Virtuoso Insights - February/March 2009 - (Page 10) SPOTLIGhT Denali What It Is Comprising some 6 million acres in interior Alaska, Denali is the state’s largest and most popular national park. Why It’s ImpoRtant Created from the former Mount McKinley National Park established in 1917, Denali takes its name from the Athabascan native people’s word for “the great one,” Mount McKinley. Reaching an elevation of 20,320 feet, McKinley is the highest peak in North America and the crown jewel of the Alaska Range. Expanded in 1980, Denali National Park and Preserve encompasses a complete sub-arctic ecosystem, which supports nearly 40 National Park and Preserve sled dog demonstration. During the winter months, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog mushing are popular activities. Accessible from either Anchorage or Fairbanks, Denali is traversed by the 92-mile Park Road; to preserve the park’s pristine wilderness, a bus system from the Savage River Check Station (at mile 14) allows visitors to reach the vast interior. species of mammals — including grizzly bears, Dall sheep, moose, and wolves — along with 167 species of birds and more than 650 species of flowering plants. it was declared an international Biosphere Reserve in 1976. What to Do theRe Denali provides some of the best wildlife viewing in all of Alaska. in addition to numerous ranger- and naturalistled programs — including the popular Junior Ranger Program for children ages 12 and under — visitors here find fabulous day hiking, backcountry fly fishing, and mountaineering. Join a tundra walk, and watch an Alaskan When to go While the park is open year-round, the primary season is between May 1 and September 15. 10 Virtuoso insights
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