Be In Awe Of The Frozen Alaska Landscape At Denali National Park
Most of our readers already know that Denali National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in Alaska. It’s one of the most famous parks in the entire United States, after all. It’s primarily visited during the summertime, but this stunning natural landscape comes alive in the winter. The frozen beauty of the landscape covered in snow and ice is absolutely incredible. It’s arguably even more beautiful in the wintertime!
Denali National Park and Preserve is located deep in the interior of Alaska.
This incredible park spans more than 4.7 million acres. It's larger than the size of several states! The park is so remote that it is serviced by just one road.
The bulk of Denali National Park's 500,000 visitors come during the summer months. This area has an incredible beauty in the cold months that visitors avoiding the cold really miss out on.
It can definitely get cold, though! The temperatures can drop down to a chilly -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Hoarfrost decorates the trees and landscape absolutely beautiful, making it look like a winter wonderland from a Christmas card. Luckily, the average daily temperature during the winter is typically around 15 degrees.
You can expect very short days of sunlight in the park. During the winter solstice, the area sees only five and a half hours of daylight.
The mountain has always been colloquially known as Denali within Alaska. The name is derived from a word used by the Koyukon people that live north of the mountain and means "the tall one." The name "McKinley" was coined by a gold prospector in 1896 and referred to President William McKinley. The state petitioned to the federal government for years to have the mountain renamed to Denali. Finally, in 2015, the mountain's name was officially changed to Mount Denali. Whatever name you know it by, this beauty towers over the surrounding landscape in the park.
In the winter, the Denali Park Road closes at mile three. However, there's still lots to see that is close to the Visitor Center!
Snowshoes are available to rent for free, or bring your own bike if you've got fat tires. You can also pack your cross country skis. Whatever way you want to travel, there's nothing like getting out into the untouched and wild back country.
Or, you can choose to explore the area by air. There are several local pilots to choose from who can take you over the magical landscape.
However you decide to explore the park and see these arresting sights, we think you'll agree that winter in this park is unlike anywhere else in the world. With almost two million acres of designated wilderness, every scene is constantly changing and incredibly beautiful.
It may seem intimidating to access this incredible back country in the winter, but trust us. The views are otherworldly and the experience is unforgettably magical.
Traveling to this frozen park during the coldest time of the year should make everyone's bucket list. The sights of this world encased in ice will stay with you for a lifetime!
Have you ever visited Denali National Park in the winter time? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!
Address: Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Things To Do Outside In Alaska
February 01, 2022
Lisa Sammons
What are some more of the best parks in Alaska?
We love Chugach State Park in Anchorage! This national park to visit in Alaska has got some of the best hiking trails in Alaska and is home to the beautiful Eagle River Nature Center. It’s got beautiful waterfalls (that freeze over magnificently in the winter) and is just an all-around magical place.
What are some great hiking trails in Alaska?
There are some fantastic hiking trails in Alaska, many of which look like something straight out of a fairy tale. Here are a few of our favorites: they’re otherworldly in their beauty!
What are some other national parks to visit in Alaska?
We’ve got eight national parks in Alaska, and of course, they’re all stunning (after all, they wouldn’t be national parks if they weren’t!). Denali attracts the most visitors, but Kenai Fjords is also definitely worth a visit. Check out this quick and handy guide to all the national parks in Alaska.
Address: Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Alaska In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of HuMu Media, an Alaska-based media company. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter, and loves to see and experience new things!
