Trailie
Tell Trailie your dates, pace, and interests — get a day-by-day Denali National Park & Preserve plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
Explore this park
Bus-only interior access, short summer windows, and wildlife viewing define visits.
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' Mount McKinley. Wild animals large and small roam un-fenced lands, living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility and wilderness await.
Source: National Park Service (as of Nov 4, 2026). Official Denali National Park & Preserve page on nps.gov
is a short season in April / May, with highs above freezing.
is typically cool and wet, with highs typically in the upper 50s to low 60s, and lows in the 40s.
colors emerge on the alpine tundra in August and in the low valleys in early September.
generally starts in mid-September, with temps often getting down to -40 by January.
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.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Denali charges an entrance fee year-round. Youth age 15 or younger are free. For people age 16 or older, the $15 entrance fee provides a 7-day entrance permit. Be prepared to show your receipt or pass (digital or physical) if requested by park staff.
All Park Hours
Denali is open 24-hours a day, although services are limited after-hours (generally after 4 pm in winter or 6 pm in summer). There is no gate at the park entrance. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds (with a valid reservation) or in the rest of the park with a free backpacking permit.
Annual Entrance - Park
$45.00The Denali Annual Pass covers up to four adults. You may purchase it online or in person at the park.
Common questions
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
No park-wide entry reservation is required for Denali. Cave tours, campgrounds, or activity passes may still need advance booking — see Overview on this page for fees, hours, and what to book ahead.
