Free Time Suggestions: Denali

A free day in Denali National Park is a fantastic opportunity to explore Alaska’s wilderness! Here are some of the best ways to spend your time:

1. Take a Scenic Bus Tour

If you want to see wildlife and incredible landscapes without much strenuous hiking, book a Tundra Wilderness Tour or Kantishna Experience Tour. These tours take you deep into the park, with chances to see grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep.

2. Hike a Trail Near the Entrance

If you prefer to explore on foot, Denali has several accessible hikes near the park entrance:

  • Horseshoe Lake Trail (2 miles, easy) – A scenic walk to a peaceful lake with beaver lodges.

  • Mount Healy Overlook Trail (5 miles round trip, strenuous) – Epic views of the valley.

  • Savage River Loop (2 miles, moderate) – A beautiful canyon and river walk.

3. Go Flightseeing Over Denali

For a bucket-list experience, take a scenic flight over Denali! Some tours even offer glacier landings, where you can step out onto the ice.

4. Whitewater Rafting on the Nenana River

If you're up for an adventure, go whitewater rafting on the Nenana River. You can choose from a calm float trip or an exciting Class III-IV whitewater ride through canyons.

5. Visit the Denali Visitor Center & Sled Dog Kennels

  • Learn about the park at the Denali Visitor Center and check out ranger programs.

  • Visit the Denali sled dog kennels, home to the only working sled dog team in a U.S. national park.

6. Take a Scenic Drive on the Park Road

You can drive the first 15 miles of Denali Park Road to Savage River. Stop at pullouts for amazing views of the Alaska Range and possible wildlife sightings.

7. Relax & Soak in the Scenery

Sometimes the best way to experience Denali is to sit back, breathe in the fresh air, and just take in the beauty—whether it’s at a scenic overlook, by a river, or in a cozy lodge with a hot drink.