Geology

Alaska is the most geologically active part of the country and Denali National Park and Preserve reveals much of this activity. Immense tectonic forces wrinkle and crumple terranes to form the Alaska range that looks like a spiny backbone to the park. Denali towers over the landscape at 20,310 feet tall. Its dominant presence reminds all that come to the park of the immense power of the Earth. Glaciers etch out the land and fill up 16% of the park, appearing like white snakes slithering out of the mountains. Fossils of the park's prehistoric past show a story of a warmer past where dinosaurs roamed what is now this park. These are just a few of the amazing geological phenomena that occur in the park.

Interested in more information? Check out the Science and Scholarship Resources to find more recommended resources about geology and other research topics from the park.

Explore the sections below to learn more about the earth processes that occur within these boundaries.
snowy mountains tinged pink by setting sunlight
Denali and the Alaska Range

The Alaska Range is a 600-mile long arc of mountains that features North America's tallest mountain, Denali.

a sign indicates an active slide area and requests that traffic does not stop
Landslides

Remnants of landslides and slumps can be seen along the park road. Learn more about this geohazard in Denali.

a ranger uses a book to describe geology to a visitor
Denali Geology Road Guide

Discover what geologic features can be seen from the park's 92 mile road using this free downloadable book (PDF 8.6 MB).

a glacier weaves through mountains
Glaciers

Glaciers cover one million acres, or one-sixth of Denali National Park. Learn more about this land that is sculpted by ice.

snow covered Denali stands tall over a lake
Denali or Mt. McKinley?

What's in a name? Surprisingly, a lot. Learn more about what the mountain is called and why.

earthquake monitoring equipment on a mountain top in the snow
Earthquakes

Earthquakes are frequent in the Denali area. It is estimated that there are 600 seismic events of a magnitude of 1 or higher in the park.

Earth Science Stories

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    Last updated: October 28, 2020

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    Mailing Address:

    PO Box 9
    Denali Park, AK 99755

    Phone:

    907 683-9532
    A ranger is available 9 am to 4 pm daily (except on major holidays). If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller.

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