Mt. Denali

Formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali reaches a summit elevation of 20,310 feet above sea level to make it North America’s highest mountain peak. As the centerpiece of Denali National Park and Preserve in the Alaska Range, Denali draws more than 400,000 visitors every year.

About Mt. Denali

Denali is the third-highest of the tallest peaks on the seven continents, known as the Seven Summits. It’s considered an extremely difficult and dangerous climb to the summit due to the extreme weather, freezing temperatures, and nearly vertical climb areas.

Despite its deadly reputation, it is also known as one of the most beautiful mountain peaks in Alaska, and Denali has been at the center of controversy for decades with clashes between the Federal Government and the Native Alaskans that have fought to protect it.

Visiting Mt. Denali

May through September is the best time to visit Denali, and there’s plenty to see and do for those that love nature and adventure. With only one road providing access, it’s important to plan ahead to get the most out of your visit to one of the country’s most-beautiful national parks.

You can reach Denali from Anchorage by train or bus transfer.

Best Times to Visit

Denali is different experience with every season.

• Summer (June–August): The most popular time to visit, with accessible roads, warmer temperatures, and plenty of wildlife activity. Visibility can vary, as Denali is often shrouded in clouds.
  


• Fall (September): Offers fewer crowds and vibrant autumn colors, though weather conditions may be less predictable.
  


• Spring (May): Snow-covered landscapes create dramatic views, but park access is more limited.
  


• Winter (October–April): Denali transforms into a winter wonderland, with opportunities for cross-country skiing and aurora viewing, though the mountain is less accessible.
  

How to See Mt. Denali

While reaching Denali’s summit is reserved for experienced climbers, there are many ways to enjoy its majestic beauty:

Scenic Views from the Park

• Denali Park Road: This is the best way to experience views of the mountain within Denali National Park. On clear days, the road offers several vantage points, including:
  
  
  
  • Mile 9 (Denali Viewpoint): The first major view of the mountain.
    
  
  
  • Stony Hill Overlook (Mile 62): A favorite spot for panoramic views.
    
  
  
  • Wonder Lake (Mile 85): Known for its reflective lake views of the mountain.
    
  
  
  
  


• Visitor Centers: The Eielson Visitor Center (Mile 66) provides stunning views of the mountain, exhibits about Denali, and ranger-led programs.
  

Flightseeing Tours
For a truly unforgettable experience, take a flightseeing tour. These small aircraft flights circle Denali, offering up-close views of the mountain’s rugged peaks, glaciers, and sheer scale. Some tours even include glacier landings, allowing you to step onto the icy terrain.

Hiking with Views

• Savage River Loop: A moderate trail near Mile 15 of Denali Park Road with chances for distant views of Denali on clear days.
  


• Polychrome Ridge: Accessible via shuttle or tour buses, this area offers breathtaking views and short hikes.
  

Denali Viewpoints Outside the Park

• Denali State Park: Located south of the national park, Denali State Park offers viewpoints like the Denali View South and North that showcase the mountain from unique angles.
  


• Scenic Tours: There is so much to see and do in Denali. Our guided tours range from mild & scenic to wild, once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
  

Nature and Wildlife

The area surrounding Mount Denali is home to incredible wildlife and diverse ecosystems. While exploring, you may encounter:

• Grizzly Bears: Often seen in the open tundra.
  


• Caribou and Moose: Grazing near rivers and wetlands.
  


• Wolves and Foxes: Occasionally spotted near wooded areas.
  


• Birdlife: Bald eagles, golden eagles, and migratory birds are common.
  

Climbing Mount Denali

For those with extensive mountaineering experience, climbing Denali is a once-in-a-lifetime challenge. The West Buttress Route is the most popular path to the summit, but it requires thorough preparation, permits, and technical expertise. Climbers should plan for extreme weather, altitude challenges, and a commitment of two to three weeks.

History & Geology

Denali was formed from tectonic uplift at least 60-million years ago at the formation of the Alaska Range. Located about 130 miles northwest of Anchorage, it is the crown jewel of the six-million acre Denali National Park—a park only accessible by a single 90-mile-long road that cuts through it.

The area surrounding the mountain was originally settled by the Koyukon people who called the peak “Denali”—meaning “high” or “tall”. In 1896, a gold prospector found the mountain and dubbed it “Mount McKinley” after the presidential candidate William McKinley, and this name was officially recognized by the U.S. government from 1917-2015. In 1975, The Alaska Board of Geographic Names changed the name of the mountain from Mount McKinley to Denali, but the change wasn’t recognized until President Obama made it official in 2015.

Interesting Facts

Denali has been a place of beauty (and danger) for millennia, and the first successful climb of the mountain was in 1913. Since then, nearly 32,000 hopeful climbers have attempted to reach the summit. Hundreds of thousands of additional visitors to Denali National Park come to explore the breathtaking wilderness surrounding the mountain through hiking and kayaking.

From its impressive height to its deadly reputation, Denali is as fascinating as it is beautiful.

• Due to its location beyond the 63-degrees latitude, Denali is incredibly difficult to climb—as of 2016, there was about a 60% success rate for climbers attempting the summit.


• Five different glaciers flow from the slopes of Denali, with 44-mile-long Kahiltna Glacier coming in as the longest glacier in the Alaska Range.


• Denali has two summits—North Summit and South Summit—with South Summit being the higher of the two. North Summit is rarely attempted by climbers.


• Between the years of 1903 and the end of the climbing season in 2006, 93 people lost their lives while attempting to climb the mountain.


• The West Buttress route is the most popular, safest, and easiest route up to the summit, and it was discovered in 1951 by Bradford Washburn.


• A weather station was placed on Denali in 2002—making it the third-highest weather station in the world at 19,000 feet, recording temperatures as low as -75.5-degrees in winter and -22.9-degrees in July.


• The official height of Denali’s summit was determined by two global positioning receivers placed on the summit in 2015, and according to NASA, the mountain grows by about 1-millimeter every year.

Tips for Visiting Mount Denali

Here are some tips for your visit:

1. Check the Weather: Denali is often obscured by clouds, so clear views aren’t guaranteed. Check the forecast and be patient for breaks in the weather.
   


2. Book Tours in Advance: Flightseeing tours, bus rides along Denali Park Road, and guided hikes can fill up quickly during peak season. Book tours here.
   


3. Follow Park Guidelines: Stay safe by respecting wildlife, sticking to marked trails, and following Leave No Trace principles.
   


4. Consider Multiple Days: If possible, spend several days in the area to increase your chances of seeing Denali on a clear day.
   

Final Thoughts

Denali is a place where nature rules and humans simply visit, which means that it is a must-see for any adventure-seeker visiting Alaska. Whether you come to attempt a once-in-a-lifetime climb up the mountain or simply to take in the sights of the beautiful Denali National Park and Preserve, the area surrounding the mountain offers some of Alaska’s best wildlife and picturesque scenery.

View all of our Denali tours.