Frequently Asked Questions About
Denali National Park

  1. NEW Denali Reservations
  2. Where can I get information on Denali National Park?
  3. Can I make reservations for Denali National Park or is it first-come, first-served?
  4. Where can I find out about lodging for Denali National Park?
  5. Where can I find out about hiking in Denali National Park? Do I need a permit?
  6. Can I take my pet into Denali National Park and other parks?
  7. I'm not driving, are there other modes of transportation to Denali National Park and other places?
  8. How can I get campground reservations at Denali National Park?
  9. Can I drive into Denali National Park?
  10. Can I fish in Denali National Park?
  11. We don't have time to drive all the way to Denali, can we see Mt. McKinley from here?
  12. Where can I learn how to be safe around bears, moose and other animals?
  13. I want to climb Mt. McKinley. Can you tell me who to contact?
  1. Where can I get information on Denali National Park?
    picture of Denali Alpenglow... the official park newspaperAlaska Public Lands Information Center     has the park newsletter Denali Alpenglow, Denali map brochure, Healy Lion's Club lodging list, and an outfitter-guide commercial list. We also have various seasonal newsletters, handouts, and educational material on Denali. This information is also available on the park's web site at http://www.nps.gov/dena.

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  2.  Can I make reservations for Denali National Park (DNP) or is it first-come, first-served?
    You can make reservations for shuttle bus trips into the park and four of the campgrounds by calling (800) 622- 7275 (outside of Anchorage), or (907) 272-7275 (Anchorage and out- of-country). Phone reservations begin mid February. Fax, (907) 264-4684, and mail reservations start the beginning of December and must be received at least 2 days prior to the reservation date. A new and convenient feature is the web reservation system found at http://www.reservedenali.com. Reservations are taken for 65% of the bus seats and 100% of campsites. Remaining spaces are issued on a first-come, first-served basis at the Denali National Park Visitor Center, no earlier than 2 days in advance.

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  3.  Where can I find out about lodging for Denali National Park?
    One of the Denali National Park concessionaires, Denali Park Resorts, manages the Denali Park Hotel, McKinley Chalets, and McKinley Village Lodge; for reservations call (907) 276-7234. Other lodging suggestions can be found in the Healy Lion's Club guide available at APLIC, or in the Alaska Planner available from the AK Division of Tourism at P.O. Box 110801, Juneau, AK 99811-0801.

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  4.  Where can I find out about hiking in DNP? Do I need a permit?
    There are no designated wilderness trails in Denali National Park, so for overnight hikes, you will want to talk to the Backcountry Desk at Denali National Park. Backcountry permits are free and must be obtained in person at the Backcountry desk. Permits are available up to 24 hours in advance. No permit is required for day-hiking. Guided and unguided walks are available on trails around the park entrance, along Savage River, and near the McKinley River.

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  5.  Can I take my pet into DENALI NATIONAL PARK and other parks?

    It is best to check with the individual area, but in general pets are allowed in National Parks on roadways and in campgrounds ONLY and must be leashed or physically restrained at all times. They are usually prohibited on buses and trails or in the backcountry. Pets are not recommended in preserves or park additions. Pets must not be left unattended. In state parks, national forests, fish & wildlife refuges and BLM land, pets must be leashed at developed facilities, such as campgrounds and picnic areas, and under control in other areas at all times. Of course, when using sled dogs for skijoring or mushing, different rules apply. Skijoring and mushing are allowed in most parks.

    Red Fox Red fox(NPS Photo)

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  6.  I'm not driving, are there other modes of transportation to DENALI NATIONAL PARK and other places?
     Buses, trains, ferries, and planes are sources of public transportation which help people to travel the vast stretches of undeveloped land between population centers in Alaska.Alaska Public Lands Information Centerscan provide information or brochures on trains, ferries and buses, and outfitter-guide lists for many areas. A wide variety of outfitter-guide and other commercial services are available. Lists are available from Anchorage Convention & Visitor Bureau and Division of Tourism. Also consider auto rentals.

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  7.  How can I get campground reservations at DENALI NATIONAL PARK?
    All of the campsites at Riley Creek, Savage, Teklanika, and Wonder Lake may be reserved in advance by calling (800) 622- 7275 (in Anchorage (907) 272-7275), or by fax: 907-264-4684 up to the day before travel.

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  8.  Can I drive into Denali National Park?
    When shuttle and tour buses are operating in the Park, no private vehicles are allowed beyond Savage River (approximately 15 miles in), except those with a Teklanika campground permit. Early and late season, vehicles are allowed to designated points; often 29 miles to the Teklanika gate. There is also a Fall Road Lottery, winners are allowed to drive the road for one of four designated days following the end of the shuttle bus and tour bus season.

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  9.  What information can you give me on National Parks in Alaska?
    Alaska Public Lands Information Center has the Alaska National Parks brochure and the Alaska State Campground map** showing National Parks. Additional material on specific parks is also available depending on the topic of interest, such as outfitter-guide lists, and culture, history, or geology.

    ** zoomable pdf map

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  10.  Can I fish in Denali National Park?
    Yes, but you might prefer other places. Fishing isn't great because the fish can't tolerate the conditions of most rivers inside the park...too much glacial silt. There are a few clear mountain streams where arctic grayling may be caught. Lake trout may be found in Wonder Lake. No license is required in the original Park. A state license is needed for the 1980 park additions and the Denali National Preserve.

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  11.  We don't have time to drive all the way to DENALI NATIONAL PARK, can we see Mt. McKinley from here?
    Actually, you can see the McKinley massif from numerous places in Anchorage: Glen Alps overview and high points throughout town. On the George Parks Highway, views of Mt. McKinley begin at about the 100 mile point. One of the best views is on the spur road to Talkeetna. From Trapper Creek north, turn-outs provide excellent views of the mountain.

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  12.  Where can I learn how to be safe around bears, moose and other animals?
    Most of what you need, you already have...common sense. Keep your distance, let them know you are there, and don't run in panic. Bear Facts is a good brochure to review. Many public lands brochures discuss how to safely enjoy Alaska's wildlife.

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  13.  I want to climb Mt. McKinley. Can you tell me who to contact?
    Contact Denali National Park's Talkeetna Ranger Station: P.O. Box 588, Talkeetna, AK 99676. Phone: (907) 733-2231. FAX: (907) 733-1465.

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