Activities - Denali Park Hotel

Denali, Alaska offers so many great activities and once in a lifetime experiences we recommend staying two or three days to get the most out of your trip.

While exploring Denali keep in mind the weather changes quite often from sunny, windy, rainy and back to sunny all in one day so dress in layers. Also an extra day in Denali may reveal the best view of Denali.

#1 Activity a must for anyone visiting Denali!

Ride a National Park shuttle bus into Denali National Park

The best and most affordable way to see both Denali (weather permitting) and the wildlife is to ride the bus into the park. THIS SHUTTLE BUS LEAVES FROM THE WILDERNESS ACCESS CENTER, which is located one mile inside Denali National Park. Private vehicles are only allowed the first 15 miles into the park so a bus is the only way to really see the park. There are 2 types of buses to choose from a shuttle bus or a tour bus. Both buses travel along the same road and stop to see wildlife. The difference is the shuttle bus is cheaper, you can get on and off anywhere along the road, it is not narrated and you pack your own food. However the bus driver usually talks and will help spot wildlife. The tour bus is narrated in full by the bus driver, you will learn a lot about the area and wildlife and a choice of snack or lunch is provided.

Both buses offer different options of varying length and various departure times. It is preferable to make a reservation for a bus prior to arrival since buses do fill up.

To learn more about the bus options and the park call 907-683-9532 or click here.

To make a bus reservation call 1-800-622-7275 or 907-272-7275 or click here.

We recommend riding the bus to the Eielson Visitor Center. On a clear day it offers amazing views of Denali. This is a full day adventure, round-trip duration is 8 hours. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Inside the park you may see grizzly and black bears, moose, caribou, wolves and dall’s sheep. It is also common to see artic ground squirrels, red squirrels, foxes and marmots. Because of the ever-changing weather, chances of seeing Denali are about 20%.

We suggest packing your own lunch and beverages as there are no concessions offered inside the park. Many local restaurants offer box lunches to take into the park you can pick it up the night before and store it in your fridge in your hotel room.

Other Activities

Activities in Denali National Park

Tour the Denali Visitor Center Free.
Visit the Murie Science and Learning Center Free.
Go to a Sled Dog Demonstration Free.
Take a drive to Savage River, 15 miles into the park, hike or picnic.
Go for a hike, many trails start near the park entrance Free.
Go on a ranger-led walk Free.
Fishing in Denali National Park Free and no fishing license required.

Activities outside of Denali National Park

Our friendly front desk staff can assist in booking local activities and adventures. (*) Activities below with an asterisk are based out of Healy, which is where Denali Park Hotel is located.

Flightseeing

Denali is best viewed from the air. Even on a cloudy day, most of the 20,320 feet of Denali is visible above the low-lying cloud level. You can do a summit flight or a flight that lands on a glacier! This is an experience you will never forget.

Fly Denali is the only Denali Park Flightseeing Company that can land in Denali National Park!
Era Helicopters also offers heli-hiking.

Raft or Kayak the Nenana River

Choose from an exhilarating whitewater adventure or a relaxing scenic float trip. If you feel like some solitude you can rent a kayak and paddle around Otto Lake on your own which is less than a mile from Denali Park Hotel.
Denali Outdoor Center*

Go Fishing!

Guided fishing trips are available or if you have your own gear and license you can fish at Otto Lake which is less than a mile from Denali Park Hotel.
Fish Denali Guides
Denali Fly Fishing Guides

Golf at Midnight!

Other tee times are available on this nine hole course. They have everything you need to play a round. There is also a mini-golf course and restaurant.
Black Diamond Golf Course*

Visit the Canyon

Wander through the “Canyon” by the park entrance and browse the shops, have a pizza, go out to eat or listen to some live music.

Daytrip to Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is an easy 2-hour drive from Denali Park Hotel and has some great activities to enjoy.

Ride the Riverboat Discovery.
Visit the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Museum.
Pan for Gold at the El Dorado Gold Mine.
Visit Santa Claus at the North Pole, only 16 miles southeast of Fairbanks.