I'm traveling to Alaska in July and only have one full day to spend inside Denali. I want to take an all day tour that spans the full 95 miles. I know that many companies offer tours. Does any one have any suggestions on which are better than others? Also, are the 12-13 hour tours much better for wildlife viewing and Mt. McKinley viewing rather than the 6 hour tours? What are the ups and downs of just using the shuttle system in the park?

Thanks for your help!

I believe unless you talk the park shuttle, you can not go all the way to Edison center.

Bring your own food and water.

If you take the first shuttle, 6:30 am, you will have a better chance of seeing the wildlife than later in the day

This poster is referring to the Kantishna day trips, which I never recommend. You have NO time here to enjoy the activities that the overnight guests can- which is the reason to go there. You essentially are only paying for a VERY costly lunch.

For clairfication Eielson is closed, but Fish Creek- 3 miles away is open, mile 63.

With the priority for this poster to get as far into the park, I only recommend the park SHUTTLE bus to Wonder Lake. 1/3 the cost of the day Kantishna trip. You do have to bring in all your own food and drink. But you can get off the bus ANYWHERE along the Park Road.

You have no guarantee for wildlife or McKinley- of all my trips into the park, I have never seen McKinley from there. Take what you can get for wildlife- it's unique for each day.

IF you are going that far before mid August- be WELL PREPARED for bugs. They can be brutal, so much so, I never go before that timeframe, but plenty of people do.

BudgetQueen, that is the exact info I was looking for...We have stayed in Kantishna and won't do that again. BUT this trip we wanted to go all the way in, but didn't realize that we can go to Wonder Lake and turn around and go back...That is what we will do. We loved Wonder Lake area...Isn't it scary to get off of the bus? I'd be afraid that we wouldn't be picked up...We're not young...Could you picnic by Wonder Lake and then get on another bus? Don't you make reservations ahead of time?

You have about 45 minutes at Wonder Lake, usually enough time to eat, walk about some and get back on your same bus. If you take the bus to the lake- there will be 2 stops, this is the second one, there are picnic tables right by the bus stop.

When I went in August 2004, the bus hung out at Wonder Lake for 15 minutes and then left. We had a picnic at the picnic table and then hiked around the lake on social trails (not all the way around, though). We were able to get on the next bus that came by.

We were told by the park staff that they leave 4 seats open so that they can pick up people who've been hiking. We went into Wonder Lake one day, and the next day just went to Fish Creek. Got on & off the bus multiple times and never had a problem getting on the first bus that came by. This was in early August (August 2 or 3).

That is what we will plan to do - take the Wonder Lake trip and then another shorter one. We'll be in the area for 4 days. Any othere suggestions for things to do?

Other suggestions for the Denali area? I would definitely go see the dog sled demonstration. A lot of people go on rafting trips. You could go down to Talkeetna and do a flight seeing trip. I would probably research off-the-beaten path hikes in the area and go explore those for a day. Make sure you stock up in Wasilla since there's no full service grocery in Denali/Healy.

Do you know if the dog sled demonstration to better in Denali or the Seward area? OR are they all about the same??

Just off the phone with Denali and learned that the Dog Kennel visit in July is 10am, 2pm and 4pm. Free and one hour. Shuttle to kennels (no parking there) is from the Visitors Center. HTH

Seavey's of Seward is a cart ride and an Iditrod family. Denali Park is a look at a cart going on gravel.

Am planning on staying 2 nights at Savage River Campgrounds..want to take a day to go on the Shuttle bus into the interior...now is it REALLY worth it to go all the way into Wonderlake or would you recommend going part way and getting off at Polychrome , spending some time and then heading back. How much longer on the Shuttle bus it is to WOnderlake than Polychrome--it seems like it is a heck of a long time on a bus to get to WOnderlake only to be able to spend a little time there and then get right back on the bus..any help here??

At the least, I suggest you get to Fish Creek. Especially if you want wildlife opportunities- between Toklat and Fish Creek is big bear habitat. It isn't just the destination to Wonder Lake, it's the ride there and again the potential for scenery and wildlife. It does drop off for wildlife after Eielson in my opinion, But totally different terrain and the McKinley potential. IF not of interest then do the shorter bus. Only you can decide.

We saw the most grizzly bears and also the closest to the road not far from Wonder Lake but you may not. They are wild and will wander as they choose. Between the entrance and Polychrome Pass we saw very little wildlife.

You can also sign up for Discovery hikes with a ranger. Free, but usually have to sign up the day before. Very cool, and range from easy to strenuous with rangers who are great at explaining all the cool stuff about the wildlife, big and small, plants, and terrain. It's also great getting off the bus and just taking off into the bush on either side of the road. I've done the Wonder Lake trip bus ride, and, although okay to do once, it's very long and more fun IMO, to get off, hike, and get the true feeling of the vastness of Denali.

How long is the shuttle ride to Wonder Lake and are there restroom stops on the way?
Also which lodging is the best place to stay in or near the park

Also where do you sign up for free ranger tours? How long do they take?

http://www.nps.gov/dena

Go to the above link, click on PLAN YOUR VISIT, then clicik on the ALPINEGLOW visitor guide and download the 13 page flyer. It has great info and maps. All phone numbers to make reservations are in there.

I used the phone numbers to call and make my reservation and the clerk was very friendly and informative.

Wonder Lake looks like a 85 mile trip, takes 11 hours on the shuttle.

Wonder Lake is pretty but bring plenty of bug dope. We were attacked with more bugs than I'd ever experienced before and eventually ran back onto the bus. (And we're normally not wimps.) The bus ride is long so be prepared with snacks, drinks, and maybe an ipod or whatever keeps you comfortable. Have a great time!