Mt Denali - best viewpoints

Mt Denali - best viewpoints - cover photo of Mt Denali by Madeleine Deaton

Why you rarely see Mt Denali

Who ever in Alaska was on the way, knows that Mt. Denali is one of those mountains that you absolutely want to see. Why? Because he doesn't show up often. Our USA travel tip: try several places. Everyone wants to come home and say, “I've seen it!” It is said that there are even Alaskans who have lived there all their lives and have not yet seen the mountain. The six-thousander usually hides behind a thick blanket of clouds that likes to cling to its mountain walls. No wonder! It towers over the surrounding mountains of the Alaska Range by several thousand meters. When he shows up, you understand why that is so.

Those of our readers who have been following us for a while know that I have led tour groups through Alaska for 17 years. On several Alaska trips per year, we always approached Mount Denali—or Mount McKinley—from a different angle. Since 2015, “Denali” has been the official name of the mountain. However, there are current political discussions about a possible renaming.

I often didn't see the mountain on my travels. When I did see it, it was always from a different spot. Over time, I learned a number of vantage points that offered me alternatives if Mt. Denali was hidden from us in one place. Perhaps there would be an opportunity to see it somewhere else. It was never a bad idea to give it a try. Sometimes we were lucky, and "the big one" finally revealed itself to us.

Lookouts on Mt Denali

In Denali National Park, there are few places for most visitors to see Mt Denali. Anyone who hopes to see him on a ride on the National Park buses often has to turn around again when things have not been done. Because on the way into the park you can only see it at the Eielson Visitor Center. The buses often turn back earlier because the mountain is hiding. If you have more time, you can spend a few nights at Wonder Lake and hope there will be a glimpse of Mt. Denali if you stay for several days. How to organize that Kathrin of Miss Outside well put together.

There are also other options along the access roads to Denali National Park, where - with a little luck - Mt Denali will show its hopeful viewers:

Mt Denali from the Glenn Highway and the George Parks Highway

• If you travel from Anchorage to Denali National Park, you only have a few places on the way where you can see Mt Denali with a clear view. You have a good opportunity when you leave the city of Anchorage. With luck you can see behind Eklutna how Mt. Denali rises above the surrounding Alaska Range. The sight from this place is so unexpected that it is often mistaken for a white cloud that hovers over the mountain range.
• On the George Parks Highway between Talkeetna and Denali National Park, it's worth keeping an eye out for small signs with a camera. These indicate exits or roadside embankments from which Mount Denali can be seen. One of these exits has a large information panel that also explains all the surrounding mountains. From this point, however, the mountain is quite far away, so it doesn't seem very imposing. The view is obscured by the nearby mountains of the Alaska Range.

Mt Denali from Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

If you want to wait for Mt Denali in peace, you should spend a few days in the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. From there you can go on excursions in the area and maybe even take a flight to Mt. Denali. From Talkeetna various sightseeing flights with small planes are offered, one of them with a landing on the glacier. If that's too much for you, you can just make yourself comfortable on the terrace of the lodge and wait for Mt. Denali to show up. The view from this point is breathtakingly beautiful!

Mt Denali from the Denali Highway

Those who choose the adventurous route via the Denali Highway to reach Denali National Park should only do so with a rental vehicle that the rental company permits travel on this route. Many RV rental companies do not. If you're traveling in a vehicle that's authorized for this route, with a bit of luck you might see the mountain in the distance on the last stretch of the drive between the Susitna River and Cantwell on the George Parks Highway. Similar to the George Parks Highway, however, you're quite far from Mount Denali, so the view is rather disappointing.

From Fairbanks

If your about the Alaska Hwy travels to Fairbanks, you can see Mt. Denali from the Museum of the University of Alaska see well. The museum is worth a visit on its own, because it explains many things that travel in Alaska. Especially worth a visit in good weather. Then you can see the Mt. Denali from the parking lot in front of the museum.

From Denali National Park

In Denali National Park There are several ways to see the mountain. All require entry into the park with public park buses offering different packages. Private vehicles are not allowed to cross the Savage River. You can only see the mountain when you are much deeper in the park:

• There are buses that offer guided wildlife viewing tours. These continue, if visibility is good, to the Stony Hill Overlook at Mile 62. From there, you'll have your first view of Mt. Denali. (This view is currently inaccessible due to the road closure.)
• There are also transfer buses that connect the visitor center at the park entrance with Wonder Lake (campground) and Kantishna Lodge at the end of the park road. These buses pass the Stony Hill lookout and the Eielson Visitor Center and continue to the end of the road, where, with luck, you'll have a wonderful view of Mt. Denali. (These views are currently inaccessible due to the road closure.)
• The Kesugi Ridge Trail in Denali State Park is considered one of the most beautiful trails in Alaska. It offers approximately 35 kilometers of spectacular views of Denali—an absolute highlight in clear weather! The trail leads through alpine meadows, past lakes, and through vast tundra landscapes. It's ideal for experienced hikers seeking solitude and pure nature. Access points include Byers Lake and Little Coal Creek. More information: Kesugi Ridge Trail - Wikipedia

Flight over Denali

Those who want to get as close as possible to the mountain usually only have the option of a round trip. There are various providers for this purpose: round flights are offered near the National Park. From Talkeetna there are various flight offers, including the possibility of a glacier landing. All these flights are only carried out if the weather and the flight conditions fit. An unobstructed view of the mountain is not guaranteed as it can quickly hide behind clouds. But even then, such a flight can be exciting, with views of the deep crevasses, the rugged cliffs, and the azure glacial lakes, which you can not even guess at other views.

There is even the option of a scenic flight over the Alaska Range to Mt. Denali from Anchorage. Early reservation is advisable for all of these flights! If you want to see more glaciers in Alaska, then Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay are a good choice.

About the author:

Monika Fuchs is a passionate travel journalist and has visited the majestic Denali National Park not just once – but numerous times. Her deep connection with Alaska Her background goes back a long way: For many years, she traveled as a tour guide in the most remote regions of the "Last Frontier" and knows the rugged wilderness, the quiet beauty, and the hidden stories of this extraordinary region like no other. She is particularly fascinated by Denali, with its stunning natural scenery and fascinating wildlife. In her articles, she shares her personal experiences, her in-depth knowledge, and her love for Alaska – authentic, informative, and inspiring.

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