Page last updated: 21 October 2024
How many people visit Denali National Park each year?
Over 498,722 tourists visited Denali National Park in 2023.
- Denali National Park welcomed 601,152 visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 90% to 54,580.
- By 2021, visitor numbers reached 229,521, 61% below pre-pandemic figures.
- Tourist numbers finally increased in 2022 and 2023, with 427,562 and 498,722 visits, respectively.
How much do visitors spend at Denali National Park every year?
In 2023, visitor spending at Denali National Park amounted to $559.41 million.
- In 2019, visitors to Denali National Park generated $613 million in expenditure. However, in 2020, visitor spending dropped by 90% to $58 million.
- Denali National Park recovered in 2021, with $255 million spent by tourists.
- In 2022, tourist spending amounted to $475 million, and in 2023, this increased by 17% to $559.41 million.
How many people visited Denali National Park in 2023?
- In 2023, Denali National Park welcomed 498,722 visitors, with 49,789 overnight campers and 448,933 same-day tourists. This was 20% less than the visitors recorded in 2019.
How much did tourists spend in Denali National Park in 2023?
- Visitors to Denali National Park spent almost $559.41 million in 2023.
Impact of Coronavirus
Denali National Park Tourism Statistics 2020 and 2021
- In 2020, Denali National Park visitor numbers fell to 54,850 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a decrease of 90% from the 2019 figure of 601,152. In 2021 there was a 3x increase compared to 2020 with 229,521 visits.
- Tourist spending followed a similar trend. After 2019’s expenditure figure of $613 million, tourist spending dropped to $58 million in 2020. However, in 2021, visitor spending increased to $255 million but still below pre-pandemic figures.
How popular is Denali National Park?
- In 2024, Denali National Park was listed among the top 10 favourite national parks according to Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Awards survey. It was highlighted for its natural attractions and wildlife.
- While Denali is Alaska’s most visited national park, it sees only a fraction of the visitors compared to more popular parks like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which attracts over 13 million visitors annually.
Read more about the U.S. National Park Ranking.
When is the best time to visit Denali National Park?
- The best time to visit Denali National Park is in summer (Late May to mid-September) This is when the park is most accessible, with all facilities and services fully operational. The Denali Park Road opens for bus services starting around May 20 and continues until mid-September.
- You can also visit in Autumn (Mid-September to Early October). This period begins in late August, transforming the tundra into vibrant reds and oranges. It also offers chances to see the northern lights as daylight decreases.
What were Denali National Park’s peak tourist months in 2023?
Here are the top 5 most visited months in Denali National Park for 2023, highlighting the seasonal attractions and reasons for the high number of visitors during each month:
- July was the busiest month with 138,246 visitors, due to warm weather and full park access for outdoor activities.
- August followed closely with 133,255 visitors, as late-summer vacations and excellent wildlife viewing kept numbers high.
- 116,853 visitors were recorded in June, drawn by the start of summer, mild weather, and the opening of park roads and services.
- September attracted 50,544 visitors, with cooler temperatures and autumn colours making it a favourite for those seeking fewer crowds.
- May brought 34,134 visitors as early-season tourists enjoyed increasing accessibility and fewer crowds.
What were the most popular types of camping at Denali National Park in 2023?
- Backcountry Campers (20,069)
- Concessionnaire Camping (20,069)
Denali National Park Facts
- Size: Covers 6,075,030 acres, making it the third-largest U.S. national park, larger than New Hampshire and Massachusetts combined.
- Location: Located in south-central Alaska, between Anchorage and Fairbanks, about 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle.
- Denali Peak: Home to Denali, North America’s highest peak at 20,310 feet (6,190 metres).
- Geography: Features diverse landscapes, including alpine tundra, forests, glaciers, and canyons, with one-sixth of the park covered by glaciers.
- Biodiversity: Hosts 39 mammal species, including moose, bears, and wolves, and 169 bird species.
- Flora: Contains over 1,500 plant species across distinct ecosystems, from boreal forests to tundra.
What are the most common causes of death in Denali National Park?
There were 72 recorded deaths in Denali National Park between 2007 and August 2024. Here are the main causes of death in the park:
- Fall (25 deaths)
- Environmental (20 deaths)
- Other Transportation (11 deaths)
- Undetermined (7 deaths)
- Medical – During Physical Activity (2 deaths)
- Motor Vehicle Crash (2 deaths)
- Suicide (2 deaths)
- Drowning (1 death)
- Medical – Not During Physical Activity (1 death)
- Wildlife Incident (1 death)
Denali National Park Safety Tips
When visiting Denali National Park, it’s essential to be mindful of safety precautions due to the park’s remote location and harsh conditions. Follow these guidelines:
General Safety Tips:
- Plan Ahead: Know the park layout, weather, and hazards; check the “Know Before You Go” page.
- Stay on Trails: Stick to marked paths to avoid injury or getting lost.
Wildlife Safety:
- Bear Awareness: Carry bear spray, make noise, and avoid surprise encounters.
- Distance from Wildlife: Stay 1/4 mile from bears and 25 yards from other wildlife.
- Do Not Feed Wildlife: Prevent altering animal behaviour and creating danger.
Hiking Safety:
- Group Hiking: Hike in groups for safety and wildlife deterrence.
- Know Your Limits: Choose hikes within your ability and prepare for changing weather.
Backcountry Safety:
- Permits Required: Obtain permits for backcountry hiking or camping.
- Emergency Preparedness: Carry first aid and signalling devices; know navigation skills.
Weather Preparedness:
- Dress Appropriately: Wear layers and sturdy footwear for changing weather.
- Check Weather Conditions: Monitor the forecast and adjust plans for severe weather.
National Park (NP) Tourism Statistics
References
- NPS: Facts and Figures – Visitation, Ranking and Mortality Data