Denali Visitor Center
Open in summer only, this is the main visitor center near the park entrance. Here, you can watch the park film; check out a variety of exhibits about the natural and cultural history of the Denali area; and join a variety of ranger walks or talks. Backpackers may also receive their required, free permit to backpack in the park.
Denali Bus Depot
Located at Mile 0.5 on the park's sole road, the Denali Bus Depot is where you can purchase bus tickets and arrange to stay in a park campground. All non-narrated buses (transits, campers) depart from this building, as well as some of the narrated tour buses.
How To Explore Denali National Park
Denali is six million acres of wild land, bisected by one ribbon of road. Travelers along it see the relatively low-elevation taiga forest give way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America's tallest peak, 20,310' Denali. Wild animals large and small roam un-fenced lands, living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility and wilderness await.
Transit Buses
Provides access to those staying in campgrounds and the backcountry. These busses have space for
your gear/packs/bicycle. You may only reserve space by FIRST making a reservation for a
campground or backcountry camping permit.
Tour Buses
Unlike transit buses, which are not narrated, tour buses feature a trained naturalist who both drives the bus and narrates during the trip. Trips begin and end at various locations around the entrance of the park—they do not pick up at campgrounds along the Denali Park Road, and they are not set up for passengers to disembark and re-board. Transit buses are a better option for passengers who want to get off the bus to hike, picnic, etc.
All tours are conducted by certified driver-naturalists who will provide a guided, informative trip into the park. Tour buses are tan-colored, to help them stand out from a distance. Descriptions of each tour are below.
Free Buses
In the summer, there are three free bus lines around the park entrance area to help visitors travel between the visitor center and other facilities. They are called the Savage River Shuttle, the Riley Loop Shuttle and the Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle.
As the visitor center, Rail Depot, Riley Creek Campground and other facilities are spread out, the free buses eliminate excess traffic, confusion, and parking challenges. All operate daily in summer and are free.
CAMPGROUNDS
Camping in Denali offers a great way to experience this spectacular park. You may make reservations online! Whether you wish to tent-camp, or camp with an RV or other vehicle, one or more of the park campgrounds should suit your interests. Please note that vehicles can only camp in established, open campgrounds in the park - not along pullouts or the side of the road.