Denali State Park
Denali State Park is over half the size of Rhode Island and the fourth largest state park in Alaska with 324,240 acres, just next to the southern border of Denali National Park and Preserve. Denali State Park spans the Parks Highway 147 kilometres north of Anchorage between the east-facing Talkeetna Mountains and the west-facing Alaska Range.
Some of the greatest views of Denali may be found in this state park, much greater than in most places of Denali National Park and Preserve, although the park itself lacks the infrastructure and attractions of its national park cousin. The George Parks Highway leads north from Anchorage and south from Fairbanks to Denali State Park. Denali State Park is easiest to get from the train station immediately after the Susitna River is crossed.
Things To Do At Denali State Park
Denali State Park offers opportunities for outdoor photography and wildlife viewing. Capture breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters as you explore the park’s scenic trails and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Outdoor Photography At Denali State Park
There are plenty of photo opportunities in Denali National Park, so bring plenty of spare batteries and memory cards. Denali and the other Alaska Range peaks are available for photography if you desire. Just past mile 85 is Reflection Pond, where you may see one of the mountain’s most famous and photographed views. Take pictures of the amazing wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and local wildflowers up near and personal.
Wildlife Viewing At Denali State Park
The “big 5” may be found in Denali, making it a fantastic destination for wildlife watching. Black and grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep are common sights. Some of the smaller creatures include foxes, marmots, red squirrels, and arctic ground squirrels. Wild birds can range from ptarmigan and golden eagles to ravens and mew gulls. The visitor center is a good place to spot moose, but if you want to see bears and caribou, you should head to Savage River around Mile 15. Unlike the summer, seeing wildlife in the winter is uncommon.
Location: Trapper Creek, AK 99683, USA
Size: 6,075,030 acres
Annual Visitors: 650,000 in 2017
Phone: +1 907-745-3975
Established: 1917 as Mount McKinley National Park, Renamed in 1980
Visitor Centers: Denali Visitor Center, Eielson Visitor Center
Entrance Fee: $15 per person, $45 annual pass
