Safety

Are You Prepared?

Denali National Park is a wild, wonderful place to visit, but it is important to know the hazards before you head out into the park. Explore the sections below to prepare yourself for your Denali visit.

Dial 9-1-1 in Emergencies - Be prepared to give your location as Denali National Park. Call to report accidents, fires, or life-threatening emergencies. Cell phone coverage exists only within three miles of the park entrance. Emergencies in areas without cell service should be reported to a park ranger, campground host, bus driver, or other employee.

 
  • A bull moose with large antlers stands surrounded by green brush.
    Wildlife Safety

    Keep wildlife wild and never feed or harass wildlife. Stay 300 yards from bears and 25 yards from other animals at all times.

  • A grizzly bear walks through brushy tundra.
    Understanding Bear Behavior

    The best preparation is education. Learn how to prevent bear encounters, how to read bear behavior, and what to do if you encounter a bear.

  • A park ranger holds a can of bear spray and talks to a woman.
    Using Bear Spray

    Bear spray is strongly encouraged for all hikers in Denali. Learn how, when, and where to use bear spray.

  • A man bikes along a gravel road past hillsides of green tundra and blooming fireweed.
    Cycling Safety

    Biking in Denali requires being prepared to share the road with bears and other traffic.

  • Fresh snow on a mountain ridgetop, with bright red and yellow fall colors below the snow line.
    Weather

    Snow can fall nearly any month of the year in Denali. Dress for the weather to stay warm and safe.

  • Two people wearing backpacks ford a river at the base of large, rocky mountains.
    Alaska Wilderness Safety

    Alaska is wild! Explore safety topics specific to the state such as river crossings, aviation safety, and selecting appropriate gear.

 

Wilderness Safety in Denali

Even experienced wilderness travelers can have an accident that results in an injury or even death. Accidents are possible anywhere—so the information below is important to all visitors.

  • Wildlife
    Wildlife can behave unpredictably. Do not intentionally approach wildlife. Read the
    Wildlife Safety section for more details.
  • Plants
    Do not eat berries unless you know what they are and are sure you have no allergy to them. There are no poison oak, sumac or ivy species in the park, but some other plants can cause allergic reactions, such as cow parsnip.
  • Hypothermia
    Hypothermia is always a factor in the subarctic.
    Rainy, chilly days are normal in summer. Dress in layers, preferably made of wool or synthetic material that is able to insulate you even when wet. Bring rain gear or an umbrella.
  • Injuries
    Be wary of falls. Most of Denali is trail-less, and long hikes are often on a route of your own choosing. If you are hiking up a rocky hill or mountain, be careful of your footing. More people die from falls than any other cause in the park.

  • Don't go alone
    You should always hike with at least one other person. Even then, make sure someone else knows where you're going. Have that person contact us if you are overdue from your trip.

  • Know thyself
    Even if you plan to stay on trails or the park road the entire time you are here, keep in mind that even the entrance of Denali is several hours from the nearest hospital. Locations on the park road (i.e., during a bus trip) are even more remote. If you know you have a medical condition, such as a heart problem, talk to your doctor about your travel plans to see if there is anything you should do to ensure a safe trip.
More information on wilderness travel can be found in our backcountry camping webpages.


Last updated: April 16, 2025

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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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