Should we skip Denali and focus on Talkeetna?
Feb 18th, 2014, 10:30 AM
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Should we skip Denali and focus on Talkeetna?
My husband and I along with another couple are doing a land trip to Alaska in July. Our friend's buddy who lives there said to put emphasis on Talkeetna instead of visiting Denali too. He loves that town and suggested we just do a fly over the glaciers and Denali and that would be sufficient for seeing Denali. It was in my plan to" flight see" Mt. McKinley and the glaciers while in Talkeetna. However, I was planning to do the bus tour through Denali National Park. Having never been there, maybe the guy recommending us skip Denali is correct, but I can't see where a fly over Denali would compare to actually doing a tour through it.
I would appreciate advice from those who have been there on the wisdom of focusing on Talkeetna at the expense of Denali..
I would appreciate advice from those who have been there on the wisdom of focusing on Talkeetna at the expense of Denali..
Feb 18th, 2014, 06:46 PM
#4
Much depends on how much time you have. I too would be hard pressed to find much to do in Talkeetna for more than a day, or maybe half a day, unless it's flightseeing or some other activity that uses Talkeetna as a base.
Obviously, if time and resources allow, doing both is the way to go. But I'll also mention that visiting the interior of Denali Park requires a pretty big time commitment, and if flightseeing is the only way to fit Denali into your schedule, then don't miss the chance. However, you can flightsee Denali from Anchorage, too - costs a little more, but it saves hours and hours of (boring) driving between Anchorage and Talkeetna. And the BIG difference in flying out of Anchorage instead of Talkeetna is that if the weather's lousy and the mountain's obscured (which happens a distressingly high percentage of the time) then in Talkeetna you're stuck. From Anchorage, on the other hand, you have other choices - Prince William Sound, glaciers and icefields, bear viewing, the volcanoes across Cook Inlet... so it's harder to be skunked on the flightseeing front. Plus, if you wanted to, you could skip the rental car for those days, a potentially big cost savings, probably equal or better to the increased flightseeing costs out of Anchorage.
Not knowing your itinerary, I'd just mention that if you skip the flightseeing, you could use that money (actually, less than most flightseeing trips) to pay for commercial plane tickets on Alaska Airlines to Nome or Kotzebue from Anchorage. Watch the insane gold dredgers/divers sucking up gold off the bottom of the Bering Sea, or visit Kotzebue, an Eskimo village above the Arctic Circle. Stick a toe in the Arctic Ocean, see the (actual) midnight sun, learn about a fascinating culture and way of life. It would set you apart from the 90%+ visitors to Alaska who never those parts of the state, nor do they get an appreciation for the remarkable human diversity of Alaska. It's more than moose and mountains, a lot more.
Obviously, if time and resources allow, doing both is the way to go. But I'll also mention that visiting the interior of Denali Park requires a pretty big time commitment, and if flightseeing is the only way to fit Denali into your schedule, then don't miss the chance. However, you can flightsee Denali from Anchorage, too - costs a little more, but it saves hours and hours of (boring) driving between Anchorage and Talkeetna. And the BIG difference in flying out of Anchorage instead of Talkeetna is that if the weather's lousy and the mountain's obscured (which happens a distressingly high percentage of the time) then in Talkeetna you're stuck. From Anchorage, on the other hand, you have other choices - Prince William Sound, glaciers and icefields, bear viewing, the volcanoes across Cook Inlet... so it's harder to be skunked on the flightseeing front. Plus, if you wanted to, you could skip the rental car for those days, a potentially big cost savings, probably equal or better to the increased flightseeing costs out of Anchorage.
Not knowing your itinerary, I'd just mention that if you skip the flightseeing, you could use that money (actually, less than most flightseeing trips) to pay for commercial plane tickets on Alaska Airlines to Nome or Kotzebue from Anchorage. Watch the insane gold dredgers/divers sucking up gold off the bottom of the Bering Sea, or visit Kotzebue, an Eskimo village above the Arctic Circle. Stick a toe in the Arctic Ocean, see the (actual) midnight sun, learn about a fascinating culture and way of life. It would set you apart from the 90%+ visitors to Alaska who never those parts of the state, nor do they get an appreciation for the remarkable human diversity of Alaska. It's more than moose and mountains, a lot more.
Feb 18th, 2014, 06:51 PM
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Denali was why I went to Alaska, to see a reasonable version of 'wilderness', not a town.
Where else can you see that variety of big game animals, including grizzlies, these days, without a lot of expensive logistics? We once saw 9 grizzlies in one day, from a school bus on the park road.
And the view of Denali, across Wonder Lake on a clear day... magnificent!
Where else can you see that variety of big game animals, including grizzlies, these days, without a lot of expensive logistics? We once saw 9 grizzlies in one day, from a school bus on the park road.
And the view of Denali, across Wonder Lake on a clear day... magnificent!
Feb 19th, 2014, 03:50 AM
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What the other posters has said is solo true. If you are into touristy shops then you might be able to spend a half day in Talkeetna. Otherwise, an hour would be plenty.
Denali is awesome for folks who love nature, of course what you get to see depends on what the animals and clouds decide to do when you are there. Do get up early enough to take the early bus into the park so you increase your chances of seeing wildlife.
Denali is awesome for folks who love nature, of course what you get to see depends on what the animals and clouds decide to do when you are there. Do get up early enough to take the early bus into the park so you increase your chances of seeing wildlife.
Feb 19th, 2014, 06:02 AM
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We've taken the Denali shuttle to Eilson twice and did a flightseeing/glacier landing out of Talkeetna.
The flight was one of the most awesome things we have ever done. It doesn't matter if McKinley is in the clouds--there are tons of other mountains that probably will not be and are amazing to fly around.
Having said that, we treasure the time we spent in Denali. Both times we saw tons of wildlife and other wonderful sites. I would definitely not skip Denali if you have the time.
If you decide not to go all the way to Denali, a fabulous viewing spot of McKinley (if not in the clouds) is the Denali State Park--Denali View South. It is just a parking lot and is right on the highway a little ways north of Talkeetna. Doesn't cost anything.
The flight was one of the most awesome things we have ever done. It doesn't matter if McKinley is in the clouds--there are tons of other mountains that probably will not be and are amazing to fly around.
Having said that, we treasure the time we spent in Denali. Both times we saw tons of wildlife and other wonderful sites. I would definitely not skip Denali if you have the time.
If you decide not to go all the way to Denali, a fabulous viewing spot of McKinley (if not in the clouds) is the Denali State Park--Denali View South. It is just a parking lot and is right on the highway a little ways north of Talkeetna. Doesn't cost anything.
Feb 19th, 2014, 07:44 AM
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Thanks for the replies and I am in agreement with those of you who said not to spend much time in Talkeetna. Denali would be the preference.
Gardyloo, an interesting point you make about flying up to Nome or Kotzebue which is something we never considered. We fly into Anchorage on July 5 and leave on July 15, so do have some time to arrange. The only activity that is pinned down at this point in time is Halibut fishing on July 12 just south of Soldotna. Having the fishing trip at the end allows us flexibility to arrange all of the other activities. We will be getting together with our friends this weekend to start finalizing our plans, so this is something new to discuss. I will do some research on flightseeing costs vice air fare further north. I have a feeling it may now take more than one weekend to nail down our plans!!
Gardyloo, an interesting point you make about flying up to Nome or Kotzebue which is something we never considered. We fly into Anchorage on July 5 and leave on July 15, so do have some time to arrange. The only activity that is pinned down at this point in time is Halibut fishing on July 12 just south of Soldotna. Having the fishing trip at the end allows us flexibility to arrange all of the other activities. We will be getting together with our friends this weekend to start finalizing our plans, so this is something new to discuss. I will do some research on flightseeing costs vice air fare further north. I have a feeling it may now take more than one weekend to nail down our plans!!
Feb 19th, 2014, 08:03 AM
#10
Some numbers, just for drill...
Cost of Denali flightseeing - $300 - $450 per person depending on route/operator
Hotel in Denali area - est. $250 - $300/night
Rental car cost - say $100/day incl. fuel
Total 2 days/1 night cost for 2, say $1200
Alaska Airlines, ANC-OTZ-ANC - $332 round trip
Hotel, Kotzebue - $259 http://www.nullagvikhotel.com/
Taxis to/from ANC/OTZ - say $50 (probably less).
Total 2 days/1 night for 2, $973
Cost of Denali flightseeing - $300 - $450 per person depending on route/operator
Hotel in Denali area - est. $250 - $300/night
Rental car cost - say $100/day incl. fuel
Total 2 days/1 night cost for 2, say $1200
Alaska Airlines, ANC-OTZ-ANC - $332 round trip
Hotel, Kotzebue - $259 http://www.nullagvikhotel.com/
Taxis to/from ANC/OTZ - say $50 (probably less).
Total 2 days/1 night for 2, $973
Feb 20th, 2014, 07:08 AM
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I have provided a rough trip schedule for our trip. Gardyloo, it does not take into account the possibility of substituting a leg up to Nome or Kotzebue in the beginning as you suggested since we are just getting together with our friends this weekend to start finalizing our trip. I wish I had a better understanding of using the small, local air transport and train system in accessing some of these areas. It was our plan to get a rental car for the whole trip. However, we might be better served—both in time and money--by using the railroad or local small airplanes for some aspects of the trip.
I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or recommendations on this rough schedule from those of you who have experience and a better knowledge of the land than me.
Rough trip schedule:
July 5, Arrive Anchorage
July 6, Drive to Denali. Stop en route in Talkeetna (Flight see Mt. McKinley or glacier landing; this may better be done out of Anchorage). Continue to Healy for overnight stay.
July 7, Explore Denali National Park
July 8, Drive to Matanuska-Susitna Valley
July 9, Explore Matanuska-Susitna Valley (horseback riding)
July 10, Drive to Soldotna
July 11 and 12, Explore Soldotna (halibut fishing trip is booked for the 11th, guys plan to do a fly in fishing trip on the 12th while the gals will do their exploration)
July 13, Drive over to Seward and explore
July 14, Further explore Seward surrounding area as we head back to Anchorage.
July 15, Last opportunity to enjoy Anchorage before flying home late in evening.
I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or recommendations on this rough schedule from those of you who have experience and a better knowledge of the land than me.
Rough trip schedule:
July 5, Arrive Anchorage
July 6, Drive to Denali. Stop en route in Talkeetna (Flight see Mt. McKinley or glacier landing; this may better be done out of Anchorage). Continue to Healy for overnight stay.
July 7, Explore Denali National Park
July 8, Drive to Matanuska-Susitna Valley
July 9, Explore Matanuska-Susitna Valley (horseback riding)
July 10, Drive to Soldotna
July 11 and 12, Explore Soldotna (halibut fishing trip is booked for the 11th, guys plan to do a fly in fishing trip on the 12th while the gals will do their exploration)
July 13, Drive over to Seward and explore
July 14, Further explore Seward surrounding area as we head back to Anchorage.
July 15, Last opportunity to enjoy Anchorage before flying home late in evening.
Feb 20th, 2014, 09:12 AM
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I would want to stay flexible on the flight seeing as weather could make it not happen, so you might need to have a plan B, perhaps just stop in Talkeetna for lunch and visit Denali a bit before you head to Healy. Depending on when you go Denali could stay in the clouds for several days. It was very nice to us and showed for a while on a couple of days, we even could see it from Fairbanks.
Check the National Park web site to arrange for the bus trip into the park before you go. Get sandwiches, drinks etc. to take with you when you go. You will have long daylight hours so you could plan on catching either or both early morning and early evening hours for the most likely animal viewing.
Have a wonderful trip.
Check the National Park web site to arrange for the bus trip into the park before you go. Get sandwiches, drinks etc. to take with you when you go. You will have long daylight hours so you could plan on catching either or both early morning and early evening hours for the most likely animal viewing.
Have a wonderful trip.
Feb 26th, 2014, 04:16 PM
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You only have one night in Seward. Personally, I would make it two nights so you have a chance to do a full day Kenai Fjords Tour plus have a look around and have time to do a very leisurely drive back taking in the whole days to see the sights on the way back.
Some of my pics from driving around Alaska are here if you are interested: http://www.dreamhorsemedia.com/trave...reat-road-trip
That's great you are going to Denali as it is spectacular. Talkeetna is very cute and worth a stop for a look around and a meal (a few hours), but like others, I couldn't have imagined spending more time there.
Your itinerary looks an interesting one with lots of variety. Just make sure you book a car as early as possible and pick it up from Anchorage town rather than airport (cheaper overall).
Some of my pics from driving around Alaska are here if you are interested: http://www.dreamhorsemedia.com/trave...reat-road-trip
That's great you are going to Denali as it is spectacular. Talkeetna is very cute and worth a stop for a look around and a meal (a few hours), but like others, I couldn't have imagined spending more time there.
Your itinerary looks an interesting one with lots of variety. Just make sure you book a car as early as possible and pick it up from Anchorage town rather than airport (cheaper overall).
Apr 8th, 2014, 02:17 PM
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Really it all depends how much time you have and what your likes/dislikes are.
I love Talkeetna (out of season) and won't visit it in season (too many non-local "businesses" setting up along the street - looks trashy to me!). As a tourist, you won't find more than a day's activities there (including a Denali flight-see if you choose). A flight-see of Denali is amazing; but completely different than a shuttle bus into the park.
Denali requires at the bare minimum 2 nights and 1 day. Having a rental car while there is the most convenient way of visiting the area. When in Denali (because I am there to find/see wildlife) I religiously follow the same routine:
- 6am-7am, self drive to mile 14 (Savage River) & return to WAC
- 7:30ish, shuttle (to Wonder Lake) - if weather is poor, get off at Eielson Visitor Ctr & return from there to WAC
- 6pm - 7pm, another self-drive to Savage RIver attempting to spot wildlife
The more time you spend in Denali, the more likely you are to see wildlife &/or Denali.
I love Talkeetna (out of season) and won't visit it in season (too many non-local "businesses" setting up along the street - looks trashy to me!). As a tourist, you won't find more than a day's activities there (including a Denali flight-see if you choose). A flight-see of Denali is amazing; but completely different than a shuttle bus into the park.
Denali requires at the bare minimum 2 nights and 1 day. Having a rental car while there is the most convenient way of visiting the area. When in Denali (because I am there to find/see wildlife) I religiously follow the same routine:
- 6am-7am, self drive to mile 14 (Savage River) & return to WAC
- 7:30ish, shuttle (to Wonder Lake) - if weather is poor, get off at Eielson Visitor Ctr & return from there to WAC
- 6pm - 7pm, another self-drive to Savage RIver attempting to spot wildlife
The more time you spend in Denali, the more likely you are to see wildlife &/or Denali.
Apr 8th, 2014, 02:19 PM
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Really it all depends how much time you have and what your likes/dislikes are.
I love Talkeetna (out of season) and won't visit it in season (too many non-local "businesses" setting up along the street - looks trashy to me!). As a tourist, you won't find more than a day's activities there (including a Denali flight-see if you choose). A flight-see of Denali is amazing; but completely different than a shuttle bus (see: Really it all depends how much time you have and what your likes/dislikes are.
I love Talkeetna (out of season) and won't visit it in season (too many non-local "businesses" setting up along the street - looks trashy to me!). As a tourist, you won't find more than a day's activities there (including a Denali flight-see if you choose). A flight-see of Denali is amazing; but completely different than a shuttle bus into the park.
Denali requires at the bare minimum 2 nights and 1 day. Having a rental car while there is the most convenient way of visiting the area. When in Denali (because I am there to find/see wildlife) I religiously follow the same routine:
- 6am-7am, self drive to mile 14 (Savage River) & return to WAC
- 7:30ish, shuttle (to Wonder Lake) - if weather is poor, get off at Eielson Visitor Ctr & return from there to WAC
- 6pm - 7pm, another self-drive to Savage RIver attempting to spot wildlife
The more time you spend in Denali, the more likely you are to see wildlife &/or Denali. )into the park.
Denali requires at the bare minimum 2 nights and 1 day. Having a rental car while there is the most convenient way of visiting the area. When in Denali (because I am there to find/see wildlife) I religiously follow the same routine:
- 6am-7am, self drive to mile 14 (Savage River) & return to WAC
- 7:30ish, shuttle (to Wonder Lake) - if weather is poor, get off at Eielson Visitor Ctr & return from there to WAC
- 6pm - 7pm, another self-drive to Savage RIver attempting to spot wildlife
The more time you spend in Denali, the more likely you are to see wildlife &/or Denali.
I love Talkeetna (out of season) and won't visit it in season (too many non-local "businesses" setting up along the street - looks trashy to me!). As a tourist, you won't find more than a day's activities there (including a Denali flight-see if you choose). A flight-see of Denali is amazing; but completely different than a shuttle bus (see: Really it all depends how much time you have and what your likes/dislikes are.
I love Talkeetna (out of season) and won't visit it in season (too many non-local "businesses" setting up along the street - looks trashy to me!). As a tourist, you won't find more than a day's activities there (including a Denali flight-see if you choose). A flight-see of Denali is amazing; but completely different than a shuttle bus into the park.
Denali requires at the bare minimum 2 nights and 1 day. Having a rental car while there is the most convenient way of visiting the area. When in Denali (because I am there to find/see wildlife) I religiously follow the same routine:
- 6am-7am, self drive to mile 14 (Savage River) & return to WAC
- 7:30ish, shuttle (to Wonder Lake) - if weather is poor, get off at Eielson Visitor Ctr & return from there to WAC
- 6pm - 7pm, another self-drive to Savage RIver attempting to spot wildlife
The more time you spend in Denali, the more likely you are to see wildlife &/or Denali. )into the park.
Denali requires at the bare minimum 2 nights and 1 day. Having a rental car while there is the most convenient way of visiting the area. When in Denali (because I am there to find/see wildlife) I religiously follow the same routine:
- 6am-7am, self drive to mile 14 (Savage River) & return to WAC
- 7:30ish, shuttle (to Wonder Lake) - if weather is poor, get off at Eielson Visitor Ctr & return from there to WAC
- 6pm - 7pm, another self-drive to Savage RIver attempting to spot wildlife
The more time you spend in Denali, the more likely you are to see wildlife &/or Denali.
Apr 8th, 2014, 02:22 PM
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That 1st post is a mess...
Really it all depends how much time you have and what your likes/dislikes are.
I love Talkeetna (out of season) and won't visit it in season (too many non-local "businesses" setting up along the street - looks trashy to me!). As a tourist, you won't find more than a day's activities there (including a Denali flight-see if you choose). A flight-see of Denali is amazing; but completely different than a shuttle bus (see: http://www.reservedenali.com/shuttles.aspx)
I love Talkeetna (out of season) and won't visit it in season (too many non-local "businesses" setting up along the street - looks trashy to me!). As a tourist, you won't find more than a day's activities there (including a Denali flight-see if you choose). A flight-see of Denali is amazing; but completely different than a shuttle bus into the park.
Denali requires at the bare minimum 2 nights and 1 day. Having a rental car while there is the most convenient way of visiting the area. When in Denali (because I am there to find/see wildlife) I religiously follow the same routine:
- 6am-7am, self drive to mile 14 (Savage River) & return to WAC
- 7:30ish, shuttle (to Wonder Lake) - if weather is poor, get off at Eielson Visitor Ctr & return from there to WAC
- 6pm - 7pm, another self-drive to Savage RIver attempting to spot wildlife
The more time you spend in Denali, the more likely you are to see wildlife &/or Denali.
Really it all depends how much time you have and what your likes/dislikes are.
I love Talkeetna (out of season) and won't visit it in season (too many non-local "businesses" setting up along the street - looks trashy to me!). As a tourist, you won't find more than a day's activities there (including a Denali flight-see if you choose). A flight-see of Denali is amazing; but completely different than a shuttle bus (see: http://www.reservedenali.com/shuttles.aspx)
I love Talkeetna (out of season) and won't visit it in season (too many non-local "businesses" setting up along the street - looks trashy to me!). As a tourist, you won't find more than a day's activities there (including a Denali flight-see if you choose). A flight-see of Denali is amazing; but completely different than a shuttle bus into the park.
Denali requires at the bare minimum 2 nights and 1 day. Having a rental car while there is the most convenient way of visiting the area. When in Denali (because I am there to find/see wildlife) I religiously follow the same routine:
- 6am-7am, self drive to mile 14 (Savage River) & return to WAC
- 7:30ish, shuttle (to Wonder Lake) - if weather is poor, get off at Eielson Visitor Ctr & return from there to WAC
- 6pm - 7pm, another self-drive to Savage RIver attempting to spot wildlife
The more time you spend in Denali, the more likely you are to see wildlife &/or Denali.
