3 Most Memorable Alaskan National Parks & Wilderness Areas
There's no better way to experience the Alaskan wilderness than by exploring its stunning national parks. Home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, Alaska's parks showcase a dazzling variety of flora and fauna that thrive alongside awe-inspiring glaciers and mountain ranges. On your next Alaskan cruise, make sure these three parks are at the top of your list.
- Denali National Park and Preserve
When you explore Alaska on a cruisetour vacation, you'll be sure to visit Denali National Park. Spend time capturing photos of Denali National Park and Preserve, North America's highest peak, topping out at an impressive 20,310 feet. The park also features glaciers, six million acres of subarctic ecosystem to explore, and phenomenal wildlife viewing opportunities. See grizzly bears, moose, Dall sheep, wolves, and many other animals that call the Alaskan wilderness home.
As beautiful as Denali is, guests who quickly plan a trek will miss out on much of the rich history of this gorgeous area. Organized tours are one way to learn about Denali, but those who prefer to strike out by themselves can check out the Denali Visitor's Center. This structure functions as a museum, with a number of exhibits dedicated to the region's wildlife, mining interests and the Athabascan people who call the area home.
For less adventurous travelers, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is just minutes from the entrance of Denali. It is the closest and most comfortable place to stay when visiting the park. It can be relaxing just to spend some time here and take in the scenery.
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
As its name suggests, Glacier Bay National Park is a dynamic landscape that boasts seven tidewater glaciers. This 5,000-square-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site offers you the opportunity to see them up close. Glacier Bay National Park is often referred to as one of the "crown jewels" of the US National Park System. This Alaskan national park is known for its history of scientific and cultural inspiration. Visitors can enjoy taking in snowcapped mountain vistas that rise to more than 15,000 feet, freshwater lakes, deep fjords, seabirds, diverse vegetation, land mammals, and spectacular coastal beaches.
- Kenai Fjords National Park
Located on the southeast coast of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, this uniquely Alaskan park is home to glacier-crowned peaks, pristine wilderness, and a distinctive rocky coastline that's home to orcas, puffins, bears, and mountain goats. When you visit Kenai Fjords National Park, take time to appreciate the intricate landscapes that have been carved by nature and continue to evolve. Cruise Alaska and enjoy beautiful camping grounds, back country Alaskan wilderness, fishing, sea kayaking, and the historic Harding Icefield, where you can see a series of over 30 glaciers.
From glaciers to wildlife to wilderness exploration, there's something for everyone. Make your next cruise to Alaska the most memorable of all by taking in everything these national parks have to offer.