Denali buses
 

My husband is 6'6" with long legs and I'm wondering if he could tolerate the long 8 hour bus ride. Can anyone clue us in about this or maybe we should skip Denali for another part of Alaska. thanks for the input

Although it may well be a tight ride for him; I think it will be tolerable.

1) By sitting next to the aisle, he'll be able to move his legs out there. The system is deliberately informal so, as long as he's not hogging space, his obvious long legs will probably result in others giving him a little leg room. Also, he can stand for a few moments if necessary.

2) the shuttle bus stops for breaks about every hour or so. It won't be eight hours non-stop.

3) anyone can get off the bus at just about any time, as long as there's no wildlife in the immediate vicinity. If he gets just too cramped for comfort, you can get off and then take the next bus back to the entrance.

The above reply rsponse is very accurate and well thought out, however, it is assuming you are on the state shutttle bus. If you are on the Tundra Tour, you do not have the option of getting off the bus and returning on any bus. So I would just suggest that you go with the state shuttles for sure.

A lot of people say you have to go on the first buses of the day to see wildlife. The problem is those buses are usually packed.

We went on a 1:00 bus, saw tons of wildlife and the bus was only half full.

A great deal depends when you are going. Buses are full in season. Historically- you do see more wildlife in the early am and later in the pm. I have taken this trip many times and afternoon viewing was never as good as the ride out. But certainly no guarantees and you should see something anytime you go. :) The shuttles stop about every hour and half. I would suggest- you only go to Eielson. The drivers strongly insist you seat belt, but I would assume he could sit "sideways" if on the aisle seat. You may also want to be first in line and try and get a front seat??

My husband is also 6'6" and we greatly enjoyed the Denali shuttle to Wonder Lake last August. Since one can get up and move around and there are several stops to walk outside it was really a non-issue. To miss Denali would be a great mistake IMHO-we saw 17 bears alone.

We were there in mid-July, the height of tourist season, and the bus was only half full, much to our delight since you are on there for 8 hours.

We were there in mid-July, the height of tourist season, and the bus was only half full, much to our delight since you are on there for 8 hours.

Yes, you can get off and walk but it is VERY dusty and there are numerous buses coming and going.