Denali National Park

Denali National Park and Preserve is located in Interior Alaska and boasts Denali, the highest mountain in North America. The area encompasses 6 million acres of forest, glaciers, snow, and bare rock, making it larger than the state of New Hampshire. The National Park Service reports that every year, more than 640,000 visitors flock to the national park and preserve to experience its breathtaking scenery, snow-capped mountains, and plentiful wildlife.

Weather in Denali National Park and Preserve involves long winters, followed by short growing seasons. Its average temperature in Winter is just 5.8 F, followed by 28 F in Spring, 53 F in Summer, and 24 F in Fall. Weather is so unpredictable here, however, that there have even been instances of snowfall in August.

There are plenty of towns and villages both near and on the outskirts of the park, including Talkeetna, Anderson, McKinley Park, and the famous North Pole. The nearest cities include Anchorage (Alaska’s largest city) and Fairbanks, both which have plenty of shops, museums, eateries, and sightseeing opportunities.

When it comes to in-park events, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Denali National Park and Preserve. Because the area is open year-round, activities at all levels of difficulty and exertion can be found. These include hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, flightseeing, cycling, dog sledding, mountaineering, and so much more. For a full list of in-park activities and adventure ideas, click here. While Winter can provide solitude and a bounty of fun, snow-filled activities, most people travel to the park in the Summer months when the park is accessible by bus.