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Early miners cut trees to fuel fires to thaw the established campgrounds only and free backcountry
ground in their quest for gold. The supply of easily GEORGE PARKS HWY 3 permits must be obtained from park headquarters.
cut trees soon diminished and the miners ran into TO DENALI NATIONAL PARK The interior of Denali National Park and Preserve is
bedrock. In 1908, there were 18,500 people in the accessed by a 92-mile gravel road. Only the first 15
Fairbanks mining district. By 1920, this number miles are paved and open to private vehicles, providing
had shrunk to 1,100. Dredge mining, an operation Denali National Park an opportunity to visit the Savage River day use area.
that required more capital than manpower, brought Comprised of two peaks, Denali is the tallest The entrance area is where you’ll find most of the
a revival in the mining industry that remained mountain in the world from base to summit, its amenities: Riley Creek Campground, Denali Park
prominent until World War II. impressive north face rising some 20,000 feet above the Hotel and post office, mercantile, convenience store,
With the onset of war, jobs and activity in Fairbanks broad plain below. Over 6 million acres of primitive and showers. The railroad depot and Park Headquarters
were augmented. Military construction for airfields, wilderness area were set aside in 1917 to protect the are also located nearby. The Alaska Railroad offers
abundant wildlife and majestic habitat of this sub-arctic daily service from Anchorage to Fairbanks, with a
ecosystem. As visitation increased and the narrow stop at Denali between mid-May and mid-September.
park road became a a safety issue, the need for public Located one mile up the road, the Visitor Center is open
transportation was recognized, so the bus system was in the summer. The Murie Science and Learning Center
established to limit road traffic while maximizing is open all year to answer questions or help plan trips.
opportunities to view wildlife. Although a bus ride into Located 1/4 mile north of the Park entrance on the
the park is a not-to-be-missed experience, possibilities Denali Rainbow Village RV Park Boardwalk at Mile
for a variety of adventures abound along the way. 238.6 Parks Hwy, Denali ATV Tours can provide
In addition to handling campground and tour bus visitors with an exciting ride through the boreal forest.
reservations, the National Park Service concessionaire Maneuver quickly through the taiga to picturesque
offers shuttle bus service into the park. This system panoramas of the Alaska Range. Observe glacial
provides access to backcountry units, campgrounds, moraines and historic archeological dig sites while
day hiking areas, and interpretive activities. The navigating challenging trails, mountain-fed creek beds
drivers make stops to view wildlife and are helpful and and tundra, stopping for photography, wildlife and
informative. This is an efficient, workable program complimentary snacks. Tackle the terrain in a single-
that gives you several options for seeing the park. You rider ATV or share the thrill in a multi-passenger side-
may simply ride out and back or you may elect to get by-side ATV. Choose from a variety of tour lengths and
off at some point along the road, spend some time locales, or enjoy 100-mile Jeep tours down the Denali
hiking, and return later in the day. When planning your Highway.
trip, allow plenty of time to catch a returning bus. Fees Also located in the Denali ATV Tours office, Denali
for shuttle and tour buses vary according to length of Park Zipline is the only zipline adventure in the area
trip and participants’ age. There are six campgrounds and offers an innovative, absolutely hands-free 3-hour
inside the park boundaries. Some are motor home tour above the boreal forest and tundra with 360 degree
accessible while others are tent camping only. views of the Alaska Range. At the north end of Rainbow
The Park is open all year but not all entries Village RV Park, Denali Raft Adventures provides top-
are accessible in winter. Camping is permitted in notch scenic rafting and whitewater memories.
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