Science & Research

 


Denali employs a number of scientists and researchers whose work helps us understand this special part of the world. Check out on-going studies, browse published research or, if you're a scientist, learn how you can apply to conduct a study in the park.

 
 

Research Programs & Study Areas

  • a tall snow-capped mountain peaking out of the clouds
    Geology

    Learn about glaciers, earthquakes, landslides, and the fossils that tell the story of Denali's dinosaurs.

  • wolves running on a dirt road
    Research: Denali's Wolves

    Many visitors travel here hoping to see wolves. Researchers try to quantify that likelihood, and study human impacts on wolf populations.

  • a lynx crouching behind a shrub
    Research: Mid-Size ("Meso") Carnivores

    Learn about research into Denali's medium-sized carnivores, like lynx, coyotes, and wolverines.

  • a dirt road winding through brushy hills and mountains
    Road Ecology Program

    Scientists in this program study the way the Denali Park Road, and traffic on it, influence wildlife behavior.

  • Woman holds gray bird in her hands
    Canada Jays

    Explore how Canada jays survive year-round in Denali's harsh environment and how they may indicate changes in climate.

  • a group of researchers attach a geolocator to a small bird
    Critical Connections

    The Critical Connections Program is an effort to expand our knowledge about the year-round needs of migratory wildlife in National Parks.

  • a tiny sparrow stands on a rock
    Songbird (Passerine) Monitoring

    Discover why tiny songbirds across interior Alaska have been studied since the early 1990's and the important role they play.

  • a group of ptarmigans stand in the grass
    Prey Cycles

    What do snowshoe hares and ptarmigans have in common? Find out more about the cycles of these important prey species.

  • Large bird flies with cliffs in background
    Golden Eagles

    Find out why golden eagles are monitored across interior Alaska as an important vital sign of ecosystem health.

  • Soundscape Monitoring Program

    Remote sound stations help us understand what wilderness sounds like, and how much human-caused noise visitors might encounter when visiting

  • a climate station sits in front of a glacier
    Climate Change

    Discover how the changing climate is influencing vegetation change, what researchers can learn from ice cores, and why glaciers are melting.

  • a person draws an archeological artifact
    Archeology

    Learn about Denali's archeology program.

 

Published Research: Highlights

 

Investigator Annual Reports

Each year researchers at all national parks submit an Investigator Annual Report (IAR) summarizing their findings to the National Park Service’s Research Permit and Reporting System (RPRS) website. You can search IAR’s by park, investigator name, year, or general subject heading. Researchers may apply online for a research and collecting permit.

Information for Researchers

Denali also hosts a number of academic researchers each year. Some researchers have sought special permission to conduct particular studies in the park, while others are awarded one of a variety of fellowships or researcher-in-residence status.

Information for Researchers
This includes instructions how to apply for a research permit; logistical information for planning your research expedition; and other useful info

Last updated: August 10, 2023

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 9
Denali Park, AK 99755

Phone:

907 683-9532
A ranger is available 9 am to 4 pm daily (except on major holidays). If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller.

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