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About
the Denali Highway
The Denali Highway is one most scenic drives in the United
States. This well-maintained 135 mile route connects the Richardson
Highway with the Parks Highway enroute to Denali National
Park.
Prior to the completion of the Parks Highway in 1971, the
Denali was the only route to the Park. The first 20 miles
of the eastern end of the is paved to Tangle Lakes, a good
gravel roadway takes over for the remaining 110 miles.
Travelers will set their only leisurely pace while traversing
the only alpine tundra available on the road system in Southcentral
Alaska.
The view from the Maclaren Summit is an awe-inspiring panorama
of Alaska Range peaks and the Maclaren Glacier---almost close
enough to touch!
Milepost
42
Denali Highway Tours and Cabins, (milepost 42), nestles
along the banks of the glacier fed Maclaren River. The
highway then meanders along glacial eskers and between
shallow lakes for 35 miles before dipping back below treeline
and crossing the Susitna River. From the Susitna River
you will back above timber for most of the 55 miles to
Cantwell and the George Parks Highway. (MAP)
Many of those who travel the Denali Highway tell us that
it is like an uncrowded version of the Park. There are
many good side trails for day hiking or mountain biking.
Canoeing is excellent; on Tangle Lakes and in the Maclaren
Valley.
What's the weather?
Wildlife
viewing...
Wildlife abounds along the Denali Highway.
This is the home of the Nelchina caribou herd---35,000 strong.
This herd summers along the highway and in the surrounding
mountains; they are visible during most of traveling season.
Moose frequent the area ponds and can be seen early mornings
and late evenings especially around milepost 50. Grizzly bears,
foxes, wolves and porcupines are commonly sighted.
Birding is a common activity on our highway; all three
species of Ptarmigan reside in this alpine terrain. Arctic
Warblers, Arctic Terns, Jaegers, and myriad of waterfowl
nest in the area. One of the highest nesting concentrations
of Trumpeter Swans in the U.S. is here; easily visible
from the roadway.
Our picnic area
on the banks of the Maclaren River overlooks the Maclaren
Valley and the Maclaren Glacier while hundreds of nesting
cliff swallows keep mosquitos to a minimum.
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