'THE HIGH ONE': Park opens its wild vistas to climbers, toursts.
Mount McKinley, better known in Alaska as Denali, is among the most famous and visited of Alaska's many attractions, and with good reason.
Denali National Park services
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Denali, which means "the high one" in Athabascan, is 20,320 feet above sea level, making it the highest peak in North America. But Denali National Park and Preserve is much more than the mountain --it spans 9,492 square miles and attracts nearly half a million visitors each year.
The park and preserve were established in 1917 to protect wildlife living along the slopes and in the valleys of the Alaska Range. In 1980, Congress tripled the size of the park. Some travelers come to climb the mountain, but most come to see wildlife and experience undeveloped wilderness. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the more time spent in the park, the better the chances.
After the first 15 miles, only buses are allowed to continue farther. Most visitors travel deeper into the park on tour and shuttle buses whose drivers provide a wealth of informative details and interesting commentary.
"A lot of folks want to be in the national park when they see Mount McKinley or they may be looking for wildlife, especially the big mammals, which get more of the big press coverage, such as moose, bears, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, caribou and wolves," said Alex Lindeman, a Denali National Park Ranger. "But there are a whole host of other wild animals, and all kinds of birds."
The park, open all year, sees visitors from around the world. While most come in summer, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall also offer visitors a true sense of Alaska's pristine nature.
"It's a nice laid-back season," said Lindeman. "It can be a really powerful time to visit."
Denali National Park is also home to numerous glaciers, including Peters Glacier, on Mount McKinley.
Visitors can learn more about the park at the visitors center, which offers demonstrations, a film about Denali and permits required for backpacking and some other park activities.
ATTRACTIONS
Murie Science and Learning Center
Learn the ins and outs of field journaling, wildlife tracking or the geology of the Nenana Canyon from educators at the Murie Science and Learning Center.
Where: Entrance of Denali National Park
When: Check website for any changes, but in general, in summer (May 15 to Sept. 15) from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. In winter (Sept. 16 to May 14) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Contact the center for specific workshops
Phone: 907-683-1269
Web: www.murieslc.org
Denali National Park Visitors Center
A must stop for visitors before they head into the park, the center has exhibits, a 20-minute film and is the starting point for many hikes and ranger-led activities. Kids 12 and younger can become junior rangers. Pick up an activity guide from the visitors center and recite the official pledge to join.
Where: Mile 1.5 on the Park Road inside Denali National Park
When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily mid-May to mid-September
Cost: Free
Phone: 907-683-2294
Web: www.nps.gov
Denali Wilderness Access Center
The center is the headquarters for bus tickets and campground permits. All shuttle buses depart here. The film "Across Time and Tundra" is shown here.
Where: Mile 1 Park Road, just inside the park
When: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, mid-May to mid-September
Cost: Free
Phone: 907-683-9274
Web: nps.gov/dena
Denali State Park
The Park offers great opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking and camping and spectacular views of Mount McKinley and the Alaska Range. For those looking for a backcountry experience with a bed, there are two lodges in the park.
Where: Parks Highway, Beginning at Mile 135
When: Year-round
Cost: $10 camping, $5 day use parking
Web: dnr.alaska.gov/parks
Talkeetna Air Taxi
The Alaska Range is a favorite destination for many hikers, climbers and backcountry skiers. Talkeetna Air offers full support by giving access and advice. Or stay in the sky and get a raven's-eye view of Mount McKinley, or follow the Iditarod racers from Anchorage to Nome.
907-733-2218, 800-533-2219
www.talkeetnaair.com
