Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Denali National Park and Preserve covers over 6 million acres in central Alaska, offering a unique wilderness experience. The park's diverse geography includes taiga forests, tundra, and glaciers, with Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, as the centerpiece rising to 20,310 feet. The park is home to a variety of wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep. Established in 1917, it was initially created to protect this wildlife, and today it offers a wide range of recreation opportunities including hiking, dog sledding, and wildlife viewing. Denali’s unique system allows visitors to explore much of the park without marked trails, promoting a true backcountry experience. The sole park road provides access to incredible views and extends 92 miles into the wilderness, but is largely restricted to bus tours during the summer for conservation purposes. The park's untouched beauty, sweeping vistas, and abundant wildlife draws adventurers and explorers from around the world.
