Alaska is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, with vast wilderness areas boasting soaring peaks, icy glaciers and untamed wildlife. With more than 200 million acres of public lands, Alaska offers outdoor experiences that range from serene lake paddles to rugged backcountry treks. If you’re planning a trip to the Last Frontier, exploring the state’s national parks is one of the best ways to safely connect with nature.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, the best national parks in Alaska have something for everyone. From the towering majesty of Denali to the remote beauty of the Gates of the Arctic, these national parks allow you to see some of North America's most pristine and stunning ecosystems. Alaska is a great place to see eight of the 63 national parks spread out across the country.
1. Denali National Park & Preserve
Pieter De Pauw / iStockphoto.com
Best for: Seeing the country’s tallest mountain
Best time to visit: Late May through early September
Located about 250 miles north of Anchorage, Denali National Park & Preserve is one of the best parks in Alaska for travelers seeking iconic wilderness. The park is spread across six million acres and features Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. It’s a prime spot for wildlife watching—moose, caribou, grizzly bears and Dall sheep are common along the Park Road.
Families will appreciate ranger-led programs and accessible visitor centers, while serious hikers and backpackers can explore more challenging backcountry trails. With limited private vehicle access, the park promotes eco-friendly travel by offering shuttles and transit buses. That means you can spend some extra time relaxing and admiring the incredible views. This is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Alaska.
Because Denali is so far from the major cities in Alaska, it’s a good idea to plan for at least two or three days in the park, as the trip there can take several hours.
2. Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Andrew Peacock / Getty Images / CC BY-SA
Best for: Picturesque lake views and the Tanalian Falls trail
Best time to visit: June through September
You can find Lake Clark National Park & Preserve in southwestern Alaska. It’s one of the best national parks in Alaska for visitors craving tranquility and raw beauty because it is only accessible by plane or boat. If you want to visit, you’ll need to work with an outfitter to book your trip.
Your experience begins with a breathtaking flight from Anchorage so you can appreciate the stunning views of the rugged Alaskan landscape. Once you arrive, you’ll find a landscape filled with volcanic peaks, beautiful turquoise lakes and lush valleys carved out of the mountains by ancient and powerful glaciers. The area offers pristine wilderness where you can camp, hike, hunt and fish.
While the park isn’t as developed as others, it offers family-friendly hiking near the wheelchair-accessible visitor center in Port Alsworth. If you’re a more experienced backcountry traveler, there are trails you won’t soon forget, along with kayaking and bear viewing. Lake Clark’s remote location means smaller crowds and a more personal connection with nature.
3. Katmai National Park & Preserve
iStockphoto.com / Gerald Corsi
Best for: Seeing brown bears at Brooks Falls
Best time to visit: July through September
Katmai National Park and Preserve, most famous for its bear-viewing platform, is one of the most iconic Alaska national parks. It’s located on the Alaska Peninsula southwest of Anchorage and is only accessible by plane or boat. Work with a charter for transport to the area. If you’ve ever wanted to see brown bears catching salmon in mid-air, you owe it to yourself to visit Brooks Falls during summer. The park is great if you love to boat, hunt or fish.
While Katmai is more suited for experienced travelers and wildlife enthusiasts than families with small children, nature walks led by rangers and safe bear-viewing platforms make it accessible and educational for everyone. Standing yards from some of the world’s largest predators as they feast is an experience you’ll remember forever.
4. Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve
Sunny Awazuhara- Reed / Getty Images / CC BY-SA
Best for: Experiencing the Brooks Range firsthand
Best time to visit: Summer
The Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve has what just might be the most immersive wilderness experience you can find in any U.S. national park. If you’re looking for true isolation, this is the best national park in Alaska (or anywhere else in the country) for you. Gates of the Arctic is situated inside the Arctic Circle and there are no roads, trails or visitor centers. You’ll have to hike in or take a plane from Fairbanks or Bettles to get there.
Because of its rugged nature and lack of services, Gates of the Arctic is geared more toward experienced hikers and adventurers with real backcountry skills. The park offers incredible fishing, rivers to float and some of the best backpacking in Alaska.
If you still want to see this unspoiled wilderness but don’t have the experience to do it safely, you can take a sightseeing tour by air. You’ll be able to see the beautiful alpine valleys and glacier-fed rivers along with caribou herds and pristine tundra landscapes without putting yourself at risk. Outfitters also offer day and overnight camping trips if you wish to get a taste of the area without roughing it too much.
How Can I See All 8 National Parks in Alaska?
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Along with the four best national parks to visit in Alaska we’ve already covered, there are four more that you should consider visiting:
Most of the best Alaskan national parks are remote, meaning the best way to see them all is to plan a long trip. Unless you plan on spending a significant amount of time in each park, your best bet is to combine air travel with guided tours or cruises.
Some Alaska cruises include stops in Glacier Bay or Kenai Fjords. If you don’t feel like taking a cruise, outfitters offer custom vacation packages that include multiple park visits with skilled guides. They will make sure you have the right gear, enough food and help keep you safe — all while teaching you about the incredible areas you visit.
Whether you’re working with an outfitter or not, make sure to pack basic hiking gear like:
Sturdy (but broken-in) boots
Layered clothing
Rain gear
Water
Insect repellent
Bear repellent (if you’re in an area with bears)
It’s also important to do your research before you head to Alaska. While some national parks have paved trails, visitor centers with running water and shuttles, others are completely undeveloped.
In many parts of Alaska, cell phones don’t even work, so you need to do everything you can to ensure you’re prepared and safe. The National Park Service has a website for each park that tells you what services are available.
Experience the Last Frontier with AAA
From glacier-clogged coastlines to a seemingly endless tundra, the best national parks in Alaska will give you a glimpse into America’s last true wilderness. While each park offers unique sights, whether you’re seeing Denali on a clear day or watching bears fish in Katmai, they’re all a powerful reminder of the grandeur and wildness of the natural world.
If you’re ready to start planning your trip, AAA Travel can help make your once-in-a-lifetime trip as perfect as you imagine. Our travel experts can help you design an itinerary that balances the big moments with the small. And if you’re a AAA Member, you can save money on cruises, airfare, lodging and more - even if you’re at the edge of the wilderness.
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