Hiking and camping south of the crest of the Alaska Range requires additional preparation and skill. This area contains ice fields, sheer rock, heavily crevassed glaciers, extremely large rivers, and very dense brush. Access to the southern backcountry units of Denali can be difficult, possibly requiring aircraft drop-off and/or lengthy overland traverses. If you enter the park through the Cantwell area, you need to stop by the Backcountry Information Center to obtain your permit, BRFC, and information on proper access routes. Respect private property in the area and never trespass.

All climbers attempting Mt. McKinley or Mt. Foraker must register through the Mountaineering Program (see Mountaineering). Call the Talkeetna Ranger Station at 907 733-2231 for more information on climbing the south side of the Alaska Range.