Denali National Park is in the middle of Alaska!
Travel Time:
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- Five hour drive from Anchorage to DNP
- Two hour drive from Fairbanks to DNP
- 15 minutes from Healy to DNP
- 10 minutes from McKinley Village to DNP
- 40 minutes from Anderson to DNP
- 40 minutes from Cantwell to DNP
- Ten hour bus tour to Kantishna inside DNP
- 30 minutes from the DNP entrance to Savage River. The Park road is unpaved after the Savage River bridge, at mile 14. Private vehicles are prohibited beyond this point during the summer months.
WINTER: From November to March temperatures can vary from +45 to -40 degrees F. Healy area is often windy, which blows away much of the snow. However, Cantwell (50 miles to the south) is well known for its dog sledding, snow machining and cross country skiing opportunities. Denali National Park also has good snow coverage, and many enjoy skiing or snow-shoeing here.
SUMMER: From May to August temperatures can range from +50 to +90 degrees F. Rain is more common in late July and August. Wind is not as likely during these months, but certainly possible. Locals don’t mind as it keep the mosquito’s away.
SPRING: Sometimes referred to as “Break Up Season” because of melting ice and snow, generally begins in March or April and extends through mid-May when the leaves begin to bud. Temperatures will drop below freezing at night, and are generally +40-+50 during the day.
FALL: By the end of August a chill is in the air, and by mid-September freezing at night is likely, while still enjoying some beautiful day time temperatures.
Good year-round advice is to dress in layers, to keep comfortable and safe depending on what activities you are enjoying.
Going into Denali National Park
Private vehicles are not allowed on the Denali Park Road past mile 14. Transportation is provided by a bus service. You can find current information and links here: http://denalichamber.com/denali-national-park-2020-updates/
Denali Park Canyon
This area, five minutes north of the Denali National Park entrance has lodging, shopping and dining of all kinds, and is open generally from May 15th to September 15th.
Denali National Park is open year round and accommodations and amenities are found in the nearby Healy community for those visiting outside of the summer months.