Adventure
Denali doesn’t have backcountry trails as it has nearly 100 designated units, and once you’re dropped off, you’re navigating on your own judgment, a topo map, and a compass. Access is by camper bus only, since private vehicles aren’t allowed past Mile 15. As of this season, the park road is open only to Mile 43 due to an ongoing landslide repair, so every route starts and ends within that stretch. It’s raw, real backcountry, and it rewards people who come prepared.
Private vehicles stop at Mile 15 and the camper bus carries you the rest of the way, with on-request drop-off and pickup anywhere along the road.
Nearly 100 backcountry units each cap at 2–12 people, keeping the wilderness genuinely quiet. Permits are free, issued in person before your trip.
There are no maintained trails here. You'll need to read a topo map, use a compass, and make real route decisions the whole way through.
Grizzlies, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves are regularly spotted from the road and the backcountry, always at a safe, respectful distance.
The park road is currently limited to Mile 43 due to landslide repair, so all backcountry routes must begin and end within that range this season.
Bear-resistant food containers are required and issued free with your permit, meaning all food, trash, and scented items go inside, cooked and stored at least 100 yards from your tent.
Camper bus reservations open in mid-December for the following summer and sell out fast for late June–mid August dates so book as early as you can.
Backcountry permits are handled separately and in person at the Backcountry Information Center, which opens for the season in late May.
River crossings are a real part of backcountry travel here, unclip your pack’s hip belt before crossing and use trekking poles for stability.
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