National Park Project
Ronith Mugi
Denali National Park and Preserve
Park Map
Climate and Ecosystems
Ecosystems: The ecosystems found throughout the park are very numerous such as auroras, foothills/Alaskan Range, wonder lake, landscapes, fall colors, braided rivers, dinosaur dance floors, glaciers, "big five" wildlife and more, and Mount McKinley: Denali's highest mountain.
Plants and Animals
Endangered Species
Environmental Factors
Natural wildfires, mostly caused by lightning, are a critical component of the boreal forest system. Fires of considerable size and intensity are common north of the Alaskan Range. A complex fire history has created a patchwork landscape of vegetation communities of different species and ages. The habitat and life cycles of many plants and animals rely on the rejuvenating process of fire. These communities have adapted to fires that have been occurring on this landscape for the past ten thousand years.
Park History
The park was originally established as Mount McKinley National Park in 1917. In 1976 President Jimmy Carter designated the park as an international biosphere reserve, focusing on ecosystem conservation and prudent use of national resources. Finally in 1980, Mt. McKinley National Park and Denali National Monument were incorporated to establish Denali National Park & Preserve.
Today the park attracts over 400,000 visitors annually, who travel for the astounding Denali wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and an opportunity to immerse themselves in the pure, untamed wilderness of Alaska.
If I had 48 hours and a week to spend at Denali...
If I had a week to spend at Denali i would take a bus tour along the mountains and Alpine forests and see even more wildlife and species up close. I would trek up Mount McKinley: Denali's highest mountain and get to the very top and participate in skiing across all the Alaskan Range. I would take a flight seeing service and take a guided flight around Denali taking in the view and seeing all the sights there is to see. Than I would fish and camp in the cold winter snow on the Alaskan Range and the Ruth Gorge and take pictures of the view.