Denali National Park and Preserve
| Denali National Park and Preserve | |
|---|---|
| Denali (Mount McKinley), the tallest peak in North America | |
| Location | Alaska, United States |
| Coordinates | 63.13°N, 151.20°W |
| Area | 4,740,911 acres (19,228 km²) |
| Established | February 26, 1917 |
| Visitors (latest) | 427,562 (2022) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Official website |
Denali National Park and Preserve, established on February 26, 1917, is centered on Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), the highest peak in North America at 20,310 ft. Covering nearly 4.8 million acres, it encompasses a wide range of ecosystems—from boreal forests to alpine tundra.
Geography & Terrain
Located within the Alaska Range, the park features:
- Denali — tallest mountain in North America
- Vast glaciers and river valleys
- Wilderness areas that cover one-third of the park
Wildlife & Ecosystems
Denali’s diverse wildlife includes:
- Grizzly and black bears
- Wolves, moose, caribou, Dall sheep
- Over 300 bird species
History & Name Change
- Established in 1917 as Mount McKinley National Park
- Renamed to Denali in 1980 under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act
- Denali mountain’s name formally changed from Mount McKinley in 2015
Visitor Experience
- Park Road runs 92 miles through the park; private vehicles only permitted to Mile 15
- Shuttle buses provide access to interior areas like Savage River and Wonder Lake
- Several visitor centers & trailheads along the route
Cultural & Recreational Significance
Denali offers:
- Climbing Denali — requires permits & guided expeditions
- Hiking: short nature walks to multi-day backcountry treks
- Wildlife viewing, photography, seasonal dog-sled demonstrations
Fun Facts
- Only ~30% of visitors see Denali unobstructed by clouds
- Contains the only park-run sled dog kennels in the NPS system
- Designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976