We are planning to spend 3 days there in July. This is our first trip to Alaska and would appreciate some advice.

1. Do we need special hiking boots there? High ankle? Or a good pair of sneakers will do?

2. We booked hotel at McKinley Creekside Cabins. Has anyone been there? Would like to hear some comment

3. Will cell phone work there (T-mobile)? Is FRS/GMRS radio of any use in case of emergency?

Thanks!

SSSSHHHHH!! Not only is the Creekside a nice property, it happens to have many good hiking trails behind it..... used to be a horse ranch.

Though I've not stayed there, I do eat there sometimes and enjoy it a lot. It is south of the park, but has a much more remote and rustic feel to it than most of the stuff down in "glitter gulch." Too, it is locally owned and we ALL know how I feel about that.

Hiking boots, yes.

Cell service does work, but not perfectly.......go to the high ground.

You're doing great!

If you plan on extensive hiking- yes take the boots. But if only looking at a few miles at a time, you could get by with a good pair of walking shoes. I would suggest if you do want hiking to take out the shuttle (not tour bus) to Eielson, register with the ranger for a return bus, then head off and catch another bus when you get back. I always book the first bus out- sometimes has some empty seats- allows better viewing.

If we spend 2 days by the shuttle, which stops and trails would you recommend?

Thanks!

If you spend 2 days on the shuttle you are going the exact same route each day. For clairfication Eielson is mile 66, my min distance in. Determine if you want to do this for 2 days???

Thank you, BudgetQueen.

Is it possible to do both Eielson and Wonder on a single day, meaning getting off Eielson to hike for a while, getting back on another shuttle to Wonder Lake and finish it? How long does it take? The last shuttle at Wonder Lake is quite early.

I would do the opposite, go to Wonder Lake and stop on the way back.

What sort of experience are you looking for? At Eilson, you will pretty much just be out in the open waling around. Is that what you had in mind?

We are not really hikers and could easily get lost. We would prefer marked trail which leads to some spetacular views. Encountering wildlife is a plus (too close might be dangerous?).

Does this mean Eilson is not really a good choice for us?

Thanks!

What most people do in Denali who are not serious hikers is to take a shuttle bus to at least Eilson (8 hours round trip). Most never get off except at numerous bathroom stops but you can and catch the next bus.

It stays light very late so you can get on even in early afternoon, when the buses aren't as crowded. We did and saw plenty of grizzlies, etc.

Take plenty of water, snacks, binocs, and I wished for a wet wash cloth or wet wipe. The road is very dusty, you will have all the windows down and by the end of the day you are covered in dust.

There are other "tour" buses but they are all old school buses no matter which you take and the shuttle drivers are very knowledgable and will stop for wildlife viewing. The shuttle is MUCH cheaper and not nearly as crowded. The tour buses were packed. When you are on a bus for 8 hours, a little wiggle room is a plus.

The shuttle is MUCH cheaper and not nearly as crowded. The tour buses were packed


In season- this is mostly not true, the shuttles are just as packed as the tour buses. I always take the first shuttle out, which is sometimes open. There are several great trails near the entrance of the park, maps are on their web site via the national park service.

I am giving you the observations I made while there, not something I read somewhere.

The MORNING buses may all be packed but, as stated earlier, we left just after noon and we never saw one shuttle packed and all the tour buses were. I made a point of watching.

Lots of people say you have to go early in the morning to see wildlife but we were very pleased with how many bears and other wildlife we saw. Saw McKinley all day also.

Cheerful, again, some of the best trails in the area are down at the Creekside (Carlo Creek area) which is well south of the park, but every bit as awe inspiring. Maybe moreso as you won't be overwhelmed by the crowds....which allows you to be overwhelmed by the majesty of the region.