View North America's highest mountain at the Denali National Park and Preserve
Alaska is a US state that offers everything you could wish for on activity holidays.
From the stunning mountain landscapes such as the highest in North America, Mount McKinley, to the breathtaking natural beauty and amazing wildlife, it is the perfect place for an adventure.
Mount McKinley is located in the Denali National Park and Preserve, an area that is the ideal introduction to what Alaska has to offer for holidaymakers who are searching for some adventure and fun.
The park consists of six million acres, providing you with plenty of opportunity to explore. As you walk through the beautiful reserve, you are likely to spot some of the 39 species of mammals such as the bull moose, grizzly bears and black bears, as well as several of the 169 types of bird.
If you are a keen birdwatcher, it is best to visit the Denali National Park and Preserve in spring, as this is when most varieties fly back from warmer climes. Alternatively, coming here in autumn allows you to catch the magnificent sight of hundreds of birds migrating.
You might even be lucky enough to get a glimpse of an eagle soaring above in the bright blue sky.
The ground is also scattered with more than 650 types of flowering plant. You really will feel as though you have stepped into another world when on Denali holidays and any stresses and strains you have will soon melt away.
Flora aside, one of the biggest draws to the park is, of course, Mount McKinley. At 20,320 ft, you will spot this majestic mountain wherever you are in the park. It is also known as Denali, which means The High One in Athabaskan Indian.
You are unlikely to tackle the mountain and its glaciers on your Alaskan getaway, although it is of course quite possible to do so if you have specifically trained for such an activity.
Most people are happy enough to hike in its foothills and take in its awe-inspiring presence from afar, as well as watch the sun set over the peak once back at their campsite.
If you come to Denali during the winter, why not take part in a spot of snowshoeing? Snowmobiling is another activity on offer during the colder months and certainly a different way of getting around the park!
When on Alaska holidays in this part of the state, you should also take the time to visit the Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve. The state of Alaska has almost 34,000 miles of coastline, more than the rest of the US put together, and there are plenty of stunning stretches here.
With peaks, volcanoes, rivers and glaciers to all take in, you will find it irresistible to put down your camera. The Wrangell Mountains are home to a volcanic field which spans across 2,000 sq miles, with Mount Wrangell one of the biggest, active volcanoes in the world.
Mount St Elias, meanwhile, is the second highest mountain in North America.
Like the Denali park, there is the chance you will come across bears and moose, while other creatures you could spot include mountain goats, transplanted bison, beavers, foxes and arctic ground squirrels.
There are also plenty of activities for you to enjoy at the Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve. Walking and hiking are, of course, popular due to their accessibility and opportunity for you to soak up the beautiful landscape without much concentration required.
Holidaymakers who are after something a little bit more adventurous might like to go mountain biking or sea kayaking across the picturesque Icy Bay. Access to this part of the park is restricted, with a small bush plane the only mode of transport that can take you to this stretch of water.
If you are lucky enough to get the chance to do this, it will certainly prove to be a highlight of your getaway.
Alaska might not necessarily pop straight into your head when planning USA holidays, but if you want to visit a state that offers something different - especially in the form of outdoor activities - make sure the destination is pushed to the top of your shortlist.
