The best cycling routes in Alaska

Built in 2005, the Denali Visitor Center and its surrounding campus are definitely worth a stop, either at the beginning or end of your trip. The center itself is the National Park Service's primary welcome and information center. Surrounding facilities include a restaurant, gift shop, bag check, bus stop, and train depot. The visitor center is open only during the summer and is located near the park entrance. During the summer, you can explore the exhibits, watch the park film, pay park admission, and speak with a ranger. During the fall, winter, and spring, the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) serves as the park's winter visitor center. https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/the-denali-visitor-center.htm

The Denali Visitor Center, located right at the entrance to Denali National Park, is the perfect starting point for your adventure in this rugged and fascinating landscape of Alaska. Here you will not only get useful information about the hiking trails and the wildlife, but you can also watch the park film Heartbeats of Denali, which will introduce you to the different facets of this breathtaking place. The exhibition in the center also gives you insights into the unique flora and fauna of the region. The area around the visitor center offers access to several popular hiking trails such as the Horseshoe Lake Trail and the Mt. Healy Overlook Trail. The Mt. Healy Overlook in particular rewards you after a steep climb with an impressive panoramic view of the park's vast landscape. There are also nearby trails for quieter hikes that lead through the dense forests and along the rivers and are ideal for relaxed exploration. A special highlight are the ranger-led tours and presentations that give you insights into the history of the park and its natural wonders. The Denali Visitor Center is not only an information point, but also a place that lets you immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere and the pristine nature of the wilderness - perfect for getting in the mood for the great Denali adventure.

Significant non-motorized trail improvements have been made this summer (no more washed-out segments). Lakeside path is open to just beyond 5 miles as crews continue trail work as of 8/29/24)

The Mountain Vista Day Use Area and Trailhead has a parking area, picnic tables, trail access to the Mountain Vista Loop and the Savage Alpine Trails, and is a stop on the free shuttle service from the park entrance. Many people who complete the Savage Alpine Trail will take the shuttle back to their cars at the other trailhead or the park entrance from here. On clear days you can get a fantastic views of Denali, the highest peak in North America, even though it is over 80 miles away. The Savage River Campground is also just down the road from the Mountain Vista Day Use Area.

The first few miles of Denali Park Road are paved and striped. The road has a few paved sections along the way, but the majority of the 92.5 mile route consists of dirt and gravel roads. It can be really dusty and muddy depending on the time of year (or even just the time of day), and trucks and buses use the roads during the dry months. Make sure you have a plan for staying visible and let vehicles pass safely.

This section of the paved, multi-use Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is just south of Point Woronzof, a popular location for watching jets land and take off from the nearby airport. The trail here winds through the trees and traverses a couple of long, gradual hills.

The paved trail makes a sharp bend here, offering some views toward the marshland at the bottom of the bluff. There's also a small, unpaved spur trail near here that leads to a sand beach that isn't rideable, but you can always walk your bike or lock it to a nearby bench.

This section of the paved, multi-use Bird to Gird Trail includes Bird Point, a popular spot to watch the bore tide rolling in. However, you only get a distant view and it's hard to forecast how big the tide will or won't be.