Explore Denali's Winter Trails
Denali National Park & Preserve
Whether on foot, skis or snowshoes, winter is a great time for you to explore Denali! Snow starts falling as early as September, although in some years the conditions aren't good for skiing until December, and it sticks around until April or May.
See the Real Denali Most visitors see the park during its short summer window (June–August). A winter visit is a chance to see what the park looks like during the rest of the year! Whether you just take a short walk through the woods or stay for a lengthy ski or snowshoe adventure, you'll have a chance to experience the "real" Denali. Along the way, you'll notice some of the things that make this such a beautiful part of the world: Low-angle sunlight Photographers talk about the "golden hour," when the sun is low in the sky at dawn or dusk and the landscape gets a gentle golden or reddish hue. This far north, the sun hangs low in the sky most of the time that it is up, meaning the landscape often has a magical, soft light on it. Tranquility With just a few visitors coming each day in winter, this is an opportunity to feel like you're in an incredibly remote and peaceful world, just a few minutes away from the winter visitor center. Stars With short days and long nights, star gazing is possible from early evening through late morning. The Big Dipper, Orion, and other constellations become vivid thanks to very little light pollution.
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1-12 Hours
Depending on conditions and your interest, you could spend all day exploring Denali under your own power. We suggest preparing for at least a half-hour, so you can really get a sense of the stillness and peacefulness that is Alaska in winter.
There are no special fees for recreating in the park, although there is an overall park entrance fee.
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Winter, Spring
Day, Dawn, Dusk
All trails in Denali can be uneven terrain once snow falls and boots pack down a path on them. The Denali Park Road is plowed in winter as far as Park Headquarters, and the snow is groomed for several miles beyond that point. The snow will sometimes remain loose or unconsolidated, however, so use caution if proceeding beyond Park Headquarters.
Yes — Working animals are allowed anywhere in Denali. This means, for example, that you may ski-jor with your dog (ski-joring is where a dog is in a harness and helps pull you as you cross-country ski). Pets may also be walked on the park road and some trails, on a 6' or shorter leash. Learn more about visiting Denali with pets.
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Winter Visitor Center
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