These are stunning photos! I'm thinking about visiting Denali this winter, maybe February if it works out. I don't mind dealing with the harsh cold and snow, but I'm wondering if it would be worth it. Another note is that I'd be travelling from out of state.
Thanks! I love Denali in winter. Depending on conditions, the road may, or may not be plowed to mile-12. If it is, you can access the Savage Alpine Trail which is one of my favorites in winter. If not, you can still hike along all the visitor center trails, and the Healy Overlook Trail. They rent snowshoes for free at the Murie Visitor Center at the park entrance.
Thanks for the info! One last question, barring a snow storm are the roads leading to the park relatively clear? I have experience driving in snow, but not in crazy amounts of snow.
Likely, you won't have to drive in a lot of "snow." In the interior, we usually don't get huge amounts of snow at once. However, it's sometimes hours or days before plows get to many areas, so we drive on hardpack for much of the year. The hardpack is compacted snow that's essentially turned to ice. It's not as slick as water ice, but it takes a bit of time to get used to driving on. A couple of days driving around town would probably help get a feel for it.
That said, the Park's Highway (the road from Fairbanks to Denali and Anchorage) will usually have large stretches of clear road, especially between Nenana and Healy. It's in the hills and entering the Alaska Range that you have to deal with the hardpack.
An all-wheel drive vehicle is very helpful if available. I've heard that Alaskan Car Rental rents vehicles with snow tires (most of the big chains just have all-weather tires which aren't as good). https://alaskancarrental.com/
STUNNING macros! Thank you, also, for explaining your macro process. You've given me some things to think about as I head back to Iowa for Christmas break 😍
These are stunning photos! I'm thinking about visiting Denali this winter, maybe February if it works out. I don't mind dealing with the harsh cold and snow, but I'm wondering if it would be worth it. Another note is that I'd be travelling from out of state.
Thanks! I love Denali in winter. Depending on conditions, the road may, or may not be plowed to mile-12. If it is, you can access the Savage Alpine Trail which is one of my favorites in winter. If not, you can still hike along all the visitor center trails, and the Healy Overlook Trail. They rent snowshoes for free at the Murie Visitor Center at the park entrance.
Here's trail info on my site:
https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/savage-alpine-trail/
https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/healy-overlook-trail/
Thanks for the info! One last question, barring a snow storm are the roads leading to the park relatively clear? I have experience driving in snow, but not in crazy amounts of snow.
Likely, you won't have to drive in a lot of "snow." In the interior, we usually don't get huge amounts of snow at once. However, it's sometimes hours or days before plows get to many areas, so we drive on hardpack for much of the year. The hardpack is compacted snow that's essentially turned to ice. It's not as slick as water ice, but it takes a bit of time to get used to driving on. A couple of days driving around town would probably help get a feel for it.
That said, the Park's Highway (the road from Fairbanks to Denali and Anchorage) will usually have large stretches of clear road, especially between Nenana and Healy. It's in the hills and entering the Alaska Range that you have to deal with the hardpack.
An all-wheel drive vehicle is very helpful if available. I've heard that Alaskan Car Rental rents vehicles with snow tires (most of the big chains just have all-weather tires which aren't as good). https://alaskancarrental.com/
STUNNING macros! Thank you, also, for explaining your macro process. You've given me some things to think about as I head back to Iowa for Christmas break 😍
Thanks, Rachel!