Denali National Park - "Close to Nature's Heart"

Denali National Park (42 degrees, rain, sunshine, snow)

"Keep close to nature's heart

and break clear away,

once in awhile,

and climb a mountain

or spend a week in the woods.

Wash your spirit clean."

John Muir

Denali National Park and Preserve is a special place and one where we did spend almost a week in the wilderness. The vastness really struck me. It looked very different from other places we have visited in Alaska and western Canada. It's an arctic desert and it's glorious. Although a lot of snow falls here in the winter it mostly evaporates. It's not as lush as most of Alaska but has a striking beauty all its own. 

The past two post have focused on the animals and seeing the mountain top of Denali. This post is just about its beauty. Words cannot describe it so I'm going to let some of our pictures do the talking. 

Two moose locked in fight to their death

Bear proof door (note the nails)

We hope you enjoyed your visit too!

Campground review:  Teklanika River Campground, also known as TEK, 5 star, well spaced primitive campground 20 miles into Denali National Park, no hook ups, come with empty tanks and water, or fill up at Riley Campground at entrance, definitely has the "it" factor, large, level sites, we were able to use our solar panels, reservations a must, sites are selected first come, first served. We made reservation in January to stay here. No phone signal

It's a gem and another plus is you can avoid two hours on the bus by staying here. (one hour in and one hour out). The bus makes frequent stops and you can reserve a seat on one bus during your stay. Otherwise it's due to availability when it arrives. We did not have a problem getting a seat each day. 

TIP:  I'd recommend the bus which goes to the end of the road for your reservation. This one is less frequent. 

You check in on arrival at Riley Mercantile and get a special pass which allows you to drive out to the campground. If you have a tow vehicle you have to leave it at Riley. Once you are in the campground you cannot drive your motorhome or truck except to leave on your last day. We stayed four nights. 

TIP:  There is a lot to do at the entrance of Denali Park. However, because we were at TEK we could not go back and take advantage of any ranger led walks or go to the sled dog demonstration. If I had to do it all over again, I'd stay two nights at Riley Campground at entrance and at least four nights at TEK.  

We ended up leaving early on our departure morning and attended the excellent sled dog demonstration. These amazing working dogs provide many services to the park. They haul supplies into wilderness areas and patrol the park on extended stays during the winter. Here is a video of the demonstration. It's the only working dog sled team in the NPS and has been operating for 91 years. 

Rangers go out on patrols for 1-3 weeks with their team

Names of all the retired dogs are all over the ceiling of the visitor center

We also stayed near Talkeetna for two nights prior to arriving at TEK.. It's a cute,friendly town with a fun vibe about 120 miles from Denali entrance. This is where the hikers gather to get ready to ascend Denali. Supposedly there is a great view of Denali and the range during a clear day. 

Tip: We sure to stop at the Aurora Dora gallery. Dora sells stunning metal photographs aurora borealis. Even if you don't buy one her stories about them are very interesting. 

Campground review: Trapper Creek RV Park, 2 stars, tight, 30 amp full hook up sites, no WiFi, limited Verizon signal, 35 minute drive to Talkeetna. expensive for what you get.

TIP: Stay closer to town

This is our last post about Denali National Park, but hopefully not our last visit. The big city of Fairbanks is our next stop.