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 rightfully in charge. Travelers from all over the world come here for adventure and communication with virgin nature, the beauty of which leaves an indelible impression.
History of the park
Occupying an area of 25,000 km2 Denali National Park is located in the center of Alaska. This is the most popular and visited reserve in America, where visitors get acquainted with its unique fauna in the wild. More than 12 thousand years ago, ancient human settlements lived here, and the finds of archaeologists confirm this. And at the beginning of the 20th century, when the first gold miners appeared in the "land of the midnight sun", five groups of northern tribes lived on the territory of the modern park.
Famousnaturalist C. Sheldon, being in Alaska, admired the amazing views of the surrounding nature. A naturalist who toured the area adjacent to Mount McKinley spent nine years trying to get the idea of creating a reserve in the US Congress. He said that wildlife needs to be protected, and if no action is taken, the animals will become the prey of hunters, and the unique flora will disappear forever.
His efforts were not in vain, and in 1917 Denali National Park was founded, originally named after McKinley Peak. Only 63 years later, the authorities combined two protected areas (the park and the highest mountain in the United States) into a single complex with a beautiful name, which translates as "great" from the language of the Athabaskan tribe.
In 1939, biologist A. Mary, who studied the behavior of wolves in the wild, told the whole world about the importance of these animals for the natural ecosystem. Thanks to his report, the extermination of predators in Denali was banned.
Developed infrastructure
In the 50s of the last century, the management of the biosphere reserve took care of the problem of providing quality service to guests. The main road was expanded, comfortable hotels and tourist centers appeared. True, many scientists took hostility to the desire to make the Denali National Park open to visitors, and Adolph Mary became the main critic, who considered it inappropriate to develop a tourist destination in the conservation area.
Wilderness area
BDenali National Park and Preserve Biosphere Reserve, which includes part of the Alaska Range, including the Kalhiltna Glacier, and the high mountain McKinley, visitors can access the park area of 19 thousand km2. More than 650 species of plants and trees, 167 species of birds and 39 species of mammals have become the pride of the world's best reserve.
Denali National Park, whose photos convey the majesty of wildlife, will delight with extraordinary landscapes found at every turn.
Park Attractions
- Horsshoe Lake, whose picturesque panorama against the backdrop of a mountainous area delights all guests.
- Tanana River. It was on it that the main events of the "gold rush" at the beginning of the 20th century unfolded. The climate in the river valley, covered with ice from May to October, is extremely harsh, but the restrained natural beauty attracts millions of tourists.
- Viewpoints Reflection Pond, Primrose Ridge, Sable Pass. They offer fantastically beautiful views that will not leave anyone indifferent, and the resulting photographs will demonstrate the enchanting landscapes of Alaska. True, as tourists respond, not a single picture is able to convey the fullness of sensations from what they saw in the reserve.
- Chilchukabena and Wonder lakes of glacial origin, whose clear water and unique atmosphere of unity with nature are unforgettable.
How to get around Denali
A single unpaved road passes through the natural corner untouched by man. You can get to the Denali National Park only through it, but otherwise the huge section of the reserve is completely closed to motorists. The road is 92 miles (148 kilometers) through scenic valleys to majestic Mount McKinley, and tour buses are provided to get around the park. Here you can also rent a camper, motorhome on wheels, and stay overnight by pitching a tent.
For tourists who come to the reserve for one day, no special permit is required, but those who wish to spend several days in the park must obtain 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 run along the road, plying through the park and carrying passengers on schedule. According to tourists, this is the cheapest option to travel around the giant reserve, getting acquainted with the local flora and wild fauna. You can leave at any time, enjoy the wonderful nature and again go on an exciting adventure through 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 can get to know the animal world better. This option is more expensive, the vehicle is assigned to a specific group, whichguaranteed and hearty lunch after a long walk in the fresh air.
Several routes for tourists
Tourists will benefit from information that you can take tickets for different distances and excursions. The shortest lasts 90 minutes and leads to Horseshoe Lake through spruce forests. During this time, guests will get to know the main inhabitants of the park and enjoy the wonderful landscapes of Lake Horseshoe.
The Taiga route, with a final stop at the Mount Healy observation deck, is designed for fans of extreme tourism, who are attracted to the Denali National Park. Visitor reviews are full of a variety of emotions, but all guests tend to agree that the four-hour journey is not only a difficult but also a pleasant adventure, and many wish to repeat it.
The longest trip on a single road is 12 hours and ends at the end point of Kantishna, so visitors have the choice of traveling through the park for half a day or spending a few hours there. Guests of Alaska talk about unity with virgin nature and the incredible freedom they felt in the reserve.
Entertainment for all tastes
Tourists who visited Denali National Park admit that they received excellent service. They are invited to climb a snow-covered mountain and descend from it on a snowboard or ski, walk through the park and watch wild animals in natural conditions, take an unusual excursion on dogsledding and take the whole family to the Murie Research Center.
Interesting facts
- Denali National Park (USA) is famous for its ethnographic villages, where visitors are happy to get acquainted with the life of local residents.
- The tree frog, which does not breathe at freezing temperatures and comes to life in spring, is the only representative of amphibians.
- In winter, tourists witness an extraordinary spectacle - the northern lights over the mountains in the south of the park.
- The activity of animals depends on the season. Despite the fact that many have adapted to the low temperatures in winter, there is a lull in the cold season: mammals hibernate, and birds fly away to warmer climes.
