From towering mountain peaks to impressive glacier fields, Alaska’s national parks make for the ultimate wilderness experience. Denali, Yukon, Bering Land Bridge, Kobuk Valley, and Gates of the Arctic are all must-see parks in the state.

National parks make for some of the best road trip locations, although they are not found in every state.

Alaska

has the second-most national parks in the U.S., only after

California

, and each one has its own distinct splendor and adventure.

Jerry

, the

car insurance

comparison super app, is here to guide you through the winding roads of five of Alaska's national parks. We'll go over all you need to know to plan a road trip to these fantastic locations, including how to secure the correct insurance to safeguard your journey.

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Denali National Park

Location: Parks Highway, Alaska

Hours of operation: 24 hours, year-round

Admission price: $15 per person, $45 annual (valid for 12 months, covers the cardholder and three other travelers)

What makes Denali National Park special

Located along the Alaska Range,

Denali National Park

is as wild and wondrous as it was when discovered over a century ago.

Denali Mountain

, measuring in at 20,310 feet, is the tallest mountain peak in North America and has become a major mountaineering destination.

The park covers over 6 million acres of land and is home to the “big five” of wildlife: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears.

What to do in Denali National Park

From discovery hikes to sightseeing to backcountry camping, Denali has something incredible for everyone!

Hiking: Denali’s numerous

hiking trails

can range from the 20-minute Tundra Loop Trail to the 6.5-mile Curry Ridge Trail, offering panoramic views of Denali and its vast wilderness.

View the Northern Lights: Denali is one of the best places in the U.S. to see the Northern Lights. Plan accordingly—fall, winter, and early spring are the best times of year to spot them.

Learn about Denali’s history: Denali has a rich Indigenous history, which you can explore by attending a

ranger talk

or viewing the exhibits at the

Denali Visitor Center

Scenic drives: Opt for one of Denali’s

bus tours

during the spring/summer, which can actually take you through the entirety of the park—this

13-hour tour

is a long one, but you’ll be able to see the entirety of Denali’s beauty!

When to visit Denali National Park

The end of May to mid-September is the best time to visit Denali. Though this is peak season and will be the busiest time of year, you can’t beat the warmer temperatures and activities offered during this time.

It can also be hard to access Denali during the off-season, as there’s only one road that runs through the park—Denali Park Road—making it difficult to drive through during the winter.

Pro Tip If you travel with pets, they are allowed in Denali National Park but must be leashed at all times and cleaned up after.

MORE: Best road trips in Alaska

Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve

Location:

Fairbanks

, Alaska

Hours of operation: 24 hours, year-round (but is most accessible from mid-April to mid-October)

Admission price: No entrance fee

What makes Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve special

Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve spans the Yukon River in Interior Alaska and encompasses more than 2.5 million acres along the Canadian border!

The preserve holds 115 miles of the Yukon River and the entirety of the 88-mile CharleyRiverbasin.

They meet between the historic boom towns of Eagle and Circle, where wildlife like peregrine falcons, grizzly bears, and moose can be seen.

What to do in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve

The remoteness of Yukon-Charley makes for the perfect opportunity to get away and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.

Floating the Yukon or Charley rivers: One of the biggest draws to the park. You can stock up on supplies, set out on your kayak, and relish in the scenery as you float the river(s).

Historic sites: You can stay at one of the seven historic

cabins

in the park, visit an abandoned

steam tractor

, tour the 19th-century settlement

Charley’s Village

, and more.

Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race: This annual

sled dog race

is held every February and makes for a super fun must-see during the colder months.

When to visit Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve

The ways to access Yukon-Charley Rivers are limited, but the best times to travel are mid-April to mid-October. The preserve can be reached by air from

Fairbanks

, Alaska, or by water or air from two tiny towns on the road system near the park's boundaries.

Winters are very cold and windy, and

summers

are on the milder side, so you should definitely aim to visit during the warmer months!

Bering Land Bridge Preserve

Location: Nome, Alaska

Hours of operation: 24 hours, year-round

Admission price: No entrance fee

What makes Bering Land Bridge Preserve special

The Bering Land Bridge is a historically significant area and an important landscape for Indigenous tribes that, like their ancestors, have long relied on the land.

The preserve protects remnants of the Bering Land Bridge that, during the ice age more than 13,000 years ago, served as a migration route for animals, people, and plants between Asia and NorthAmerica.

It’s one of the most remote national parks in the United States, and there are no actual roads leading into the preserve.

What to do in Bering Land Bridge Preserve

The chance to travel to a land visited by so few people can make for a serene and beautiful trip unlike any other in the country.

Hiking and backpacking: The vast tundra terrain and unique scenery can make for an amazing

hike

. Just be aware that there are no maintained trails, so prepare thoroughly for any trips!

Serpentine Hot Spring: One of the largest draws to the area, you can relax and unwind in these remote

hot springs

while taking in the surrounding grass field and granite “tors.”

Berry picking: From July to the first frost, dozens of species of

wild berries

are waiting to be picked—like bog blueberries, salmonberries, and crowberries!

Snowmobiling: Snowmobile trails run from the end of Nome-Taylor Road (also known as the Kougarok Road), past Serpentine Hot Springs, to Shishmaref Village. Be sure to head out when there’s adequate snow coverage to avoid damaging the tundra.

When to visit Bering Land Bridge Preserve

Aim to visit between June and September, when the average temperature is around 50°. Heavy snowfall will begin around October, dipping down to -10°, making it even more difficult to reach the preserve.

There are no roads into Bering Land Bridge, so the only ways to reach the reserve in summer are by airplane (the most popular choice), boat, ATV, or foot. In winter, you can also use a snowmobile to access the preserve.

Pro Tip Expect a wild and unpredictable Alaskan landscape and plan, plan, plan! Pick-ups from remote places may be delayed several days due to distance and weather, so always have the right clothing, gear, and supplies on hand.

Kobuk Valley National Park

Location: Kotzebue, Alaska

Hours of operation: 24 hours, year-round

Admission price: No entrance fee

What makes Kobuk Valley National Park special

The Kobuk Valley National Park protects several major geographic features, including the center of the Kobuk River, the 25-square-mile Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, the Little Kobuk, and Hunt River dunes.

Wind and water brought sand from ancient glaciers to the Kobuk Valley, leaving much of the southern valley covered in dunes.

Fossils dating back to the ice age are still being found in 150-feet-high river bluffs.

Almost 500,000 caribou travel through Kobuk Valley twice a year—north in the spring and south in the fall.

What to do in Kobuk Valley National Park

With nothing other than wide open space stretching as far as you can see, visitors to Kobuk Valley can spend hours simply taking in the gorgeous environment around them.

Flightseeing: Without road access,

flying

over the vast dunes is one of the best ways to take in the impressive scenery—particularly the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes.

Boating and fishing: The Kobuk River is the perfect place to spend your day paddling or floating along. It’s also a great spot to

fish

, with main draws like large sheefish, northern pike, and grayling.

View the Northern Lights: Kobuk Valley is located above the Arctic circle, making it one of the best possible places to spot some northern lights! Winter is the best time to see this natural wonder.

When to visit Kobuk Valley National Park

It’s best to visit Kobuk Valley between June and August, as temperatures during this time usually hover around the mid-60s. Winter temperatures sit at an average of -8° but can drop as low as -50°.

You should only plan a trip during the winter if you have experience and the appropriate Arctic survival gear.

Pro Tip The sun won’t set in Kobuk Valley between June 3 and July 9—you might want to pack an eye mask to help you sleep!

Gates of the Arctic National Park

Location:

Fairbanks

, Alaska

Hours of operation: 24 hours, year-round

Admission price: No entrance fee

What makes Gates of the Arctic National Park special

The northernmost park in the United States, Alaska's Gates of the Arctic National Park, is a haven for numerous creatures, including caribou, muskoxen, and over 145 bird species.

With its remote location and lack of roads, Gates of the Arctic is the least-visited national park in the U.S.—talk about a hidden treasure!

The park provides a haven for numerous creatures, including caribou, muskoxen, and over one hundred bird species.

What to do in Gates of the Arctic National Park

The majority of the park is a network of glaciated valleys and craggy mountains blanketed in beautiful boreal forests.

Hiking:

Exploring

the park either as an independent traveler or through a guided expedition is a fantastic way to experience the remote beauty of the Gates of the Arctic

Birding: 145 bird species have been discovered in the park over the last 30 years, including raptors, aquatic birds, songbirds, and many others.

Kayaking and canoeing: The

wild rivers

of Gates of the Arctic can take you on a journey you'll never forget, from huge glacier valleys to sweeping vistas in the headwaters to undulating tundra.

When to visit Gates of the Arctic National Park

Like other national parks in Alaska, it’s best to visit Gates of the Arctic during the warmer months, ideally between June and August. Their summers are mild, but their winters are exceptionally cold, so plan accordingly no matter when you go!

MORE:

Alaska electric vehicle incentives

How to prepare to visit Alaska’s national parks

Before you visit any of Alaska's stunning national parks, follow these suggestions from auto insurance super app Jerry:

If you plan to visit more than one park—or if you wish to visit more than once—consider purchasing an annual

America the Beautiful nationwide pass

If you're going on a long, picturesque drive, ensure

your car's maintenance

is up to date and that it fulfills the park's clearance criteria.

Before embarking on a long road trip, make sure you have the proper

car insurance

If you need help finding the perfect policy for your trip, use

Jerry

. Jerry is your ultra-talented

car insurance

broker for life. No need to sit across from him at a desk: Jerry is an app! It takes less than a minute to sign up, and you’ll be presented with competitive rates from dozens of top providers.

And in case you’re worried about any mishaps while on the road, Jerry can help you upgrade your policy with

towing and labor coverage

Jerry customers save an average of $887 a year on car insurance payments—that’s enough to fund a trip to any of Alaska’s gorgeous national parks.