Cruise Guide to Denali National Park, Alaska

Exploring Alaska could take some time, but with the Denali National Park being a major stop on most Alaskan cruise itineraries, you will likely spend more time than you thought at this larger-than-Jersey park. Seeing this beautiful land from a cruise ship will allow you to see the best it has to offer up close, but when you are docked for the day, this park is the place to be.

This park is also a nature preserve and houses many various creatures and lots of natural plants and vegetation. Whether you choose to hike through the area or take a bus tour once you are on land, there will be plenty to see as you move through the great untouched land on one of the many day-long excursions.

Cycling and Hiking Trails

Near the main entrance of the Denali park, you can choose between three main hiking paths that will take you to nearby lakes or hills that look over the entire area. With 1 mile, 5 ½ miles, and 9 ½ mile options, you can choose to do a half-day or full-day of cycling or hiking, depending on what you’re feeling up to.

While you’re nearby, you can take a look into the lives of the many Alaskan sled dogs who patrol the area during the winter months and stay seated for a demonstration of how they do their jobs. Watching the dogs out of their field will allow you to see the puppies inside the dogs and may give you the chance to pet one of them. This is a must-see for any Alaska cruise!

Denali Park Road

The Denali Park Road is the main road and leads to some of the most spectacular areas. With a stop at Wonder Lake, which offers visitors some of the best views of the northern section of the park, you can look out over the area and take in the view.

You can also take a detour to the Eielson Visitor Center, where you can shake out your sea legs from the Alaska cruise and walk it off while strolling through the exhibits and activities available there. You will even be able to have a ranger as your guide. You may also be able to see some wildlife grazing in the area depending on what time of year you are there.

Bus Tours

Not looking forward to hiking through the wilderness on your Alaska cruise vacation? Then, hop in one of the many bus tours offered in the park while the weather is warm and get the chance to stop at all of the greatest viewing areas for wildlife spotting without having to wear yourself out. This is also a great option for those who have any physical challenges that keep them from hiking.

Helicopter Flights

Another good choice for those who are not able to stand or hike for long, seeing the Denali National Park from the air is an enchanting excursion that you won’t want to miss out on. After being on an Alaska cruise, you may want to get a new perspective. You can fly to a glacier or over the valley and see the entire park from the clouds.

Interesting Fact about Denali National Park

This park is home to one amazing creature: the wood frog. This amphibian is unique because it can survive being frozen over the course of the winter months, with no air and no heartbeat, and regain their full consciousness and physical abilities once the warmer months thaw their bodies. Their bodies work to limit the amount of frost that covers their bodies, causing them to freeze.

They can even live until their body is 65% frozen!

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Categories: Ports

Tags: Alaska , Denali National Park