Trip Idea

Half a Day in Denali

tree-less landscape leading up to brown mountains and a distant white mountain
Duration Half Day
Topic(s) Wilderness, Trails
Activities Front-Country Hiking
Type Kid Friendly, Active
Parks Denali National Park & Preserve

Below are our suggestions for what to do if you find yourself in Denali for half a day.

Please keep in mind that just getting to Denali can take several hours (at least 4.5 from Anchorage, 2 from Fairbanks), and this suggested trip does not account for however long it'll take you to get to the park.

You can feel free to rearrange the activities below in any order you wish.

Learn about other things to do in Denali

Trip Activities
  • Denali National Park & Preserve

    Hike a Short Trail From the Denali Visitor Center
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Front-Country Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Denali Visitor Center
    • Duration: 1–3 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    a trail leading through a forest of spruce and aspen trees

    At 6 million acres in size, Denali is incredibly vast, and hiking is possible almost anywhere in the park. However, there are only a handful of established trails in the park, and here you'll find a few suggestions for one or more short hikes from the Denali Visitor Center.

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  • Denali National Park & Preserve

    Explore Mountain Vista & Savage River
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Front-Country Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Savage River
    • Duration: 2–6 Hours
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    a shallow river flowing between mountains

    While most of Denali’s sole road is restricted just to bus traffic, anybody can drive out to Mountain Vista and Savage River. Located about 15 miles inside the park, the area is scenic, featuring several trails (some short, one long) and a picnic area.

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Last updated: October 7, 2020