Planning a trip in mid May 09 & would like to take advantage of the lower rates for lodging and hopefully smaller crowds. Is there an actual cutoff date in May for the shoulder season? Does anyone recommend going at that time of the year? Planning to stay in the southcentral area. TX

I believe they change their prices either after Memorial Day or increase it around May 15th to include that weekend.

Weather is generally good that early.

I always recommend to our guests they come that time of year to beat 1) the crowds, 2) the prices and 3) the mosquitos.

Alaska in not cheap.

You are early for fishing but the wildlife should start showing up and becoming active about then.

Depending on what you will be doing, not everything will be up and going. Most of the tourist activities and areas will just be ramping up about that time.

We were there in early June this summer - part of roadway into Denali had just opened the week before.

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

Overall IF Denali park is a priority, this May timeframe isn't a good option. You are FAR better off, looking at June 1 OR later. IF this is your plan, then route yourself to Denali at the VERY END of your timeframe.