Denali National Park is home to Denali, which has also been called Mount McKinley in the past. This massive area is home to more than the mountain though. A visit here will have you seeing a plethora of wildlife and extraordinary sights while tackling unique adventures. Read on to discover the must see’s and do’s of Denali National Park
6 Things You Must See and Do at Denali National Park

Appreciate the Views from the Stony Hill Overlook
The Stony Hill Overlook is located at mile sixty-two of the Tundra Wilderness Tour and it is a must-see in my opinion. This overlook is at the edge of the mountain pass and it offers incredible views of Denali. You can even see Denali in its entirety, from base to summit, which is why this is such a popular destination for picture taking.
Watch a Sled Dog Demonstration
There are many different kennels inside Denali National Park, and it is easy to reach many of them to see the sled dog demonstrations. The summer months are when there are a multitude of puppies, so if you want to see the cuteness and watch them learning in the beginning, this is the time to go.
Go White Water Rafting on the Nenana River
This river offers some amazing rapids, but you can choose a calmer route if you do not want too much excitement during your adventure. These trips will have you out on the water for two hours, so you will have plenty of time to embrace your surroundings.
Check Out the Local Wildlife
There are so many animals living in Denali National Park, but there are five that you must see when you are there. Those five animals are wolves, grizzly bears, moose, Dall sheep, and caribou. While you should see these as you are exploring, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the collared pika, red fox, golden eagles, and other animals that call this park home.
Grab Some Photos at the Reflection Pond
The best time to visit Reflection Pond is early in the morning, due to the sun rising in the sky. This is when the reflection of Denali will show up the best on the surface of the water. If you do arrive later in the day, you can still get a great picture, but you may find that the clouds create a slight problem.
Get Captured in an Old-Time Alaskan Photo Shoot
Over at the Old Sourdough Studio, you can have your picture taken during an old-time Alaskan photo shoot. You can wear authentic Alaskan clothes and choose the theme that you love the most. This is definitely a unique way to experience this part of the country!
These are the six things you must see and do at Denali National Park. Do any of them sound like something your family will love? Let me know which options you have fallen in love with already and we can then create the perfect Alaskan itinerary for your next Alaska family vacation! To learn more about Alaska or to see if it fits for your next family vacation click here.
Have you already decided that you can’t wait to see Denali, schedule a call with me and let us start creating memories that matter.