Up close and personal. You can take a flight over or around the mountain. You can even land on Denali on a glacier.
Photo, Northcountry
If you see Denali during your visit, count yourself lucky. The mountain is so tall, that people like to say “it makes its own weather.” Clouds bump up against the peak all summer long, so the mountain is completely visible only around 20% of the time.
1. Anchorage International Airport Terminal
When you arrive at the airport, see if you can glimpse Denali to the north as you walk out the terminal door.
2. Earthquake Park in Anchorage
While in Anchorage, drive west on Northern Lights Boulevard to scenic Earthquake Park overlooking the waters of Cook Inlet. On a clear day you’ll see Mt. Foraker (17,400 ft.) on the left and Mt. McKinley (20,320 ft.) on the right. Best viewing is in the evening.
3. Driving Through Willow on the Parks Highway
As you drive north from Anchorage up the George Parks Highway toward Denali Park, you’ll start seeing brief glimpses of Mt. McKinley, looming up in the middle of the road, starting at Milepost 69.
4. As You Enter the Town of Talkeetna
A hundred miles north of Anchorage, on the Parks Highway, you’ll come to a spur road that goes 14.5 miles back toward the old railroad town of Talkeetna. Although you’re still 124 miles from the entrance to Denali Park, the mountain is very close here. On a clear day, Denali, Mt. Foraker, and many other mountains and foothills of the Alaska Range are in full view. Stop at the hilltop pullout, just before you enter Talkeetna, to take a picture.
5. Trapper Creek & Petersville Road
When you leave Talkeetna, you’ll go back onto the Parks Highway. The next stop on the way north, at Milepost 115, is Trapper Creek. The views of Denali from Trapper Creek and the Petersville Road, a former mining trail that skirts the southside of McKinley, are exceptional.
6. “Denali Viewpoint South” at Mile 135 Parks
On your way to Denali National Park, you’ll drive through Denali State Park. The views of the mountain from this state park are unparalleled. The Alaska State Park system has built pullouts with displays and telescopes pointed at the mountain. Several lodges also have excellent views.
7. “Denali Viewpoint North” at Mile 163 Parks
At Mile 163, you’ll come across the second Denali Viewpoint – again with displays. Notice that your perspective on the mountain is starting to shift. As you continue to travel farther north, from this point, Denali will move to the south – even though you’re headed toward the official park entrance.
8. The Pulloff at Mile 9 on the Park Road
You won’t see Denali from the park entrance, like you did farther south. To view the mountain while in Denali National Park, you’ll take a bus down the Park Road. Your first view of the mountain is at Mile 9.
9. Reflection Pond at Wonder Lake
Deep inside Denali National Park, at the end of a 6 hour, 85-mile bus ride, you’ll come to Wonder Lake and Reflection Pond. If it’s a good day, you’ll get a classic view of Denali, reflected in the water.
10. The University Campus Overlook in Fairbanks
Finally, you can see the mountain from Fairbanks. Drive to the University of Alaska campus in Fairbanks and see Denali from the university’s scenic overlook, near the university museum.
Photo, Northcountry
If you see Denali during your visit, count yourself lucky. The mountain is so tall, that people like to say “it makes its own weather.” Clouds bump up against the peak all summer long, so the mountain is completely visible only around 20% of the time.
1. Anchorage International Airport TerminalWhen you arrive at the airport, see if you can glimpse Denali to the north as you walk out the terminal door.
2. Earthquake Park in AnchorageWhile in Anchorage, drive west on Northern Lights Boulevard to scenic Earthquake Park overlooking the waters of Cook Inlet. On a clear day you’ll see Mt. Foraker (17,400 ft.) on the left and Mt. McKinley (20,320 ft.) on the right. Best viewing is in the evening.
3. Driving Through Willow on the Parks HighwayAs you drive north from Anchorage up the George Parks Highway toward Denali Park, you’ll start seeing brief glimpses of Mt. McKinley, looming up in the middle of the road, starting at Milepost 69.
4. As You Enter the Town of TalkeetnaA hundred miles north of Anchorage, on the Parks Highway, you’ll come to a spur road that goes 14.5 miles back toward the old railroad town of Talkeetna. Although you’re still 124 miles from the entrance to Denali Park, the mountain is very close here. On a clear day, Denali, Mt. Foraker, and many other mountains and foothills of the Alaska Range are in full view. Stop at the hilltop pullout, just before you enter Talkeetna, to take a picture.
5. Trapper Creek & Petersville RoadWhen you leave Talkeetna, you’ll go back onto the Parks Highway. The next stop on the way north, at Milepost 115, is Trapper Creek. The views of Denali from Trapper Creek and the Petersville Road, a former mining trail that skirts the southside of McKinley, are exceptional.
6. “Denali Viewpoint South” at Mile 135 ParksOn your way to Denali National Park, you’ll drive through Denali State Park. The views of the mountain from this state park are unparalleled. The Alaska State Park system has built pullouts with displays and telescopes pointed at the mountain. Several lodges also have excellent views.
7. “Denali Viewpoint North” at Mile 163 Parks At Mile 163, you’ll come across the second Denali Viewpoint – again with displays. Notice that your perspective on the mountain is starting to shift. As you continue to travel farther north, from this point, Denali will move to the south – even though you’re headed toward the official park entrance.
8. The Pulloff at Mile 9 on the Park RoadYou won’t see Denali from the park entrance, like you did farther south. To view the mountain while in Denali National Park, you’ll take a bus down the Park Road. Your first view of the mountain is at Mile 9.
9. Reflection Pond at Wonder LakeDeep inside Denali National Park, at the end of a 6 hour, 85-mile bus ride, you’ll come to Wonder Lake and Reflection Pond. If it’s a good day, you’ll get a classic view of Denali, reflected in the water.
10. The University Campus Overlook in FairbanksFinally, you can see the mountain from Fairbanks. Drive to the University of Alaska campus in Fairbanks and see Denali from the university’s scenic overlook, near the university museum.
Where To See Denali
(Formerly "Mt. McKinley")
Arrival • Buses • Reservations • Camping • FAQ
Information Centers • What to Bring • Maps • Where to See the Mountain
Is That Denali?
Towns North of Denali • Towns South of Denali • Where to See Denali (McKInley)
(Formerly "Mt. McKinley")
Arrival • Buses • Reservations • Camping • FAQ
Information Centers • What to Bring • Maps • Where to See the Mountain
Is That Denali?
Towns North of Denali • Towns South of Denali • Where to See Denali (McKInley)
