Denali National Park tours & holidays

The best time to visit Denali depends on what you want to see and do. Want to go hiking or camping? Visit in summer. Itching to see the northern lights? Then winter’s your best bet.  

Peak season is June to August, but it still feels relatively quiet compared to other USA national parks. Late spring and summer are best for hiking among wildflowers and making the most out of extended daylight hours, with the best chances of seeing the summit of Denali in March. Keep in mind the number of daylight hours changes drastically throughout the year, like 5.5 hours in December and 20 hours in June.  

The weather in Denali varies greatly per season. The warmest time of year is from the end of May to early September, with daily highs of 14°C and the hottest month being July with a high of 18°C. The coldest months are from November to March when the daily temperature sits around -1°C and drops as low as -12°C in January. The clearest month is March, the cloudiest period is April to January, and it can snow anytime between September to early May.  

Denali is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Some of the critters you may see on your trip include:  

• Black and grizzly bears 
• Caribou
• Moose
• Wolves
• Dall sheep
• Marmots
• Foxes 
• Bald eagles 

Of course! There aren’t many marked trails in the park, and most are short, but you can also hike off trail if you’re feeling up to the adventure. Some of the best marked trails are the Mountain Vista Trail, Savage River Loop, Salvage Alpine Trail and Triple Lakes Trail.  

Hiking in Denali can be as easy or as strenuous as you want it to be. Hikes range from short half mile trails to strenuous alpine climbs. If you’re curious about what hikes best suit your ability, lean on your local leader for recommendations.  

A sturdy pair of hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket, warm hat and gloves, warm layers like a fleece, reusable water bottle, daypack and a warm outer layer.  

Yes, Denali charges a fee for visitors entering the park. For travellers on an Intrepid trip, vehicle entrance fees and required permits are covered, but international visitors will need to pay additional nonresident entrance fees. Your local leader will help you understand the fees that apply to your trip and help you choose the best-value option for your itinerary and group. 

Whether you’re coming from far away or you call the USA home, national park tours bring you deeper into the landscapes through storytelling, local know-how and the chance to veer off the main tourist trails. With a local leader, you’ll have all the logistics handled, including permits, entrance fees and transportation, so you can easily visit multiple places. Plus, they’ll bring you to their favourite spots for lesser-known experiences you won’t find in a travel guide. And when it comes to travelling with a small group of like-minded adventure buddies, there’s always safety (and more fun!) in numbers.  

We believe travel should be accessible to everyone. Although some destinations and itineraries may be more accessible than others, we'll do our best to accommodate your needs, make reasonable adjustments where possible or guide you toward the most suitable trips. Get in touch with our friendly adventure consultants to chat about your options.

Our Tailor-Made team can also help you plan a customised trip just for you.