Alaska - National Parks Pass Question
 

In past years when we've traveled to several national parks, we've purchased a National Parks Pass for $50. It saved a bunch on park admissions.

Has anyone out there had experience using it in Alaska? We're planning a 2 week trip for early September which will include Denali for a couple of days, Kenai and either Kodiak Island or Katmai with a number of stops along the way.

From what I can tell, it looks like Denali is $20 per family and that there are fees for Exit Glacier and the like, so the pass may be worth the investment.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Exit Glacier is only about $5? If this is your only National Park visit for the year, I would say the pass will not be worthwhile.

BudgetQueen,

How about the fee for Denali (given that we'll be there for a couple of days)? I'm not sure of the fees at other parks (or which we'll be going to).

Any thoughts?

There are several National-Parks in Alaska. The fee's are different. Access can be difficult and can be subject of additional costs (floatplane, boat).

Take a look for further information under
http://data2.itc.nps.gov/parksearch/state.cfm?st=ak

dare i say, the parks could use the help? maybe you will use the pass locally thru the year.

but if you are economy minded, most parks passes are multiple day so even if denali is 20, it's that for a few days, the trick is not to lose your receipt.

i don't recall the fees at exit, or at kenai fjords,

I have a feeling with 3 parks, you'll save money with the annual. enjoy alaska.

Exit Glacier is $5 for the car, and Denali Park is $10pp both good for a week.

Katmai National Park is $10pp. I think it's the going rate for many parks, it's what we paid recently in Hawaii too. All though Denali is not my favorite Park, September will be nice because you should have some color changes. Katmai is also nice because you have high bear numbers in September. I think September is a good time to visit Alaska, not as crowded, but make sure you bring some warm clothes - it can be chilly.

Thanks for all of the info... I think that I'm going to go ahead and buy the parks pass. I'll let you know how it works out.

Thanks!

The Park Pass is good only for entrance fees. If you plan on taking the shuttle bus in Denali you need to go through Aramark. Looking at their online reservation form it appears they are going to automatically charge you the park entrance fee. I see no place on the form where you can indicate you already have a Park Pass. Check www.nps.gov/dena and click on the fee field and then on line reservations.
You can check www.nps.gov and see information on all the national parks and monuments including fees, camping, hiking etc.

We made our shuttle reservation by phone and were asked whether we already have a parks pass (we do), so it was not included in the price. If you can't find a way to delete the charge online, just call and talk to a real live person.