Alaskan Scenery
 

<BR>Can anyone tell me the difference between glacier viewing in Prince William Sound and Glacier Bay, or the inland Passage? <BR>We are planning a trip by car from Anchorage to Valdez, and thought perhaps a day trip on Prince William Sound would be interesting. <BR> <BR>Also interested in Denali by car. How much of the park is available this way...how much driving and sightseeing can you actually do in the park? <BR>Thanks for any and all comments. Annette

Glacier Bay's glaciers are by far more numerous and spectacular, but getting there and seeing them costs much more. If all you do is travel on the Inside Passage, your glacier viewing will be somewhat limited. <BR> <BR>There is only one road into Denali, and you can drive only the first 30 km or so on it. Beyond that, you MUST ride the shuttle busses, and their seating is strictly limited and ABSOLUTELY by reservation only. You can reserve a date and time in Anchorage, or up to the last minute as it leaves (if there's a spot). If there's no reservation space, you're 100% out of luck. It's thus best to go at a time other than June - September, when crowds will probably force you to wait about a day to get a space.

Thanks, Paul, again for the help. One more question...what do you think of a day tour on a boat in Prince William Sound. Do you think one can really get a feel for the glaciers and their significance there...as compared with Glacier Bay... <BR>

My only experience with glacier viewing into the ocean was on a boat tour in Kenai Fjords National Park (HIGHLY recommended), and, IMHO, allowed me to "get the feel" of glaciers. A day tour of Prince William Sound will allow you to see one HUGE glacier; going to Glacier Bay will allow you to see dozens of large ones.

Paul, do you remember the name of the boat tour you took in the Kenai Fjiords National Park? Did you have previous reservations? <BR>

WE did Alaska by auto two years or so ago. A must is to fly over Mt McKinley - you can catch a flight in TAlkeetna. It was almost a spiritual experience and truly the best sightseeing we saw. Also, if you are interested in Salmon and Halibut fishing, may we suggest you call Alaska Saltwater Fishing 907 235 3865 - we caught wonderful large king salmons and halibut and had it frozen and shipped home - delicious!!!. You should also purchase The Milepost Alaska - available at most book stores and read it before you go.

<BR>If you do not wish to do the Glaciers of the inside passage there are some great glacier tours out of the Seward area. A day trip through college fjiords is an excellent choice and there are several good companies. Glacier viewing in the south east is best out of Juneau. A day trip to Tracy Arm fjiord offers 2 excellent tide water glaciers and Alaksa's largest icebergs along with excellent wildlife.