Denali supports diverse wildlife populations, including Alaska's 'Big Five': grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. The park serves as a crucial habitat for these species, along with smaller mammals like foxes, beavers, and marmots. Over 160 bird species have been recorded in the park, including golden eagles and ptarmigan. Wildlife viewing is particularly good during summer months, when animals are most active and visible across the park's open landscapes.
The park's vegetation varies dramatically with elevation, creating distinct zones from lowland taiga to alpine tundra. Lower elevations feature spruce forests, while middle elevations showcase hardy shrubs like willow and alder. The tundra zone above treeline displays a remarkable variety of small, hardy plants including lichens, mosses, and wildflowers that have adapted to extreme conditions. During the brief summer season, the tundra bursts into color with over 450 species of flowering plants, many of which are uniquely adapted to the harsh arctic environment.
Denali's dramatic landscape was shaped by massive tectonic forces and glacial activity over millions of years. The Alaska Range, including Denali peak at 20,310 feet (6,190 meters), continues to rise due to ongoing tectonic activity. The park features extensive glaciation, with nearly one-sixth of its area covered by glaciers. The mountain itself is composed of granite, formed when magma cooled deep underground and was later thrust upward. Permafrost underlies much of the park, influencing local ecosystems and landscape features.
Denali's human history spans over 12,000 years, beginning with Alaska Native peoples who hunted and gathered in the region. The first recorded summit of Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) was in 1913 by Hudson Stuck and Harry Karstens. The park was established as Mount McKinley National Park in 1917, and expanded and renamed Denali National Park and Preserve in 1980. The name 'Denali,' meaning 'the tall one' or 'the great one' in Koyukon Athabascan, was officially restored to the mountain in 2015, replacing McKinley.
Beyond Denali peak itself, the park's most distinctive features include the 92-mile Denali Park Road, which offers the primary access to the park's interior. Wonder Lake provides stunning reflective views of the mountain, while Polychrome Pass presents dramatic multicolored cliffs and expansive vistas. The park's pristine wilderness includes numerous glaciers, with the Ruth Glacier and its Great Gorge being among the most impressive. The Visitor Center complex offers excellent interpretive exhibits, while the sled dog kennels maintain the park's tradition of using dog teams for winter patrols.
Denali experiences extreme and highly variable weather conditions throughout the year. Summers (June-August) are mild with temperatures ranging from 50-70°F (10-21°C), while winters plunge to -40°F (-40°C) or lower. The park receives significant precipitation, with snow possible year-round at higher elevations. Weather can change dramatically within hours, and visitors should be prepared for sudden shifts including rain, snow, and high winds regardless of season. The peak tourist season runs from late May through early September when conditions are most favorable for outdoor activities.
USA
63.3340°, -150.5000°
February 26, 1917
19185.8
Denali features North America's highest peak and encompasses six million acres of wild land. The park is home to diverse wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and caribou. The landscape ranges from low-elevation taiga forest to high-alpine tundra and snowy mountains.