The largest US state is considered one of the main tourist centers of America. For foreigners, Alaska seems to be an untouched massif, where winter is fully hosted. Travelers from all over the world come here for adventure and socializing with pristine nature, the beauty of which leaves an indelible impression.
Park history
Occupying an area of 25 thousand km 2 , Denali National Park is located in the center of Alaska. This is the most popular and visited reserve in America, where in the wild, visitors get acquainted with its unique fauna. More than 12 thousand years ago, ancient settlements of people lived here, and the findings of archaeologists confirm this. And at the beginning of the 20th century, when the first gold miners appeared on the "land of the midnight sun", five groups of northern tribes lived in the territory of the modern park.
The famous natural scientist C. Sheldon, once in Alaska, admired the amazing views of the surrounding nature. The naturalist, who traveled around the territory adjacent to Mount McKinley, spent nine years trying to break through the idea of creating a reserve in the American Congress. He said that wildlife needs protection, and if no measures are taken, then animals will become prey for hunters, and the unique flora will disappear forever.
His efforts were not in vain, and in 1917 Denali National Park was founded, originally bearing the name in honor of McKinley Peak. Only after 63 years, the authorities combined the two protected areas (the park and the highest mountain of the United States) into a single complex with a beautiful name, which translates as "great" from the language of the Atabask tribe.
In 1939, the biologist A. Mary, who studied the behavior of wolves in the wild habitat, told the whole world about the importance of these animals for the natural ecosystem. Thanks to his report, the extermination of predators at Denali was banned.
Developed infrastructure
In the 50s of the last century, the leadership of the biosphere reserve was preoccupied with the problem of providing quality guest services. The main road was expanded, comfortable hotels and tourist centers appeared. True, many scientists took hostility with a desire to make Denali National Park open to visitors, and Adolf Mary became the main critic, who considered the inexpediency of developing a tourist destination in the nature conservation zone.
Wildlife area
In the Denali National Park and Preserve Biosphere Reserve, which includes part of the Alaskan Range, including the Kalhiltna Glacier, and the high Mount McKinley, visitors can access a park area of 19 thousand km 2 . More than 650 species of plants and trees, 167 species of birds and 39 species of mammals became the pride of the best nature reserve on the planet.
Denali National Park, whose photos convey the grandeur of wildlife, will delight you with the extraordinary landscapes found at every step.
Park Attractions
- Horseshoe Lake, a picturesque panorama of which, amid mountainous terrain, delights all guests.
- Tanana River. It was on it that the main events of the "gold rush" at the beginning of the 20th century were unfolding. The climate in the river valley, covered with ice from May to October, is extremely severe, but the restrained natural beauty attracts millions of tourists.
- Observation Decks Reflection Pond, Primrose Ridge, Sable Pass. They offer fantastically beautiful views that will not leave anyone indifferent, and the photographs will demonstrate the enchanting landscapes of Alaska. True, as tourists respond, not a single picture is able to convey the fullness of the sensations from what was seen in the reserve.
- Lakes of glacial origin Chilchukabena and Wonder, the clear water of which and the unique atmosphere of unity with nature cannot be forgotten.
How to get around Denali
A single dirt road runs through an untouched natural corner. You can get into the Denali National Park only through it, but otherwise the huge section of the reserve is completely closed to motorists. The road leading through the picturesque valleys to the majestic Mount McKinley is 92 miles (148 kilometers) long, and sightseeing buses are provided for moving around the park. Here you can rent a camper, a camper on wheels, and stop overnight by setting up a tent.
For tourists who come to the reserve for one day, special permission is not required, but for those who want to spend several days in the park, you need to get a special pass and register with the police. The thing is that the Denali National Park in Alaska is divided into several zones, and the number of people who can stay overnight is strictly limited.
Features of excursions in the reserve
In addition, shuttle buses passing through the park and transporting passengers on a schedule pass along the road. According to tourists, this is the cheapest option to travel to a giant reserve, getting acquainted with the local flora and wild fauna. You can go out at any moment, enjoy the wonderful nature and again go on an exciting adventure along the tundra and taiga.
The route of sightseeing buses is no different from the rest: drivers stop at the same points as the shuttles, so that guests get to know the wildlife better. This option is more expensive, the vehicle is assigned to a certain group, which is guaranteed a hearty lunch after a long walk in the fresh air.
Several routes for tourists
For tourists, information will be useful that you can take tickets for different distances and excursions. The shortest one lasts 90 minutes and leads to Horseshoe Lake through spruce forests. During this time, guests will get acquainted with the main inhabitants of the park and enjoy the wonderful landscapes of Lake Horshu.
The Taiga route with the final stop on the observation deck of Mount Healy is designed for adventurers who are attracted to the Denali National Park. Visitors' reviews are full of various emotions, but all guests are inclined to the common opinion that a four-hour journey is not only a difficult but also a pleasant adventure, and many want to repeat it.
The longest trip on a single road is 12 hours and ends at the endpoint of Kantishna, so visitors have the choice to travel in the park for half a day or spend several hours there. Guests of Alaska talk about unity with pristine nature and the incredible freedom that they felt in the reserve.
Entertainment for every taste
Tourists visiting the Denali National Park admit that they received an excellent service. They are invited to climb a snow-capped mountain and go down from it on a snowboard or ski, take a walk around the park and watch wild animals in natural conditions, take an unusual excursion on dog teams and go with the whole family to the Murie research center.
Interesting Facts
- Denali National Park (USA) is famous for the fact that ethnographic villages are located on its territory, in which visitors are happy to get acquainted with the life of local residents.
- A tree frog that does not breathe at freezing temperatures and comes to life in spring is the only representative of amphibians.
- In winter, tourists become witnesses of an extraordinary sight - the northern lights over the mountains in the south of the park.
- The activity of animals depends on the time of year. Despite the fact that many have adapted to low temperatures in winter, during the cold season there is calm: mammals hibernate, and birds fly off to the warm edges.