I'll be staying outside of Denali on the nights of Sept. 3 and 4. Our plan is to go into the park on both days to hike.

I'd like to do one of the discovery hikes on one day and hike on our own the other.

My problem (at least I think it's a problem) is that they don't announce the discovery hikes until a couple of days ahead, so I can't reserve the bus for either of the two days (since I don't know where I need to be on which day).

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

TTT... any thoughts? anyone?

We got to Denali around noon and were able to buy tickets for the next park shuttle bus going out. It was only half full. This was during prime time--mid July.

The shuttles are much cheaper and I've never heard anyone say they wished they hadn't taken it. The drivers stop for wildlife and freely share their knowledge of the area.

We had a similar experience -- did the afternoon bus in early September, and the bus was about half full. Fantastic trip, we loved it -- saw lots of wildlife, even saw a lynx! But even without the wildlife, the scenery itself is so spectacular.

You might take a look at the Cruise Critic board on Ports of Call/Alaska. Lots of info there, some from the very knowledgeable Budget Queen who is a regular poster. That's how we found what to do (and what not to do...)

Thanks for the info... did any of you do the Discovery Hikes?

I also would like to know if anyone did any of the Discovery hikes. We're in Denali for 3 days and were thinking about doing one, so long as it's not too hard. Apparently they range in difficulty from easy to quite difficult.

The Discovery hikes do require a ranger to determine if you are "fit and prepared" for the hikes. They have strict guidelines so look them over and be sure you "qualify".

There are "regular" ranger hikes as well. Just look at the schedule in the visitor center first thing when you get there.
But I would never suggest- without a few days to just assume you will get shuttle bus seats immediately. If you have a few days to play with, this works fine but if on a tighter schedule, you are better off reserving ahead.

Thanks BQ... you're always a great help.

astein12, I just checked and the Denali NPS site says that Discovery Hikes are offered twice daily during the summer. That's great news. Here's the website http://www.nps.gov/dena/home/visitor.../programs.html

and here's the quote: Discovery Hikes are a great way for the adventurous and well-prepared to explore the heart of Denali. These ranger-led hikes go everywhere, so expect uneven terrain, small stream crossings, close encounters with dense vegetation, and unpredictable weather. Take a look at the recommended gear list -- rangers will turn away unprepared hikers. Two Discovery Hikes are offered every day during the summer. These ranger-led adventures range from moderate (elevation gain less than 1000 feet) to strenuous (elevation gain more than 1000 feet).

The locations of Discovery Hikes change each day, and schedules are posted weekly at the Visitor Centers and on the web. Check out this week’s schedule. The Discovery Hike bus leaves and returns from the Wilderness Access Center at Mile 1. Meet the bus at 8:00 a.m. and don’t be late! Plan on hiking for 3-5 hours. If you hike in the east district add a 2-5 hour round-trip bus ride. If you hike in the west district, add a 5-8 hour round-trip bus ride.


Cost: $23.75 includes bus ticket fare


Additonal Information: You must sign up 1-2 days in advance for Discovery Hikes at the Visitor Center, and purchase your ticket at the same time.