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Attractions

The park is enormous, and the vast majority of it is accessible only on foot or (in the winter) by dog sled. The first fourteen miles of the park road is open to vehicle travel, and park buses are available to take visitors further. At a minimum visitors should try to catch a bus to at least Eilson Visitor Center for the incredible views of the mountain (when it's out!), Slightly more adventurous visitors should plan to spend a few nights camping at the Wonder Lake campground. For the serious outdoorsmen, several days backpacking in the backcountry is far and away the best way to enjoy the Denali experience.
 • Visitor Center (Mile 1.5). A new visitor center, located near the railroad depot, opens in May 2005. The visitor center provides a slideshow and interpretative programs about the park, and is also where shuttle bus reservations and backcountry permits can be arranged.
 • Savage River (Mile 14). Nearly everyone who drives to Denali will stop at Savage River because traffic beyond this point is not permitted for private vehicles. There are several trails on both sides of the river that leave from the parking lot, and the more adventurous can attempt to seek out Dall sheep on the top of Mount Margaret, which rises across the river from the parking lot.
 • Eielson Visitor Center (Mile 66). Eielson is most easily reached by shuttle bus and provides one of the most dramatic views of the mountain (Mt. McKinley), if you are lucky enough to visit on a day when the mountain isn't shrouded in clouds. There are several short trails around the visitor center, and displays inside of the visitor center provide info on the natural history of the area.
 • Wonder Lake (Mile 86). Forever immortalized by the photos of Ansel Adams, Wonder Lake is a beautiful lake at the base of the mountain. Reflection Pond, along the park road on the east side of the lake, is a favorite of photographers when the mountain is out. A trail to the heavily braided McKinley River is also worthwhile for a glimpse of a large glacial river.