A snow covered Denali is reflected in a lake.
A snow covered Denali is reflected in a lake.

Denali National Park is six million acres of wild land, bisected by one ribbon of road. The park’s low-elevation taiga forest gives way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America's tallest peak. Formerly known as Mount McKinley, the mountain is now officially called Denali. The name change restores the traditional Alaska Native name for the mountain and is the name most widely used in Alaska.

At more than 20,000 feet tall, the mountain is visible from as far away as Anchorage (125+ miles) on clear days. On those days, locals say “the mountain is out.” Denali may not be out today, but we’re pretty sure it’s standing extra tall with the good news. Congrats, Alaska!

NPS Photo by Ken Conger