DENALI FLIGHTSEEING/BUS TOUR OPTION?
 

When researching lodging near Denali, I came across a tour on a mountain creek cabin website for a combo of flightseeing in or out of Katnisha combined with the park bus for the other way. This sounds like a great option but I haven't seen or heard anything about this from anyone. Any input on this?
Thanks

Can you provide the link/URL so readers would know exactly what you found?

http://www.mckinleycabins.com/tours-...eeing-tour.htm. This seems like a great idea you go on the bus only 1 way maximizes your time adding a sightseeing tour. Any feedback would be welcomed.

It looks like a good deal, if I'm reading properly,since the green bus to Katnisha is $51.50 and the wilderness tour bus is $165 and they say they refund the cost of the flight if it is cancelled, but only you can know if that fits your budged. I have had no experience with the company, but would probably go with the park service green bus, since there is one road and you can stop and get off if you really want to.

Thanks emalloy, has anyone done this trip?

I've stayed several times at McKinley Creekside cabins. I've always been really pleased with their cabins, restaurant,and service. I've never seen/used this flight-see before.

Upon reading their "ad" for the shuttle/flight, I'm confused as to if the flight & shuttle price is al included in the $250; but I do believe they'd be separate charges (i.e. $250 flight + $50+ for the shuttle).

I'm thinking the flight is part of a regular service to Kantishna and this is a way to maximize what is normally empty/down time on the plane.

Thanks for all the input

We just came back from Denali. Be advised that park bus shuttle is a school bus. Ride all the way to Katnisha is a haul. Rough gravel roads all the way. We did a one day tour with company that upgraded their school bus frame--still was a long day. One family on our bus did to the flightseeing back, the rest of us were somewhat jealous. Park is wonderful, just understand there are long stretches of open scenery with scattered wildlife. Advantage of park service is you control your stops you can get on or off as you wish but be aware of schedules as we were told last bus leaves Wonderlake around 4:00 pm.

Thanks mchs. You are the first to say you actually saw someone do this. I know it's,a long day on a school bus that was the point about flying the return trip. Did u think it's worth the extra time on the bUS to keep going past visitor center?

If you are flying one way we would say yes. Wonder Lake is between Eilson and Katishna. This is very scenic--potential reflections of McKinley in the water--all weather permitting of course. You are smart to drive in and fly out. This keeps views of McKinley in front of you for most of the trip. Best views of the mountain on the driver side of the bus.

I live here (AK) and go to Denali 2 to 3 times a year. I always take the park's shuttle system into the park. Here's a typical day for myself:
- get up early and self-drive into Savage River (looking for wildlife & scenery)
- catch a 7:30 or 8:00 shuttle. I book it to Wonder Lake. If the weather is not cooperating (meaning you are not going to see Denali) I get off at Eielson and make my way back to the park entrance.
- about 7:00 pm, I do another self-drive into Savage River.

I have not as of yet tired of the "school bus". If I'm feeling cramped, then I get off and walk a while; catch the next bus that comes by. For the price of a shuttle bus ticket, I think this is a great bargain.