Herring Cove Beach or kayaking.
Mosquito Season: Mosquitoes peak in summer, especially in Portage Valley and other forested or wet areas. Pack insect repellent, and consider long sleeves or a head net if you’ll be hiking or spending time outdoors.
Emergency Preparedness: Carry a charged phone, flashlight, basic toolkit, and first aid kit, and know local emergency numbers.
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