Denali National Park and Preserve Travel Details: Climbing Conditions and Leisure Activities Explained; What to Bring and How to Prepare for the Trek

By Christian Ver Marcelo, CP Contributor Thursday, August 25, 2016

The Denali National Park and Preserve is home to North America's highest mountain. The entire environment has something in store for both the experienced hikers and touring visitors alike.

Scaling the mountain

Ever wanted to scale a mountain? Alaska has got that covered. Having the recognition of being North America's tallest roof, Denali, or Mount McKinley, sits in the middle of the Denali National Park and Preserve. At 20,310 feet, climbing the Alaskan summit is a welcome challenge to adventurers, hikers, and mountaineers.

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However, climbing the mountain requires at least an intermediate mountaineering skill level. The entire hike is both physically and mentally demanding. It normally lasts from 17 to 18 days under normal conditions, with additional of up to four days if inclement weather calls for it, for better acclimatization during the course of the ascent, or if attempts to scale the summit take longer than usual.

Denali climbing conditions

Guided and accompanied hikes are encouraged, so as to ensure safety in regards to the climb and interacting with locals. In one of the most established Denali guided hike, the ascent starts along the Kahiltna Glacier at the center of the Alaska Mountain Range. Hikers can then climb Denali's West Buttress from then on.

There are six camp set-ups along the hike, including the base camp. Hikers make double carriers in each camp when necessary, to introduce its member to proper acclimatization and to reduce carried loads. Teams then build snow walls to prevent high winds from severely affecting the camps.

The Denali mountain is also seen to be subject to variations in extreme conditions. 100 mph winds sometimes hit hikers along with around -40 degree temperatures. In some days however, clear skies can be chanced upon for up to 20 hours. These conditions make the hike a bit more rigorous, as week-long snowstorms can potentially hit without ample warning.

The park and preserve environment

Denali was once known as Mount McKinley due to a 1917 US law that originated from a gold prospector supporting the campaign of former President McKinley. However, this was repealed on August last year, in favor of naming the mountain Denali, its Native Athabascan name for thousands of years, meaning "the high one."

It was also in February 1917 that the bill for creating the former McKinley National Park was enacted. Along with Denali, it has since been renamed to Denali National Park and Preserve. Those who have no plans of scaling the high pinnacle of Denali still have lots of reasons to visit the park.

Visiting the Savage River along the park is one of the highlights of any touring event. The Denali Visitor Center also projects a documentary film that recounts the place's colorful history. Friendly park rangers are also available around to chat with visitors.

Going on relatively safer hiking trails are also a must. On-site trails are provided for tourists, with the Triple Lake trail being one of the highlights. Backpacking on the ranger-led trails are optimal for those who wish to explore the environment surrounding Denali, but don't have the proper physical tolerance that the mountain itself demands to be hiked.