Denali National Park Wildlife: 10 TOP Animals to Spot

If you’re planning a family trip and you’re in the mood for an extraordinary experience, Denali National Park in Alaska is calling your name.

This wilderness wonderland is packed with abundant wildlife, making it an ideal destination for creating unforgettable memories with your family.

In this post, we’re going to dive into the diverse wildlife you can encounter in Denali (formally known as Mount McKinley National Park), share some fun facts about these animals, reveal the best spots and times for sightings, and shine a spotlight on the parts of the trip that your little ones will absolutely love.

Denali National Park Wildlife

Denali National Park is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. The park’s rich biodiversity offers opportunities to observe a wide variety of creatures in their natural habitats. Here’s a glimpse of the incredible animals you may come across:

Grizzly Bears

Denali is home to the world’s largest grizzly bears, or brown bears. These magnificent creatures are a must-see when you visit.

Keep your eyes peeled for grizzlies along the park road, especially near riverbanks and berry patches. They are most commonly spotted near Thorofare Pass, Sable Pass, Toklat East Branch, Igloo Creek Campgrounds, and the Upper Teklanika / Sanctuary River area.

Spring and early summer are the prime seasons for bear sightings as they emerge from hibernation in search of food.

Moose

Moose are the largest members of the deer family, and spotting one in Denali is always a thrilling moment.

Moose sightings in Denali are a pretty common occurrence. Look for them near them between the park entrance and Savage River, at Igloo Creek, and at the Polychrome Overlook.

Early mornings and late evenings are when moose are most active and visible. In spring, they are often seen around Riley Creek Campground near the park’s entrance.

Caribou

The Denali caribou are a unique subspecies with impressive antlers that will leave your kids wide-eyed.

Keep an eye out for caribou in the open tundra areas, where they roam freely. They are most commonly sighted on the Savage River Loop Trail, at Sable Pass, on Toklat East Branch, and above Stony Hill.

Summertime, when the alpine tundra vegetation is lush, offers the best chance to spot these graceful (and HUGE) creatures.

Dall Sheep

Dall sheep are known for their distinctive white coats and impressive curved horns that make for fantastic photographs. But your iPhone may not be enough. As these creatures roam terrain that is often difficult, nary impossible for humans to negotiate, you’ll likely need a camera, tripod, and big ol’ telescopic lens to have the best chance of an awesome Nat Geo-esque shot.

Look for them perched on cliffs and rocky outcrops near Upper Teklanika / Sanctuary River, Igloo Mountain, the Savage River Loop Trail, Igloo Creek Campground, and near the Eielson Visitor Center.

Spring and early summer when they are most active and visible on the rocky slopes.

Wolves

Denali has one of the most significant populations of wolves in North America, but these creatures are masters of stealth.

While wolves are elusive, you might spot them near Stony Hill Overlook or Sable Pass, so keep those binoculars, or a telescope and tripod handy.

Wolves can be spotted throughout the year, but dawn and dusk are the best times to catch a glimpse of these remarkable predators.

Red Fox

Denali’s red foxes display a beautiful range of colors, from pale silver to dark red. Your kids will love their vibrant coats!

Keep your eyes open for red foxes near park facilities and along hiking trails.

Early mornings and evenings are the optimal times for spotting these charming creatures.

Lynx

Lynx are elusive and rarely seen, but if you’re lucky, you might spot these stealthy felines.

While they are challenging to find, look for lynx in forested areas where they hunt for snowshoe hares.

Dawn and dusk are your best bet, but be prepared for (a lot) of patience…and likely patience won’t even be enough without incredible good fortune, too.

Small Mammals

Though maybe not quite as exciting a the large mammals like moose and bears, there are a couple smaller mammals you don’t want to miss while you’re in Denali National Park.

Hoary Marmot

Hoary marmots are known for their distinctive high-pitched whistle, which is often heard in Denali’s tundra areas.

Look for these curious creatures near rocky outcrops and meadows. The summer season is the ideal time to observe hoary marmots when they are most active.

Look for them especially if you venture off the Savage River Loop Trails!

Arctic Ground Squirrels

These little critters are expert hibernators and can be seen scurrying about once the snow melts.

You’ll find arctic ground squirrels in open areas, including tundra and near burrows.

Spring and summer is when they emerge from hibernation.

Raptors

While you’re exploring Denali NP, don’t forget to look up to the sky! Both Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles can be spotted flying across open areas and over bodies of water as they search for prey.

You can spot these magnificent creatures year-round, so look for them whenever you are visiting.

Now that you’ve met some of the park’s incredible residents, let’s move on to the exciting part – where and when to see them and what you need to know to keep your family safe.

Best Places and Times for Wildlife Sightings

If you have your heart set on seeing wildlife during your trip to Denali, your best bet is to take an early morning bus tour down the Denali Park Road.

Your chances of wild animals increase the longer you stay on the tour bus, so settle in and look out for our cast of creatures at these spots.

Stony Hill Overlook

This is the most photographed spot in Denali NP because of the gorgeous view of towering Denali (Mt. McKinley) from the road.

This is also a great place to see a pack of wolves on your trip, though only about 20% of visitors report seeing them during their trip.

Polychrome Overlook

The Polychrome Overlook, located at mile 46 of the Denali Park Road, offers a breathtaking view of the park’s rolling tundra and is an excellent spot for bears, moose, and caribou sightings.

The best times to visit are during the early morning or late evening when animals are more active.

Savage River Area

For a family-friendly hike and potential wildlife encounters, the Savage River area and the Savage Loop trail is an excellent choice. Moose, caribou, Dall sheep, marmots, and even grizzly bears have been spotted here.

If you get off the trail and wander on your own in the tundra, you’re likely to see lots of other small mammals like pica, ground squirrels, and snowshoe hares.

It’s accessible by bus ride and is open from late May through mid-September.

Teklanika River

The Teklanika River area, around mile 29, is known for grizzly bear sightings during the summer months.

Keep in mind that this area is accessible only by park shuttle bus and the “trail” is unmarked and unmaintained, so plan accordingly.

Wonder Lake

If you’re in search of a stunning backdrop for your wildlife photos, Wonder Lake is a must-visit spot. Located at the end of the park road, it offers a good chance to see grizzly bears, moose, and caribou against the backdrop of the mighty Mt. Denali.

Be sure to check with the National Park Service to see if this camping area is open prior to your visit- The Pretty Rocks Landslide has caused many areas deeper in the park to close.

Visit during the summer months for the best experience, but be sure to wear bug protection- the mosquitos can be bad in this part of the park!

Eielson Visitor Center

Eielson Visitor Center, around mile 66, is an ideal location for spotting Dall sheep and grizzly bears.

It’s accessible via the park shuttle bus and offers educational programs for kids including ranger-led hikes on the Eielson Tundra Loop and the Thorofare Ridge Trail, making it a fantastic family-friendly stop.

Again, be sure to check to see if it is open before venturing this far- this was past the point of the most recent landslide, so much of the road has been closed off.

Safety First: Tips for a Safe Denali National Park Wildlife Encounter

Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat is an incredible experience, but it’s important to ensure your family’s safety. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

• Keep Your Distance: Respect the animals’ space and maintain a safe distance. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens for close-up views.
• Do Not Feed the Wildlife: Feeding wildlife is harmful to both animals and humans. Keep your food securely stored to avoid attracting them to your campsite.
• Stay in Your Vehicle: When wildlife viewing from your vehicle, stay inside. Animals may perceive humans on foot as a threat, potentially leading to dangerous situations.
• Use Bear-Resistant Food Containers: If you’re camping, use bear-resistant food containers to store your food safely.
• Make Noise on the Trail: When hiking, make noise to alert wildlife to your presence and avoid startling them.

Denali NP Family-Friendly Fun

Denali National Park isn’t just about the wildlife; it’s a whole outdoor adventure package for your family. Here are some kid-friendly activities your little ones will love:

• Junior Ranger Program: Denali offers a Junior Ranger Program, where kids can complete activities and earn a Junior Ranger badge.
• Hiking: Many easy and family-friendly hiking trails are available, such as the Horseshoe Lake Trail and the McKinley Station Trail.
• Ranger-Led Programs: Check out the park’s ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and wildlife talks suitable for all ages.
• Wildlife Tracking: Encourage your kids to look for animal tracks and signs while you explore.

Denali National Park is a treasure trove of incredible wildlife and family-friendly adventures. This is your chance to introduce your children to the wonders of the natural world in one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth.

From grizzly bears to Dall sheep, the park’s unique creatures will leave your family with lasting memories. Remember to plan your visit for the best times of the year and always prioritize safety when observing these magnificent animals.

So, pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and get ready for a wild adventure in Denali. It’s a trip your family will be talking about for years to come!