According to gradinmath.com, Denali Borough, Alaska is located in the south-central region of the state and encompasses an area of 24,255 square miles. It is the largest borough in Alaska and is bordered by Fairbanks North Star Borough to the east, Matanuska-Susitna Borough to the south, Southeast Fairbanks Census Area to the west, and Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area to the north. As of 2019, Denali Borough had a population of 1,826 people.
The Denali Borough was established in 1990 from part of Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area. In addition to being one of Alaska’s most sparsely populated areas, it also has one of its most diverse histories. The area was once inhabited by Koyukon Athabascans and later by Russian traders and gold prospectors who arrived during Alaska’s gold rush era.
The Denali Borough offers numerous attractions for visitors and residents alike. Visitors can explore untouched wilderness areas such as Wonder Lake or take in breathtaking views at Primrose Ridge Lookout Point. There are also several historical sites that provide insight into the area’s past including Kantishna Historic Mining District and Kantishna Roadhouse Museum.
Denali National Park is located within Denali Borough and offers visitors a chance to view wildlife such as bears, moose and caribou as well as take part in various activities like camping, hiking or rafting down whitewater rapids. The park also includes Mount McKinley (now known as Denali), which at 20,310 feet tall is North America’s tallest mountain peak.
Several famous people have called Denali Borough home including author John McPhee who wrote Coming Into The Country about his experiences living in Alaska; mountaineer Bradford Washburn; former Governor Jay Hammond; Olympic biathlete Haley Johnson; musician Stan Ridgway; actor Paul Walker; basketball player Trajan Langdon; and singer Jewel Kilcher who grew up on a homestead near Homer.
No matter what you choose to do while visiting Denali Borough you can be sure that you will experience plenty of natural beauty combined with a rich history that makes this area truly unique.
Climate and weather in Denali Borough, Alaska
According to educationvv.com, the climate in Denali Borough, Alaska is primarily subarctic with long cold winters and short mild summers. Temperatures can range from as low as -50°F in the winter to highs of 80°F in the summer months. The area receives an average of 12 inches of precipitation annually, mostly in the form of snowfall. This snowfall helps to create a stunning backdrop for visitors and residents alike to enjoy throughout the year.
Winters in Denali Borough tend to be long, cold, and snowy with average lows reaching -20°F during the months of December through March. While temperatures can drop even lower than this at times, usually no more than a day or two will pass before temperatures rise again. Snowfall is common throughout the winter months and can range anywhere from a few inches up to several feet depending on where you are located within the borough.
Summers are much milder in comparison with average highs reaching into the low 70s and sometimes even into the 80s during July and August. Rain is also more common during these months with precipitation usually coming down as showers or thunderstorms rather than snowfall as it does during wintertime.
No matter what time of year you’re visiting Denali Borough you can expect plenty of sunshine throughout most days. Clear skies are not uncommon as cloud cover tends to be minimal which allows for beautiful views of Mount McKinley when it’s visible from certain areas within the borough. Additionally, because Denali Borough is located so far north visitors should be aware that daylight hours vary significantly depending on what time of year they visit with summer days having nearly 20 hours of daylight while winter days only have about 6 hours of daylight on average.
Transportation in Denali Borough, Alaska
Denali Borough, Alaska offers a variety of transportation options for its residents and visitors. The borough is well-connected to the rest of the state with its location along the Alaska Railroad and within reach of several major highways.
The Alaska Railroad is a great way to get around Denali Borough with daily service from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The railroad also makes stops in several other towns along the way including Healy, Nenana, and Talkeetna. This is a great option for travelers who want to take in some of the beautiful scenery that Denali Borough has to offer while traveling between destinations.
For those looking for a quicker and more direct route, there are several major highways that run through Denali Borough including the Parks Highway, George Parks Highway, Richardson Highway, and Denali Highway. These highways provide access to many of the towns within the borough such as Cantwell, Healy, McKinley Park, Nenana, and Talkeetna as well as larger cities such as Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Public transportation in Denali Borough is limited but there are some options available. The Alaska Railroad operates buses between some of its stops within the borough while other local companies provide service between certain destinations in Denali Borough and nearby areas. Additionally, many hotels offer shuttle services from Anchorage International Airport or other major airports within the state.
For those looking for an even more unique way to get around Denali Borough, visitors can rent ATVs or snowmobiles during winter months which provide access to remote parts of the borough that can’t be reached by car or bus. These vehicles can be rented from local stores or rental companies throughout Denali Borough.
No matter what type of transportation you choose while visiting Denali Borough you’ll be sure to find something that works for your needs.
Cities and towns in Denali Borough, Alaska
According to COUNTRYAAH, Denali Borough, Alaska is a diverse region with a variety of cities and towns. Healy, located in the northernmost part of the borough, is known for its spectacular views of Denali National Park and Preserve. McKinley Park is a small town located in the center of Denali Borough that offers visitors access to activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. Cantwell is a small town located in the eastern part of Denali Borough that offers visitors stunning views of Mount McKinley. Nenana is also located in eastern Denali Borough and is home to many historic buildings including the Nenana Ice Classic Museum which celebrates Alaska’s history with ice racing. Talkeetna is another popular destination within Denali Borough due to its proximity to Mount McKinley and its abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, fishing, and more.
The largest city within Denali Borough is Fairbanks which serves as a hub for transportation throughout much of Alaska. Fairbanks has plenty to offer visitors including museums, art galleries, live music venues, restaurants, shopping centers, and more. Anchorage International Airport lies just outside Fairbanks borders and provides travelers with easy access to many other parts of Alaska as well as international destinations.
No matter where you choose to visit in Denali Borough there are plenty of activities available for all types of visitors from outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure to those who prefer exploring small towns or relaxing in larger cities like Fairbanks or Anchorage. Whether you’re looking for an exciting day trip or an extended stay within this beautiful region you won’t be disappointed.
