Denali in September
 

Just wondering from all you Alaska experts if a visit to Denali is worth it during the first week of September. Will we be able to spot any wildlife at that time of year? We'll be traveling in and around Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula and still have 3-5 more days to spend and just trying to figure out where. We'll have a rental vehicle that we could either drive up to the park or take the train R/T from Anchorage at the start of the trip and then pick up the vehicle on the return before heading south. Any thoughts would be appreciatedt. Also, if we do go to the park, do you think a stay at the Backcountry Lodge is worthwhile? Thanks

Early September can be very grand in Denali, with the tundra turning all sorts of wonderful colors. You'll probably see wildlife, but of course the weather will be turning colder at night.

Haven't stayed at the Backcountry Lodge so can't comment.

The tundra was a fantastic pink/purple and the moose were in rut. We saw lots of animals. Take the park service bus as far as you can and leave as early as you can.

We didn't stay at backcountry lodge.

I recommend planning at least 2 full days (3 nights) in the park. Good comments by both posters on colours and moose in rut. I also think you should try to get to Denali at the very beginning of your trip as opposed to towards the end (fall changes to winter very quickly in Denali).

Shuttle bus (see: http://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm):
- Book the shuttle bus to Wonder Lake. If the weather's inclement (or it's unlikely Denali will make an appearance) turn around at Eielsen.
- Use the 1st day on the shuttle to pick out one or two spots to possibly get off the shuttle on day 2 for a short hike/walk.

Self-drive:
- When I'm in the park I always self-drive the park road into Savage river (approx. 13 miles). I do it early in the morning (approx. 5:30-6:00 am) and in the early evening (approx. 6-7pm). I've been pretty fortunate and frequently see wildlife (the more time you spend in the park, the more likely you'll get a great wildlife sighting).

We were in Denali in mid-August, we took the Kantinisha Wilderness tour which takes you to the Kantinisha Lodge, much further than you can drive or take the shuttle to. The tundra was starting to change but the guide told us it was spectacular in September. We saw lots of Grizzlies but no Moose. If you want to see them then take the Tony Knowles coastal path in Anchorage which takes you past the end of Anchorage airport....lots of Moose there.

Thanks for the replies.
sdpryde: when you self drive as far as they let you, where do you leave the car? Do you then take the shuttle buses the rest of the way and back? Where did you stay?

mamabearUK: I think the tour you mentioned is the 13 hr r/t, right? It goes about as far as the Lodge we're thinking about staying at (Backcountry Lodge). Where did you stay after being on the bus all those hrs? How comfortable was the bus and what if any amenities were on it?

Just trying to decide which of many options we should take. Self drive to the park entrance, leave the car and be picked up by one of the lodges in the park; train from ANC to the park and stay inside the park; or drive to Healy, do one of the tours and return to Healy. Too many choices

We were picked up at 6.30am and returned around 7pm as I recall. The bus was comfortable enough....there were plenty of stops for toilet breaks and to stretch your legs...cookies and fruit on the bus.We went as far as the Kantinisha back country lodge, had a lovely lunch there (included) and had a choice of gold panning or a husky demonstration. We saw Mount Denali (out of the clouds) and lots of wildlife. The guide told us about the history of the park, the wildlife and flora and fauna....quiet on the way back. We stayed at The McKinley Chalet hotel, which was good, we ate in the village though as the hotel was pretty busy with cruise clients.
The tour was great, long day but would definitely do it again, if you do then sit on the left side of the bus on the way as the views on the left are magnificent ion that side.

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self-drive...
- you drive 13 miles to a small parking lot (Savage River). There's hiking, picnic, and scenic opportunities there. You can park and do a few activities; and when ready, you drive back to the park entrance. No shuttle buses stop in the parking area.

The 'self-drive' is not part of any bus/lodge tour. You would do it in addition to any of the shuttles that are operating. The idea is to increase the time you have in the park which increases the chances of seeing wildlife (plus it's a nice place to sight-see)

*** file this under interesting... At the Savage River parking lot, it's a must to use the restroom just to see the doors on them (from the inside!) ***