Nature and Science

 
Denali National Park and Preserve is a dynamic intact ecosystem that is both inspiring and complex. The landscape is not static--as landslides, glacially-fed braided rivers, and moving glaciers attest. There are also human impacts on the land, such as changes in air quality (air-borne contaminants) and climate.

Explore the topics below to learn general information about each. Check out our science and research, if you're interested in learning about what studies occur in the park, and what those studies discover about the park's flora, fauna and human history.
 
a dall sheep stands on a rocky hillside
Wildlife

Denali is home to 39 species of mammals, 169 species of birds, and 1 lonely species of amphibian.

small purple flowers in the woods
Plants

This subarctic wilderness is home to more than 1,500 species of vascular plants, mosses and lichens.

a tall snow-capped mountain peaking out of the clouds
Geology

Learn about glaciers, earthquakes, landslides, and the fossils that tell the story of Denali's dinosaurs.

scientific equipment on a tripod in front of a glacier
Climate Change

Change is ever-present in natural settings, and the landscape of Denali is no exception.

green brush looks over rocky ridges on a sunny day
The NPS, Wilderness, and You

Explore the National Park Service's interactive wilderness site!

smoke and fire engulf a forest
Wildland Fire Management

Discover more about the natural role of fire in Denali National Park and Preserve.

a dirt road winding through brushy hills and mountains
Road Ecology Program

Scientists in this program study the way the Denali Park Road, and traffic on it, influence wildlife behavior.

visitors on a bus use binoculars to look out the window
Social Science

Find out what Denali's visitation looks like and how visitors are counted at visitor centers.

Last updated: December 4, 2021

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Contact Info

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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