Daily Daydream: America's Best Park?

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto: "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected].

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Clocking in at more than six million acres, Denali National Park could be a state by itself, but it’s actually part of Alaska. Established as the first national park to conserve wildlife in 1917, the park has ranked among the best in America ever since. The park’s biggest (literally) attraction is Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest peak, which is where Denali National Park got the name. (Denali means “The High One.”)

Wildlife photographers will have plenty of chances to snap shots of bears, moose, sheep, wolves, and caribu. Be sure to take precautions against bears—bear resistant food containers are required in the backcountry from mid-April through mid-October—and don’t get too close to the wildlife.

Don’t let snow and ice deter you from visiting Denali during the long winter season. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and even mushing (travel via sled dog) are all popular past-times in the park.

Where is it? In Alaska, north of Anchorage. Fly to either Anchorage (check prices) or Fairbanks airports (check prices).

Where to Stay? There are six different campgrounds where you can stay, including ones for RV’s.

What Else Should I Know? The park entrance fee is $10 for a week-long permit.

Who’s it For? Nature lovers, animal watchers.

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