active family precruise tour
 

We will be flying into Anchorage mid June for a precruise trip. Our ages are 48, 46, 13, 10 and we are an active family, hiking, biking, love nature. I have followed the other comments from "kristinam" and would also like help. I have the2003 Milepost but find it overwhelming. Should we rent a car in Anchorage and drive directly to Denali, or stop at Talkeetna, we could catch Talkeetna on the way back. We definitely want to do the Kenai Fjord boat trip also. I'm wondering the best means of transportation, overnight recommendations, etc. Appreciate any help from you well traveled experts!

How long will you have?

We haven't confirmed flights, so it's open. I'm anticipating 5 extra nights.

Okay, well I think renting a car is a must (minivan maybe).

Visiting Denali NP doesn't require a stop in Talkeetna either coming or going IMO; however it's a fine place for an extended meal stop if you like. You probably know by now that you need at least one overnight at Denali if you plan to travel on the shuttle bus into the Park interior; whether you need a second night (following a tour of the park) is up to you; in June you can easily return to Anchorage in the evening given that it simply doesn't get dark, however you might want a second night (or more) at the National Park.

Probably you should think about arriving in Seward (if that's where your cruise departs, not Whittier) a day ahead of sailing if you want to do a Kenai Fjord cruise. Another alternative is to do a day trip from Anchorage (or even en route to Seward if you don't mind dropping your car there, costly) to Whittier and take one of the cruises over to College Fjord and see numerous tidewater glaciers.

So with 5 nights, it would be Anchorage 1, Denali 1 (or 2), Anchorage 1 (or 2), Seward 1.

Better start finalizing plans soon; things will be booking up fast.

I think we should stay two nights in Denali, any recommendations? And then follow your suggestion to head to Seward. Isn't there a train from Anchorage to Seward, and then we could arrange transportation from Seward for the boat trip? Also, Where to stay in Seward?

I recommend 2 nights in Denali Park- or the second night part way back- Talkeetna is a good stop. My min distance into Denali Park is Eielson- mile 66, if you take the first bus out- you are out by 3pm, but with the long touring on the bus- I don't want a 5-6 hour drive back to Anchorage. The Milepost is simpler if you just look at the routes you are considering and read the route between your touring. As for Seward- you can take the train and do Kenai Fjords boat trip in the same day. The boat companies will even store your bags. You want a trip with at least 6 hours on the water. The train is superior for scenery- but with 4 people a car is definately better for Seward touring expecially if you want to hike Exit Glacier. BUT if renting a car- I only rent the costly one way for one 24 hour day. I have a cheap round trip Anchorage car for the rest of the trip. Talkeetna is definatly worth a stop as well as many many other areas along the Park Highway. Consider adding days to allow for cheap glacier trekking with MICA. Biking is supurb in my opinion out of Skagway.

I have made some progress. We will rent a car in Anchorage and stay the night at the Anchorage Hotel and head to Denali the next day to check into the Grande Denali Hotel. We will do the park tour the next day and try to catch the dog demo. I don't know if we should try a Mckinley flight tour from there. We are staying two nights at the Grande Hotel so we could leave early the following morning and plan this tour - if you all think it's a must, but we'd like to combine it with some hiking. We have reservations the 4th night back in Anchorage, and will drop the car. We plan to take the train from Anchorage to Seward, have reservations at the Edgewater hotel. They said they could book the Kenai Fjord trip. And we catch our cruise ship that evening. We can do some excursions, biking, hiking, maybe dog sledding, from the cruise or on our own.

This may not fit your schedule or lifestyle, but since you mentioned you're an active family thought I'd throw it in. One of the highlites of our families trip (11 & 13 yr old boys)this past summer was a stay in Hawks Nest cabin in Denali Park. Hawks Nest is owned by Camp Denali and about a mile from their facilty. It sleeps four, has a kitchen, outhouse, and a spectacular view of Denali and whole Alaska range. Great hiking out your door, fishing, and use of canoes on Wonder lake. Not cheap, but way less than staying at Camp Denali for family.
One of the best parts about staying at the cabin is you get a park pass to drive yourself in. This allowed us to take our time in comfort going in and out. Also allowed us to explore the Kantishna area down the road. Gave us an overall experience few ever get in the park. Minimum three night stay, we stayed four. Let me know if you have questions.

This sounds interesting but would require a change in schedule to stay in Denali another night, but that is possible. I'll see what I can find out on the web about it and pitch it to the family.

My husband quickly vetoed the no electricity or running water! I have another concern. In speaking with friends they mentioned that others had warned that the Denali bus trip was boring and not in depth enough. What is your experience, and what other options are available?

I never find Denali Park boring. If you are looking for a zoo - no it's not. Wildlife is there- but binoculars are necessary, the scenery is endless. Some people just are not Alaska travelers- you have to be open minded, take what comes and everything exciting a bonus. :) Determine what kind of traveler you are??

I was fortunate enough to make the bus trip in 2001. I was fascinated the whole time-probably took 5 roll of pictures. Of course, the weather was perfect that day and you could see the Mountains in all their glory. We saw lots of wildlife and the flowers in the tundra were spectacular. Please don't let what someone heard someone else report change your plans.