Three Days in Denali National Park Itinerary- You might be asking yourself how many days should I spend in Denali National Park in Alaska? This itinerary and schedule can be fit for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days in Denali National Park. All depends on what you want to do in the park and how much time you have to spend in Denali National Park. This guide to Denali National Park will show you where to stay, what to do, how much time to spend, the best hikes, bus system, tours and much more!
Info About the Area
Denali National Park spreads across 6 million acres, mostly untouched land. Only a small part of it is seen by tourists. It is home to North America’s tallest mountain peak, Denali. Denali used to be named Mount McKinley until it was changed in 1980. The area is not easily accessed by your own car, for most of the visiting season you can only drive about 15 miles into the park before you will need to rely on park transportation. Denali’s Peak is only seen by about 30% of visitors due to it having it’s own weather system creating clouds and fog.
Top Sites in Denali National Park
Our favorite sights were in different areas in the park. We dedicated one area of the park to each day we were there. Near the Eielson Visitor Center we loved the Thorofare Ridge Trail. In the Savage River Area our favorite hike was the Savage Alpine Trail. And near the Denali Visitors Center we liked the Mt. Healy Overlook Trail. But there is so much to be explored in the park or every type of visitor and every level of hiker.
Overview
How To Get There
Anchorage
If coming from Anchorage, depending on your location, it takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes to drive to Denali National Park Visitors Center. From Anchorage you will take AK-3 North the entire route until you arrive at the park. I would take an entire day for the drive from Anchorage if you can. There are many stops along the way. We even stopped in Talkeenta, AK overnight, which I highly suggest. Such a charming town with lots of great food options.
Fairbanks
If coming from Fairbanks, depending on your location, it takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes to drive to the Denali National Park Visitors Center. From Fairbanks you will take AK-3 South the entire route until you arrive at the park. You could possibly stay west of Fairbanks and make day trips to Denali if you are open to long days. But be aware they do construction on the highway often in the summers, causing delays.
Where To Stay
We explored Alaska in a campervan with Million Mile Adventures. But no matter which way you are traveling I listed options for you below.
RV & Tent Camping
We stayed at the Riley Creek Campground, in the Denali National Park (about a 3 minute drive from the Visitors Center). And if using a bus this was right down the street from the bus depot.
Hotels or Rental
The best place to stay for access to the park would be in the town of Denali Park, located right side of the entrance. There are many accommodations and it is only a short drive to the Denali National Park Visitors Center.
You can also easily get here from other small towns:
Healy– 20 minute drive
Cantwell– 35 minute drive
When To Go
Some of these hikes are open year round. But it is best to go during the summer months. I would plan for between June and September. Even a few weeks after we got back at the beginning of August they were starting to close some of the Denali Park Road as they had some heavy snowfall.
If you want a clear trail (minimal snow coverings) I would plan for July or August. Other ‘summer months’ could have snow leftover on the trail or roads.
**As of late August 2021 Denali had a massive landslide . This resulted in closing the Denali Park Road at mile 42. The buses and cars cannot go any farther on the road. Make sure you check their website for updates, especially if planning to go to the Eielson Visitor Center or Wonder Lake by bus.
How To Use The Bus System
Denali National Park has a few different options on their bus system, all depending on what type of day and adventure that you want to have. I have listed the different options below. All of these buses can be reserved through Reserve Denali website.
***As of late August 2021 Denali had a massive landslide . This resulted in closing the Denali Park Road at mile 42. The buses, bikes and cars cannot go any farther on the road. Check the Denali National Park website for more updated information.
Tour Bus
This bus is designed for the person that wants to travel to mile 66 at the Eielson Visitor Center, have multiple stops along the route, and get a full tour guide. This bus trip will have a tour guide driver that will have tons of information about the park, the wildlife and nature. They will even help point out animals and stop when they are sighted. Bring binoculars, water, lunch and a camera! In 2021 the Tundra Wilderness bus was the only narrated tour running, but they often have other options.
Transit Bus
The hiking transport bus was originally designed for those who want to get off and on the bus to hike at their own time and pace. This bus would pick up hikers on the side of the road and transport them back to the bus depot or their next hiking destination. This bus will go all the way to the Eielson Visitor Center. We choose this bus because he did want to stop and hike at the end, and it was cheaper. Even though this was not a tour bus the drive did help point and stopped to see wildlife, and told us all about the park along the drive.
Camping Bus
This bus is designed for only those who are camping. You cannot hop on and off this bus like the hiking one. You will need a camping reservation to use this bus.
How Many Days Were We There?
We were there for 3 days, which with more time and money you could spend much longer in the park. By having three days we had the chance to spend one day in each main area of the park, Eielson Visitor Center, Savage River Area and the Denali Visitors Center Area. With this time we really felt like we had the chance to see a lot of scenery, animals and hiked a decent amount throughout the park.
Three Day Itinerary
Day 1
Denali Bus Tour
For our first day in Denali National Park we took the Transit Bus all the way to the Eielson Visitor Center for a few small hikes. Expect this to take up your entire day as it is about a 4 hour bus ride one way.
We took the 7:00 am bus, although ours was not narrated, we still were able to stop and see many animals and our bus driver gave us lots of information along the ride.
The bus ride is long but with the constant scenery and being on the lookout for animals it does go fast. Make sure you pack water, snacks and lunch.
Along the route the driver will make many stops, for restroom breaks and for specific overlooks.
If you are lucky, one of the 30% of visitors, you will get to see the top of Denali’s peak (Mt. Mckinley) along the drive or at Eielson Visitor Center.
Once at the Visitors Center you can choose to take a short break and get back on the same bus or since this is a transit bus you can hike around and catch an available bus later. We wanted to hike so we caught a different bus on the way back.
Thorofare Ridge Trail
We first took off for the longer, more difficult hike in this area, the Thorofare Ridge Trail. This hike is 2 miles round trip. It is short but steep, with a 1,000 foot elevation gain. Expect 1 to 2 hours to complete this hike. But on a clear day I think this hike gives you the best views of Denali.
Tundra Loop Trail
We had some time before the next bus came so we also did the short 0.4 mile loop by the Visitors Center, the Tundra Loop Trail. The views don’t change that much from the Visitors Center overlook, but it is a great way to stretch your legs from the long bus ride.
Gorge Creek Trail
The Gorge Creek Trail is another longer hike, we didn’t have enough time for this one. But it is 2 miles round trip, with a 600 foot elevation change. You can see the river in the photo below.
We got in late from our bus tour, so we ate a cooked meal at our camping site at Riley Creek Campground.
Day 2
Savage River Area
The Savage River area is the farest that you can drive in your own car in the Denali National Park. The Savage River Area is at mile 15 of the Denali Park Road. There is a ranger station at this area to stop and only allow tour, hiking and camp buses to continue driving on the road.
Savage Alpine Trail
The Savage Alpine Trail is one of my favorite hikes in the area, it is 4.1 miles long. It is best to use the bus transportation to make this hike one way. The best way to do this hike is to start at the Mountain Vista Picnic Area, leaving a car or using the bus. This hike is one way, then use the bus to get back to the start if needed.
Savage River Loop
The Savage River Loop is perfect for families. This scenic river hike is only 2 miles and has no incline. There is a bridge at the end to make it a loop. It does get crowded so I would suggest completing this hike earlier in the day or later at night to avoid the crowds. If you go early in the day you can enjoy their picnic area along the river for lunch. There are restrooms, picnic tables and rangers to ask questions in this area.
Mountain Vista Trail
This small hike starts at the Mountain Vista Picnic Area. This is a very nice area with restrooms and a bus stop if you plan to use the free transport buses. This hike gives you a little more valley view than Savage River and if you are lucky a view of Denali as well. The Mountain Vistra Trail is a short 0.7 miles. It also has a few benches along the trail and informational boards to enjoy.
Since this wasn’t as long as a day as the first we drove to try 49th State Brewing, they have great food, and a great indoor and outdoor area for dining.
Day 3
Visitor Center Area
These hikes can be completed by parking at the Denali National Park Visitor Center. Some of these hikes have closer parking lots that may save you a small amount of distance or time. While here check out the Visitors Center, they have tons of informational boards and displays. You have the opportunity to use the restrooms, or even get a bite to eat at the Morino Grill adjacent to the Visitors Center.
Horseshoe Lakes
The Horseshoe Lakes hike is a 2 mile out and back hike. This hike will take you around the Horseshoe Lakes. Expect this hike to take 1 to 2 hours. While walking around the lake you will see different viewpoints and maybe even some beavers making their dams along this lake.
Mt. Healy Overlook
The Mt. Healy Overlook Trail is a 4.9 mile out and back hike. With an elevation change of 1,500 feet expect for this hike to take 3-4 hours. Located from the Visitors Center this hike will take you to a grand overlook of the Denali Park area.
Since we needed to drive to Talkeenta to coniture on our trip we left Denali National Park around midday. But this day would be a perfect time to schedule a guided tour if you had time, I listed some great ones below.
Before heading out to our next stop in Alaska we stopped for a late lunch at the Denali Dog House to try a reindeer sausage while in Alaska. It was very good!
Additional Day Options
If you are lucky enough to have more time in Denali National Park I would plan another bus tour for more hiking near the Visitors Center. Here some great options:
Tours
Flights
Rafting
Helicopters
More Hikes
With extra days we could have easily spent more time hiking, even just around the Visitors Center. We were definitely eyeing these hikes if we had time:
Talkeetna
Although Talkeetna is a 2 hour and 30 minute drive away, parts still are in Denali National Park. And on a clear day you can even see Denali’s peak. We really wanted to hike the Curry Ridge Trail, but it was raining. We booked an amazing plane tour through Talkeetna Air Taxi here. Well worth the price, read about your tour on this article!
Tips For The Area
Denali’s Peak
Only 30% of visitors of Denali National Park get to see Denali, or known as Mt. McKinley. We got extremely lucky to see it, even with a little cloud coverage. Don’t be too disappointed if you don’t see it, the bus ride is still worth it! The landscapes getting there are incredible.
Leave No Trace
Make sure you practice Leave No Trace 7 principles to leave minimal impact on the trails.
Be Bear Aware
Make sure you are Bear Aware while in any part of Alaska. We carried bear spray while on any hike in Alaska. We did not see any moose or bear along this hike, but did talk to a hiker that said they saw a black bear on the trail ahead of us. Stay alert, make noise, and seal food in containers. I also used a bear bell since we are usually pretty quiet hikers.
Watch For Weather
There is not much storm coverage at the top of this trail. Make sure you keep in eye on the weather before heading out on this hike.
Go Early
Going early will help you beat the crowds and the heat. And maybe even give you a better chance at seeing some wildlife if you are interested in that.
What To Bring
Water– we each carried 2 liters of water in our hydration bladders with an additional collapsible water bottle.
Hiking Poles– If planning on hiking I do love using them for uphills and downhills, much easier on your knees.
Layers– You never know what Alaska weather and high elevation hikes may bring you. Dress in thin layers and make sure you bring a raincoat as well.
Sunscreen– Sunscreen is essential. We got burnt on this hike because we didn’t reapply our sunscreen often enough.
Bear Spray– we each had our own, and I also attached a bear bell on to my backpack. When on the bus they will ask you to seal it in your backpack. Bear spray is probably not necessary if sticking to the main populated trails.
Bug Spray– Alaska summers are known for their bugs. Although we didn’t seem to get bitten by bugs much while in Denali National Park.
Hiking Shoes– Good sturdy hiking shoes are a must. I love my Ahnu’s.
Snacks/Food– This is a long hike, we packed many snacks such as granola bars, jerky sticks, fruits strips and more. We also packed a sandwich to eat at the top.
Sunglasses/Hat– Again it is very bright at the top as it is a pretty wide open area. I would pack sunglasses and maybe even a hat if you are sensitive to the sun.
Other Articles About Alaska
Lost Lake Hike Near Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska
Exit Glacier and Harding IceField Hiking Guide
Renting A Campervan in Alaska: Million Mile Adventures
Savage Alpine Trail in Denali National Park
Horseshoe Lake Hike in Denali National Park
What To Do At the Eielson Visitors Center
3 Days In Denali National Park Itinerary
