Denali National Park: An Incredible Space In Alaska
Denali National Park, in the interior of Alaska, owes its name to a mountain that is home to and is the highest mountain in North America. However, it has many other charms that have made it one of the largest tourist attractions in the state. Can you come with us? You will not regret.
Denali National Park Features
Denali National Park was founded in 1917. It covers an area of more than 24,000 km², making it the largest in the United States. It is crossed by the Alaska mountain range and in it you can see various ecosystems.
Due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, most of the park is made up of tundra. However, it is possible to see other plant areas. The most common trees are spruce and willow. There are also about 400 species of flowers, among them the goldenrod, the willowweed, the lupine or the gentian.
Regarding the fauna, the park is home to black and brown bears, which feed on blueberries or bison cherries. Moose, gray wolves, arctic squirrels, caribou, marmots, American hares, foxes and a long list of mammals also live. As for the birds, the big crow or the Hudson magpie stand out.
What to do in the park
In the park you can do many activities. It all depends if we go in the summer or in the winter. During the first one, it is possible to go hiking (there are several routes that leave from the visitor center), cycling, fishing or camping, taking advantage of the good weather.
Meanwhile, when temperatures are lower we can practice cross-country skiing. It is also possible to do dog sledding or snowshoeing tours, enjoy snowmobile tours, etc.
However, the main activity of the park is to travel the road that crosses it in a shuttle vehicle. It allows you to enjoy all the charms of the place, while the driver offers information of interest through a microphone. Places are limited, so it is best to make your reservation in advance.
During the journey, stops are made at strategic places. Thus, it is possible to admire the natural wonders that we find and take pictures. It will also be easy to contemplate some of the animals that we have mentioned. But, above all, we will enjoy spectacular landscapes.
Price and how to get to Denali National Park
The entrance fee to Denali National Park is $10 per person and $20 per vehicle. It can also be accessed with the US National Parks Annual Pass, which costs $80. Once there, if you plan to camp, you have to pay 10 or 20 dollars a day, and 20 or 30 for motorhomes.
Regarding how to get to Denali National Park, there are several possibilities. One of them is to opt for public transportation, as there are several buses that leave from Anchorage or Fairbanks to the place. For its part, the Alaska State Train goes directly to the entrance.
Those who prefer to go on their own can rent a vehicle and follow the George Parks Highway or Alaska Route 3. Once in the park, it can be accessed by driving, but for this, and as we have already seen, you have to pay. Of course, in certain areas circulation is prohibited.
Finally, the more adventurous can take a hang gliding or helicopter tour. It can be hired in Anchorage. In this way it is possible to enjoy great views of all the beauty of this incredible natural space.
As you have seen, Denali National Park is an impressive place, full of natural attractions that is worth visiting at least once in your life, don’t you think?
