National Park & Preserve · AK
Denali National Park & Preserve
Denali is quietest in January and February and busiest in August.
Denali is six million acres of wild land, bisected by one ribbon of road. Travelers along it see the relatively low-elevation taiga forest give way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America's tallest peak, 20,310' Mount McKinley. Wild animals large and small roam un-fenced lands, living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility and wilderness await.
503K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Denali
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°F | -5°F | 0.8" |
| February | 25°F | 5°F | 0.7" |
| March | 22°F | 3°F | 1.2" |
| April | 38°F | 20°F | 1.1" |
| May | 54°F | 33°F | 2.0" |
| June | 63°F | 44°F | 2.9" |
| July | 64°F | 47°F | 5.1" |
| August | 60°F | 43°F | 3.9" |
| September | 50°F | 33°F | 2.2" |
| October | 32°F | 18°F | 1.4" |
| November | 20°F | 2°F | 1.0" |
| December | 15°F | -6°F | 1.2" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, DENALI 27 N, AK US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $15 — Denali charges an entrance fee year-round. Youth age 15 or younger are free. For people age 16 or older, the $15 entrance fee provides a 7-day entrance permit. Be prepared to show your receipt or pass (digital or physical) if requested by park staff.
- Hours
- Denali is open 24-hours a day, although services are limited after-hours (generally after 4 pm in winter or 6 pm in summer). There is no gate at the park entrance. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds (with a valid reservation) or in the rest of the park with a free backpacking permit.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Road Open To: Mile 13 (Mountain Vista)
The Denali Park Road is open to Mile 13, Mountain Vista. Be prepared for winter driving conditions to reach Mile 13.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Denali questions
When is the best time to visit Denali?
Denali is least crowded in January, February, and March. August is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Denali?
Entrance to Denali costs $15 (Denali charges an entrance fee year-round. Youth age 15 or younger are free. For people age 16 or older, the $15 entrance fee provides a 7-day entrance permit. Be prepared to show your receipt or pass (digital or physical) if requested by park staff.).
When is Denali busiest?
Denali is busiest in August, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Denali during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Denali. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.