Stunning Vistas and Incredible Wildlife
The north side of Denali National Park & Preserve is where most travelers experience the park on their Alaska Vacation. A single, 92-mile road offers the only access through this six million acre national park. In summer, visitors can drive personal vehicles as far as the Savage River at Mile 15. Travel beyond is mostly limited to tour and shuttle buses, bicycles, and hikers on foot.
For the 2013 summer season, shuttle buses will operate from May 20 to September 12. When planning your vacation to Denali be sure to include these notable stops:
Toklat River Contact Station is located at Mile 53 of the Park Road and is accessible via shuttle buses, the Tundra Wilderness Tour and the Kantishna Experience. This rest area offers park information and an Alaska Geographic Bookstore.
Eielson Visitor Center is located at Mile 66 of the Park Road and is accessible via shuttle buses to Eielson, Wonder Lake, or Kantishna, and Kantishna Experience tour buses. This facility offers park information, interpretive exhibits, and ranger-guided walks.
Kantishna is one of America's most popular tourist destinations. Also called "The End of the Road" and "The Heart of Denali National Park", this small town at the end of the 92-mile Park Road and boasts a summer population of approximately 135 and no winter residents. Since much of the Kantishna area is private property, visitors are discouraged from hiking in the area without obtaining permission and guidance ahead of time. The Kantishna Experience Tour is one way to explore this area without an overnight stay.
Park Entrance Fee
The Denali National Park & Preserve entrance fee is $10.00 per adult (16 and over), children are free (15 and under). This fee provides the visitor a 7-day entrance permit. The entrance fee is collected when you purchase a tour ticket. If you are not taking a tour, please pay your entrance fee at the Denali Visitor's Center when you arrive.