Diverse recreation experiences at Denali National Park and Preserve

Abstract

Qualitative interviews were conducted at Denali National Park and Preserve in the 2004 summer use season to improve understanding of recreation visitor experiences in the remote southern portion of the park, including Mount McKinley and the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Descriptions of the experiences of visitors to the mountains and glaciers included elements of isolation, self-reliance, and personal risk, whereas experiences of visitors flying over the area were more focused on scenic grandeur, creating memories, taking photographs, and glacier landings. Devising appropriate management direction and monitoring protocol to sustain this diversity of experiences at the same place is a challenge.

Citation

Knotek, Katie; Watson, Alan; Christensen, Neal. 2007. Diverse recreation experiences at Denali National Park and Preserve. In: Alaska Park Science: Crossing Boundaries in a Changing Environment. Proceedings of the Central Alaska Park Science Symposium; Denali, Park, Alaska; September 12-14, 2006. 6(2): 93-95.