Wildlife Viewing in Denali National Park

In addition to hiking and stunning mountain views, one of the main reasons to visit Denali National Park is for the endless opportunities for wildlife viewing. Since private vehicles are not permitted beyond mile-15 on the Park Road, you will most likely be doing most of your animal spotting from one of the buses that carry visitors deep into the park. It’s basically the North American equivalent of a safari.







The Big Five

Not to be confused wit the Big 5 in Africa, these are the animals that every visitor to Denali hopes to see. Some, like wolves, are much rarer sighting than others.

1. Grizzly Bear

Grizzlies are typically at the top of any visitor’s wish list when visiting Denali…preferably at a safe distance. Most visitors are fortunate enough to see at least one grizzly, but don’t be disappointed if your only grizzly sighting requires binoculars to appreciate. Your best chance spot a grizzly is between mile 20 and 60 on the Park Road, particularly close to Sable Pass. If you plan on hiking or camping in the park, make sure to understand how to stay safe in bear country. Always carry bear spray.

2. Moose

Moose tend to spend most of their time in more heavily forested areas near bodies of water. Surprisingly, moose are actually a rarer sighting than grizzlies in Denali, but your chances will be best in the fall. The best place to see moose is between the park entrance and Mile 15 on the Park Road.

3. Caribou

Caribou are plentiful in Denali. You’d have to be very unlucky not to see a caribou on your visit.

4. Wolf

Wolves are by far the rarest of the Big Five in Denali. Relatively few visitors are fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of one of these elusive creatures. Our only wolf sighting lasted about 5 seconds as the wolf darted off through the bushes as it noticed the shuttle bus approaching.

5. Dall Sheep

Dall sheep are a common sighting in Denali, but they are often viewed from a distance since they spend a great deal of timing grazing high along the mountainsides.

Other Wildlife

In addition to grizzlies, Denali is also home to black bears; however, they are extremely rare. Other smaller mammals such as foxes, pika, marmots, beavers, porcupine, squirrels, and snowshoe hare are also spotted relatively frequently. The park is also home to 169 species of birds, including bald eagles, golden eagles, great horned owls, ptarmigans and gray jays.

Denali is one of the best places in North America for wildlife viewing. The odds of seeing grizzly bears, wolves, and moose are as good as anywhere else in the US. Combine that with the stunningly wild scenery, and Denali is one of the most incredible national parks in the country.