The automated system is saying it is a 12 hour round trip -- just for bus ride, hiking not included. We would also want to stop at Eielson and take a short hike. The question now is how much time do we need?

Thanks!

It's 8 hours round trip to Eilson. The area there is wide open. Is that what you had in mind for hiking?

Think VERY carefully if you are considering Wonder Lake before the end of August- way too many bugs that could make for a very miserable trip if not prepared, you need deet and bug hats are actually a good idea. The round trip is 12 hours, but you must determine how long you want to be at Wonder Lake??? The bus stops about 30 minutes before it returns. If you don't take that bus back- you could be in for some long waits as there are more shuttles going to Eielson. Don't forget- you need to carry all your food and drink in and out- can make for some bulky hiking. There are some great trails at the entrance- maps on their web site.

Going in late July. We already bought headnet, Duralthon and some afterbite. Is half hour enough to get a good view at Wonder Lake?

I know Eilson is an open area. But a few people recommended as a good place to stop over and take some short hike. We will hike near the entrace the day before we go to Wonder Lake. Certainly would want to do sth rather than just sitting on the bus all day. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

You are going to encounter a significant amount of bugs at Wonder Lake. And yes 30 mins will probably be enough under those conditions. Your perceptions of the "long bus ride" is not just the transportation. Wildlife is plentiful and you wouldn't see it without the bus, time goes by very quickly. Also the varied terrain- and actually the ride itself. You are on the edge of cliffs in sections, vast open tundra etc. So in my opinion- much more than transportation.

For the bus ride, take plenty of water, snacks, binocs and wet wipes or wet wash cloth in a baggie. The bus ride is very dusty.

Thanks for all the information.

How much is "plenty of water"? 1 liter / person? I can survive without solid food for a day but I think I need water.

BudgetQueen, do you mean we actually don't need to get off bus for extended walking/hiking (just the bus stopping time is enough)?

If you are planning on hiking or even walking at Eielson, wear warm clothing! We didn't realize how much colder it was then when we started at the visitors center.

How cold is it? Will a sweater/fleece do? Or do we need ski jacket? Thanks!

Whatever water you would normally drink in an 8 hour day plus more if you are hiking. It is a dry, arid area so you get dryer quicker.

There is no place to buy any snacks--I'd take a few. I was very glad to have a sandwich, chips, etc.

I always take my cooler, the 16 can size. A great deal depends what your priority is???? If you want to hike then plan for it, but in my opinion, unless you are significantly prepared- Wonder Lake is not the area. Late July temps can have quite a range but I would expect warm temps with lows perhaps 50's, so yes a light jacket would be useful and layers underneath.

hi, Cheerful, You don't have to hike around Wonder Lake. The 30 minutes that the bus stops is sufficient to look around. We originally intended to walk to the ranger office and get that classic photo of MtMcKinley and its reflection on Wonder Lake, but the fierce mosquitoes were really bothersome even with bug repellant. I suppose if we had gone to that spot soon as we got off the bus, we could have taken a great photograph and got back on the same bus.

Thanks everyone. Now I know what to do at Wonder Lake.