Denali National Park / Omne trium perfectum

Oh, the excitement to visit this national park was big. But could it really impress me after all the amazing national parks we had just visited in Canada and Alaska? The short answer is: yes it could. Not just that, I got really really lucky. Three times. 😻

Some facts about Denali National Park: “In 1917, Congress created this park for one main reason: to protect Dall sheep. Over time, Congress expanded the park boundaries and added other reasons for its existence, including protection of North America’s tallest mountain (also called Denali) and to provide a place for wilderness recreation. Today, most people arrive in Denali hoping to see the mountain, view wildlife (such as bears, moose, caribou, sheep, and wolves), and experience the vast wilderness.”

“Visitors of Denali National Park can be broken up into two groups: the 30% club and everyone else. The 30% club is made up of the people who were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.”

“But why do clouds cover the summit of Denali so often? Much of the answer has to do with where the Alaska Range sits in relation to the ocean. Mountain ranges throughout the state play a big role on influencing the weather and climate. When low pressure systems move northward from the Gulf of Alaska, that moist cold air hits the mountain ranges and condenses while rising upward. This results in clouds and precipitation in the mountains that often obstructs the view of Denali.”

Summary of my 3 days in Denali National Park: ✅✅✅ You should go!

#1 30% club – I saw the mountain (on three consecutive days) 😻 and it’s beautiful and somehow I am a fan now.

#2 I saw the Northern lights – also they are mesmerizing.

#3 I saw many many wild bears – several Trios of a mother and two cubs

Traveling alone, I never had a dull moment. I met so many nice people, even a 3 couples from Silverdale, Poulsbo and Port Orchard, WA, that drove up all the way in RVs, in the middle of Denali National Park.

If you get a chance to spend a few days in Denali National Park, I highly recommend staying on one of the campgrounds. The farther in the park, the better. But make sure you are prepared. 😉