Hello everyone, I'm still working on shaping up my itinerary for Alaska 2004, combining land & cruise. I'm travelling solo, and I'm wondering if the following is doable timewise:

Day 1 June 5: arrive Anchorage very late
Day 2 June 6: leisurely drive from ANC to Talkeetna; stop at Eklutna; do flightseeing in Talkeetna. Overnight in Talkeetna
Day 3 June 7: Drive to Denali Park area. Do hike, see dog kennels, etc. Overnight in Healy
Day 4 June 8: Take early a.m. shuttle to Wonder Lake (I think June 8 is the first day Wonder Lake is open). Overnight in Healy.
Day 5 June 9: Leisurely drive back to Anchorage & overnight in Anchorage.
Day 6 June 10: Train from Anchorage to Seward. Spend afternoon in Seward -- maybe do glacier tour?
Day 7 June 11: Kenai fjords wildlife tour and then board Summit ship before 9 p.m.

I know that I have to allow lots of time for driving and for stopping to see things. My interests are scenery & wildlife. I'm concerned that I'm trying to do too much in a short time (well, aren't we all?) but I want to make the most of my time in Alaska. Is it a good idea to spend a night in Talkeetna? I'm assuming that the drive from Anchorage to Denali is just about an all-day trip.

Looking forward to any and all suggestions! Thanks,
Kathy

While it is certainly preferable to have a couple more days, your itinerary seems to be doable timewise.

Here are a couple of suggestions.

Based on the weather conditions and bug situation at Denali you might want to take the Eielson shuttle as opposed to all the way to Wonder Lake. It really isn't worth it, to go beyond Eielson on a cloudy/rainy day.

If possible you might want to overnight at or near Denali, as opposed to Talkeetna after your flightseeing trip. If you decide to overnight at Talkeetna the talkeetna alaskan lodge is good.

Yes your plan is very doable, and I would stay in Talkeetna- a great REAL Alaska town. It is then a 3+++ hour drive to Denali Park- again allows plenty of time for sighseeing. Yes the shuttle to Wonder Lake starts June 8. Be very selective of your flightseeing- there are many options, my clear preference is a summit flight- over the top- there will also be summit "view" flights available to choose- these can also be combined with a ski landing. I have done both. It may also factor in what your flight experience is??? Make sure you have THE MILEPOST, a necessary reference. Try your library- or purchase a used copy at www.half.com or a new one after 3-04.

Thanks World Traveler & Budget Queen for your suggestions! Do you have any other recommendations for a place to stay in Talkeetna? The lodge seems a bit pricey.

Regarding flightseeing: I've had no flight experience other than regular airline travel but I am adventurous! Talkeetna Aero I believe has been recommended. Do they do the summit flight that has been suggested?

Thanks again!

Hope this isn't a breach of etiquette, but the responses here confuse me. Should one make reservations for the flight over Mount McKinley now from home, or wait until you arrive & see the weather conditions? We're going at the end of August in prime time. Same questions re the tour bus to Wonder Lake. Don't we have to make reservations now & take whatever the weather brings on that day? Thank you for your help.

Regarding flighseeing Talkeetna Aero is the only one i believe that does the summit flight and i would recommend them - we enjoyed our trip with them.

Regarding reservations for flightseeing/shuttle, I would certainly recommend advance reservations during the peak season(mid june to mid aug). In the shoulder season you are in a better position to make reservations for the shuttle bus/flightseeing closer to the day of the trip.

Always make you flight reservations in advance- UNLESS you don't care the route or aircraft. With late bookings- the early passengers will have chosen the route (there are several). And with a full tour schedules the twin engine may not go when convenient in the busy season. (yes Talkeetna Aero does the summit flights). I actually really like the Talkeetna Roadhouse- but only the upstairs rooms, shared bathrooms which aren't for everyone. Basic lodging at the Latitude- great food there. Talkeetna Bed and Breakfast is also a nice place. Look at B&B's, you usually can't go wrong.
Wonder Lake- yes you have to reserve ahead for the shuttles. But I seldom make any reservations more than 30 days ahead, including the trip as a whole which I don't book prior to 90 days.