Denali National Park, a jewel of Alaska, offers a uniquely car-free experience within its boundaries. Due to the limited access for personal vehicles, an excellent infrastructure is in place to support visitors in exploring this breathtaking wilderness without relying on their own cars. This makes Denali one of the most accessible national parks to discover even if you’re not driving a Denali Car or any personal vehicle for that matter.
Arriving at Denali National Park
Most visitors find their way to the Denali Park area using either the train or the Park Connection Motorcoach. These options provide scenic and convenient routes into the heart of Denali.
Train:
- Direct train service to Denali is readily available via the Alaska Railroad, Wilderness Express, and McKinley Explorer. These services offer a comfortable and picturesque journey.
- The Denali Depot is conveniently located inside the park, just a short walk from the Denali Visitor Center, making transitions seamless.
- Most hotels in the primary Denali area provide complimentary shuttle services from the depot, ensuring easy access to your accommodation.
- For guests with lodging booked through specific services, luggage transfer to your accommodations is often automatically arranged, simplifying your arrival.
Park Connection Motorcoach:
- This motorcoach service offers direct drop-offs at key locations including Denali Park Village Lodge, Denali Cabins, Denali Park Depot (for AM bus service), Grande Denali Lodge, and Denali Bluffs Hotel, providing door-to-door convenience.
Aerial view of Denali Bluffs and Park Connection showing bus and hotel buildings
Navigating Within Denali National Park
Unless you are staying at a remote fly-in backcountry lodge, your Denali lodging options will typically be located a few miles outside the park entrance, ranging from two to over 10 miles. However, accessing the park is straightforward. Virtually all hotels we recommend offer free shuttle services to the Visitor Center located inside the park. It’s always a good idea to confirm the shuttle schedule at your hotel’s front desk for the most up-to-date timings. A notable exception is the Denali Grizzly Bear Resort, which is generally recommended for visitors who have their own transportation arrangements.
To facilitate exploration of the Denali front country, the park operates a system of three complimentary shuttle buses:
- Savage River Shuttle: This route connects the Visitor Center, Denali Bus Depot, and trailheads for Mountain Vista and Savage River, providing easy access to popular trails.
- Riley Creek Loop Shuttle: Serving the Riley Creek Mercantile, Riley Creek Campground, Denali Bus Depot, Horseshoe Lake Trailhead, and the Visitor Center, this shuttle is ideal for accessing campgrounds and lakeside hikes.
- Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle: Operating between the Visitor Center and the Denali sled dog kennels, this shuttle runs approximately 40 minutes before each demonstration (typically at 10am, 2pm, and 4pm, but it’s recommended to verify the schedule closer to your visit).
These free shuttle buses are usually green, though sometimes tan, and are clearly marked with route information in the windshield. Current schedules and operating dates are readily available online.
The Denali entrance area also boasts a network of well-maintained hiking trails and a dedicated bike path, perfect for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.
Scenic view of Horseshoe Lake Trail surrounded by fall foliage in Denali National Park
Venturing Deeper into Denali
Beyond mile 15 of the Park Road, access for personal vehicles, including your Denali car, is restricted. To explore the park’s interior, the best options are your own two feet combined with guided bus tours.
- Denali Natural History Tour: This tour travels 25 miles into the park to Teklanika Flats. It’s a fully narrated experience focusing on the rich natural and human history of Denali, offering insightful commentary and scenic views.
- Tundra Wilderness Tour: Extending 43 miles to the East Fork River, the Tundra Wilderness Tour is fully guided and renowned for its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. This tour significantly increases your chances of spotting Denali’s famed wildlife in their natural habitat.
Both of these guided tours offer convenient pick-up services from Denali area lodging as well as the Denali Bus Depot within the park itself. For a deeper understanding of how these tours function, further resources are available.
In addition to tour buses, Denali National Park also operates non-narrated transit buses. These buses provide a hop-on, hop-off service along the entire length of the Park Road accessible by bus, offering flexibility for independent exploration.
View of East Fork Bridge over river in Denali National Park from bus window
For personalized assistance in planning your Alaskan adventure, including navigating Denali without a personal vehicle, expert Alaskan planners are available to tailor trips to your specific needs, timeline, and budget. Contact them for a customized Denali experience.
