Exploring Alaska's Spectacular National Parks

Why Visit Alaska's National Parks?

Alaska’s national parks offer an unparalleled experience due to the state’s immense natural beauty, diverse ecosystems and opportunities for outdoor adventures. In fact, there are countless reasons to visit Alaska and its impressive national parks:

• Dramatic scenery: Alaska national parks are known for their breathtaking landscapes, including towering mountains, expansive glaciers, deep fjords and lush forests. From the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes to the high alpine tundra of Denali, opportunities for exploration and discovery are endless.
• Wildlife viewing: Due to Alaska’s remoteness, wildlife flourishes in the diverse landscapes of the national parks in Alaska. When exploring, you can spot grizzly bears, moose, caribou and wolves, along with marine life like whales, sea otters and seabirds.
• Adventure and recreation: Hiking, camping, stargazing, rafting and mountaineering are some of the many outdoor activities visitors to Alaska’s national parks can enjoy. Parks like Glacier Bay and Kenai Fjords even offer water-based activities like boat tours and fishing.

Comprehensive Guide to Must-See Alaska National Parks

Alaska’s remoteness lends itself to a wide range of activities in its national parks. Explore some of the top national parks in Alaska below.

Denali National Park 

Located in central Alaska, you’ll find one of the state’s most popular national parks, Denali. Denali National Park is home to North America’s highest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), and has unique features like arctic tundra, spruce forests and glaciers. Denali is also an excellent destination for wildlife viewing where you can spot animals like grizzly bears, caribou, wolves and Dall sheep.

Glacier Bay National Park 

In southeastern Alaska, near the capital city of Juneau, is Glacier Bay National Park, famous for its tidewater glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords. Glacier Bay is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors various outdoor activities like cruises, kayaking and wildlife viewing opportunities of humpback whales, orcas and sea lions.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Another Alaska national park that’s a must-see destination is Kenai Fjords National Park. This national park in Alaska is near Seward on the Kenai Peninsula and is known for its stunning fjords, glaciers and abundant marine life. One of the top features of this park is the Harding Icefield, which feeds over 40 glaciers. For many of Alaska’s national parks, the best time to visit is during the summer when wildlife is more active, temperatures are warmer and driving routes are accessible.

How to Visit Alaska National Parks

If you’re wondering how to visit Alaska’s national parks, look no further than Road Scholar. An Alaska National Parks tour on one of our experiential learning programs pairs you with an expert instructor who will guide you through your designated park’s geography, wildlife, history and impact on indigenous cultures. Our collection of US and Canada travel tours brings diverse cohorts of lifelong learners looking to discover more about the world around them.

Activities and Experiences

The expansiveness of Alaska’s national parks offers a wide range of activities and experiences. Embark on the Triple Lakes Trail in Denali National Park, an 8-mile adventure that offers scenic views through boreal forests and stunning views of the Alaska Range. In Katmai National Park, explore the Brooks Camp area, which has some exceptional established hiking trails.

Other recreational activities include wildlife viewing, boating and kayaking in Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay National Park. All of Alaska’s national parks are excellent areas for photography, each offering unrivaled views of untouched landscapes, as well as fishing and cultural experiences to learn about indigenous communities like the Ahtna, Dena'ina, Koyukon, Upper Kuskokwim and Tanana peoples in Denali.

Safety and Wilderness Survival Tips

While Alaska’s national parks offer sweeping views of geological wonders like Mount Denali or Mount Katmai, following safety and wilderness survival tips is crucial. Below are a few essential tips:

• Plan and prepare by assessing weather forecasts, trail conditions and any closures.
• Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.
• Learn about bear behavior, carry bear spray and store food properly.
• Stay on designated trails and always leave no trace.
• Stay hydrated and nourished to remain energized throughout your trip.

Sustainable Tourism in Alaska

As mentioned, it’s important to leave no trace, respect the natural environment and support local communities and conservation efforts. Some best practices include:

• Disposing of waste and food scraps properly, and using designated toilets or dig cat toilets to get rid of human waste.
• Leave what you find, such as plants, rocks or artifacts, to protect the natural environment.
• Minimize campfire impacts by following local fire regulations.
• Respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and never feeding or touching animals.
• Engage with local communities and respect local customs, traditions and practices.
• Offset your carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy products or choosing alternative modes of transportation.

Alaska’s national parks are some of the most well-preserved destinations in the world. They offer a wide range of outdoor adventures and activities, from kayaking to hiking and wildlife viewing. You can ensure a safe trip to these destinations by exploring responsibly and following sustainability best practices.

FAQs

How many national parks are in Alaska?
There are eight national parks in Alaska.

What national parks are in Alaska?
Below are the national parks in Alaska:

• Denali National Park
• Gates of the Arctic National Park
• Glacier Bay National Park
• Katmai National Park
• Kenai Fjords National Park
• Kobuk Valley National Park
• Lake Clark National Park
• Wrangell - St Elias National Park