May We Suggest…
There's no place more wild, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful than Alaska’s Denali National Park & Preserve - and no place more ideal to experience it from than Denali Park Resorts. If you’ve never been to Denali National Park & Preserve, it’s helpful to have a plan to ensure you see and do it all. We’ve put together our favorite 3-day itinerary that celebrates the beauty and endless awe-inspiring views of some of the most pristine geography on earth.
And while you’re planning your visit, be sure to check out our Alaska Specials & Packages - we're bound to have a deal that suits your interest.
Getting Here - Commercial airlines fly into both Anchorage and Fairbanks throughout the year. During the summer months, the Alaska Railroad Corporation makes daily trips from both cities to Denali. Located at approximately Milepost 236 of the George Park Highway (Alaska 3), the Park is roughly 240 miles north of Anchorage and 125 miles south of Fairbanks. More information on modes of transportation.
Day of Arrival:
Making your way - Once you have chosen your mode of arrival your stay begins at the McKinley Chalet Resort, a luxury accommodation with convenient amenities or McKinley Village Lodge, located seven miles south of the park entrance and nestled along the banks of the Nenana River after 4pm.
Old Sourdough Studio - A very unique photography studio with a state-of-the-art digital lab at McKinley Chalet. This is a great opportunity to dress up in authentic Alaskan clothing and step on the runners of a working dog sled – or be the passenger in the sled with a real scribe-fit log cabin backdrop and make a memory that will last forever.
Set the Stage for an Unforgettable Meal - Presented at the McKinley Chalet Resort, you’ll enjoy a night of fun, festivity and food! Get a taste of old-time Alaska at Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theater– the popular dinner theater performed in an authentic, log-paneled roadhouse. Prior reservations are required.
1st Full Day:
Breakfast at Grizzly Grind- Located in the lobby of the McKinley Chalet Resort, the Grizzly Grind offers coffee, espresso, grab 'n go breakfast bags, boxed lunches, Panini sandwiches, and fresh salads. Hours: 4:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Breakfast at Gold Rush Dining Room - Open all day in the heart of the McKinley Village Lodge to enjoy scrumptious morning breakfast buffets. Hours: 5:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Into the Wild - A Tundra Wilderness Tour offers spectacular scenery and many opportunities for wildlife viewing which makes it one of the most popular way to experience and understand Denali National Park. This 7 to 8 hour tour takes you 54 miles into the Park, within 30 miles of Mt. McKinley where on a clear day, you can view the entire mountain from base to summit. Lunch is included in the tour.
Sip some Hot Coffee - After a scenic 7 hour bus tour indulge in some hot Alaskan brewed coffee at Quigley's Coffee Corner at McKinley Village Lodge or Courtyard Cafe at McKinley Chalet Resort.
Roll On Through Denali - Rent a comfortable sports bike and enjoy Denali’s improved trail system. Stop in to Bike Denali, next to the Park Mart at Mile 238 on the Parks Highway, visit our Front Desks, or call 907-683-8200 for more information.
You’ve Earned Your Appetite - After a blissfull day you can unwind and chose anything from fine dining at at the McKinley Chalet Resort’s Nenana View Grille or at The Lucky Miss Saloon, an authentic Alaska saloon set fireside in the McKinley Village Lodge offering inspired spirits and cosy casual eating.
2nd Full Day:
Breakfast at Courtyard Café - At the "center of it all" and all-day casual, offering bountiful buffets with plenty of options, brews and the "best burger in Glitter Gulch!" Hours: 4:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Take a Hike of a Lifetime - Our 3- to 4-hour guided Hikes provide an in-depth view of the environmental, historical and scientific significance of Alaska’s awe-inspiring wilderness. We have plenty of hikes for you to choose from, Triple Lakes Trail Interpretive Hike being the latest addition.
Stop for a quick bite - You can chose fom a wide variety of dining options at McKinley Chalet Resort or at McKinley Village Lodge for a quick lunch before your Mid-Day Rafting Trip.
Treat yourself to a Rafting experience - Enjoy stunningly beautiful scenery and your choice of exciting whitewater rafting or a tranquil mild whitewater trip. this 3 to 4 hour rafting trip takes you on Class III and IV whitewater rafting down 11 miles of scenic canyon and gorge. Rafting on the glacially fed Nenana River is fantastic experience for all ages. Whichever trip you choose, you'll get to see a part of Alaska you can't explore any other way.
You’ve Earned Your Appetite Again - After an exciting day 2 you can unwind and chose anything from fine dining at at the McKinley Chalet Resort’s Nenana View Grille or at Gold Rush Dining Room, open all day in the heart of the McKinley Village Lodge to enjoy scrumptious uniquely Alaskan offerings throughout the evening.
After a sumptious meal you can visit the Nenana View Bar at the McKinley Chalet Resort, a gathering place for friends old and new. Enjoy the "views and spirits" of Denali though creative cocktails, the best brews and inspired small plates. Hungry Hour: 11:00 PM - Midnight
Day of Departure:
Breakfast - Several options in both the lodge and the resort. Served Daily: 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Beyond Souvenirs - You can visit the McKinley Chalet Resort Gift Shop or the McKinley Village Lodge Gift Shop. Both the gift shops offer a great variety of authentic native Alaskan arts and crafts, souvenirs and much more. A perfect end to a perfect beginning.