owl

Hello. We're traveling June 2-13 in an RV along this circular route. We already checked with Great Alaskan (our RV company) and we can drive the Denali hwy (at 25mph). I hear that weather is better starting in mid-June in Denali. Do you think that's reason to do a counter-clockwise trip, thereby ending in Denali/Talkeetna/ANC? Or is the fact that it'll be less crowded in early June make it better to go there first? (We'll be staying in Teklenika campground inside the park for 3 nights). Any suggestions for places to stay with our RV along the way?

Thank you!

bdawk

We rented from Great Alaskan the same time preiod last year with the same idea as you have about the Denali Highway. We started the venture but turned around at the first possible place. The road is a dirt & rocky road. We had planned on a fishing venture but decided it just wasn't worth it. Another recommendation, get the full insurance coverage from Great Alaskan. The windshield got cracked by a stone in Downtown Anchorage, not on our adventure out the Denali Highway as we had invisioned. The replacement of the windshield didn't cost another $$. I recommend getting the book "Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping: Explore Alaska and the Yukon with RV or Tent" from Amazon. It is a great way to plan your RV adventure. We used it as we found their recomnendations were excellent.

tigerman99515

Owl,

Depends on how adventurous you are. I think the Denali Highway is one of the best roads in Alaska for views and wildlife. But it is a rough road as BDAWK indicated -100 miles of washboard unless you get lucky and the grader hits it first.

June is early for that road - it opens when the snow clears which is typically Memorial Day as I recall.

And broken windshields are common here - everyone has one.

East to West on that road you get better views as you will be looking toward Denali.

Personally, I like the freedom that RV's allow - stop at any pulloff - you can stay in campgrounds when you hit the towns.

BudgetQueen

I suggest counter clockwise, so to get into Denali Park June 8 or later, so to have the opportunity for Wonder Lake.

You are significantly underestimating the Denali Highway. It's all pot holes, lucky to have a speed of 20mph and a SUV is far better than a RV. I suggest you go over ALL your insurance options and find out specifically, if anything is void being on this road. Purchase all the extra waivers/insurance available. Anything that happens to a RV is big money. I agree, you are going to be too early in the season anyway. It won't be fully graded.

tigerman99515

Good advice Budget - I see your posts all over the Alaska page - are you in the tourism business here?

BudgetQueen

"Good advice Budget - I see your posts all over the Alaska page - are you in the tourism business here?"


Absolutely NOT.