Itinerary · 2 days · Alaska
2 Days in Denali National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Denali National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Jun–Aug. Closest major airport: Anchorage (ANC), about 4 hours; Fairbanks (FAI), about 2 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Ride a park bus deep into the wilderness. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Visit the sled dog kennels.
- Evening: Hike the Savage River Loop.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Look for the 'Big Five': grizzly, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolf.
- Afternoon: Take a flightseeing trip around the mountain.
Private cars can only drive the first 15 miles of the park road. The buses are the way in.
When to go
The best time to visit Denali National Park is June–August.
Questions
How many days do you need in Denali National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: ride a park bus deep into the wilderness and visit the sled dog kennels on day one, then look for the 'big five': grizzly, moose, caribou, dall sheep and wolf on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Denali itinerary?
Go in Jun–Aug, when the park is rated at its best. June through September offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Denali in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss look for the 'big five': grizzly, moose, caribou, dall sheep and wolf. Two days is the sweet spot.