Denali
National
Park
Rock climbing is another springtime favorite, even if
we’re still in the snowy peaks. If you’re a beginner, keep
in mind that rock climbing is no picnic. It takes en-
durance, physical stamina, critical thinking skills, and a
high level of passion for the outdoors in order to be-
come a successful climber. So, don’t expect to buy all
the right gear and head on out to Mount Everest by to-
morrow. If your bucket list has that goal on it, you’ll want
to train indoors at a climber’s gym first. Most of the gear
that you’ll need, right down to the shoes, can be rented
at the gym. Don’t waste your money on expensive
equipment until you get the hang of the sport. If you al-
ready know the basics, and you’re ready for a chal-
lenge, head to Denali National Park in Alaska.
Denali National Park encompasses more than six mil-
lion acres and has only a single road. The road, called
Denali Park Road, is the only road entrance to the park,
and runs from east to west through the passes for 92
miles. During the spring and summer months, privately-
owned vehicles may drive along the first 15 miles to
Savage River. Travel beyond that will be offered by bus.
Denali National Park recently had a historical change:
the renaming of Mount McKinley. The former name of
the enormous mountain was changed during the Na-
tional Park Service’s Centennial celebration in 2015,
and the change finally ended the long-running name
debate. Many Alaskans always called the mountain De-
nali, in honor of the natives and the root word meaning
“the Great One.” Denali is a mountain fit for the most
daring climbers.
L AD A VENT N UR D ES &