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Contributor: Katie Schnabel. Lesson ID: 14209
Explore Denali National Park, home to towering mountains, incredible wildlife, and vital conservation efforts. Discover why protecting this Alaskan wonderland matters!
Denali National Park in Alaska is the place to go!
Before diving in, check out this video to see what makes Denali National Park such a unique and breathtaking place.
Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the wild and protected landscapes of Denali National Park!
Where Is Denali National Park?
Denali National Park is in south-central Alaska.
Alaska is one of the least populated states in the U.S., but Denali National Park covers over six million acres—an area almost completely untouched by human development.
The park's northern side has an extreme climate, with freezing winters and as little as four hours of sunlight. Summers bring longer days, sometimes with 22 hours of daylight!
The southern side has a milder climate with fewer temperature swings.
Why Do People Visit Denali National Park?
Denali National Park is home to North America’s tallest mountain—Denali. This towering peak reaches over 20,000 feet and is often called the roof of North America.
Wildlife lovers come to see the Big Five—grizzly bears, moose, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep. Golden eagles are also a common sight soaring through the sky.
Beyond the wildlife, the park features stunning landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to vast tundra and dense forests.
But Denali National Park isn’t just a beautiful place to visit—it plays a huge role in conservation. Protecting the park helps ensure that these animals and plants can continue to thrive in their natural habitat.
How Is Denali National Park Protected?
Unlike most national parks, Denali has only one main road.
To protect the land and wildlife, cars and motorized vehicles are restricted in many areas. This reduces pollution and keeps the park as wild as possible.
What Is Conservation, and Why Does It Matter?
Conservation is the protection of land, water, and wildlife. In Denali, conservation efforts prevent pollution, reduce the impact of climate change, and keep ecosystems healthy.
By protecting Denali today, future generations will be able to experience its beauty and wildlife for years to come. Conservation also teaches how nature and humans can coexist while keeping the environment balanced.
Head to the Got It? section for fun activities and games to test your knowledge of Denali National Park!
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