Unique Things To See In Denali National Park
An Overview of Denali
Denali National Park and Preserve is home to Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest peak and over six-million acres of interior Alaskan wilderness. The rugged landscape is some of the most pristine and dramatic in North America, with tundra, spruce forests and glaciers defining all horizons. The park is also home to wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, arctic ground squirrels, red squirrels, foxes and marmots.
The vast wilderness is home to braided glacial rivers, daunting peaks, extreme conditions and visitor waypoints. Denali is popular for numerous outdoor activities, including mountain biking, extended treks, alpine hiking, mountaineering, whitewater rafting, sightseeing, horseback riding and fishing. Aside from the many activities in the region, there are also many unique things to see in Denali National Park.
Unique Things To Do See Denali National Park
Igloo City
This is a strange, largely-abandoned tourist attraction found on a remote road inside the national park. Once designed to be a oddly-shaped hotel, Igloo City never opened, leaving the rounded concrete shell in a bleak parking lot with an astonishing, mountainous backdrop.
Denali Peak
Formerly known as Mount McKinley, this is the highest mountain peak in all of North America with a summit elevation of 20,310 feet above sea level. Denali is considered a difficult mountain in North America and one of the most challenging of the Seven Summits.
Stony Hill Scenic Overlook
For those driving along McKinley Park Road, this is a popular viewing point overlooking a broad tundra expanse, vistas of Denali and potentially packs of wild Toklat Wolves.
Hurricane Gulch Bridge
This is a long 918-foot steel-arch railroad bridge which crosses the deep chasm of Hurricane Gulch. The small stone ledges off to the sides of the bridge offer impressive views down the Gulch.
Mount Healy Overlook Trail
This is a challenging 2.7-mile out-and-back hiking route cutting through pristine spruce forests. The trail has considerable elevation gain and exists near the Denali National Park Airport.
Horseshoe Lake Trail
This is a popular, moderately challenging 2-mile hiking route near Horseshoe Lake. The trail is known for it’s views of the lake, the surrounding region and overlooks of the Nenana River.
Savage River Loop Trailhead
This is a two-mile loop trail followed Savage River. There is a second, more strenuous Savage Alpine Trail which runs for four miles, connecting the Savage River Area with the Savage River Campground.
Husky Homestead
Managed by four-time Iditarod champion Jeff King, this is an authentic glance into rural Alaskan lifestyles, especially concerning the iconic, famous husky. The Homestead explores how Alaskan trail-dogs and sled-dogs train and survive in the Alaskan interior. The venue is home to educational material, including racing sleds, arctic survival tools and, of course, huskies and puppies.
Denali Visitor Center
This large informational center with exhibits found at the Nationals Park’s entrance is only open during the Summer.
Wonder Lake
This iconic lake is known for stunning views of mountains, often reflected in the waters under clear skies.
Triple Lakes
This trio of beautiful lakes is edged by wide spruce forests and a scenic 9.5-mile hiking trail.
Read more about unique things to see in Denali National Park and seeing the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Blog.
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