Denali Shuttle
 

We are planning to visit Denali on Aug 28th, 2013 for 3 days. How early shuttle bus we should take? is 8:30 early enough ? Or should we take earlier shuttle?
Thanks in advance.

We left at 6:30, and saw wonderful animals, including a male moose in pursuit of a female right in front of the bus. Some is just luck and some depends on how far into the park you are going.

Also depends if you are taking a tour with a contractor (like the ones for people on a cruise) or on a park service bus which you can get off and wait for another one that has room for you.

I would want to take a long a tour as possible and start as early as possible.

The earlier you start, the more likely you are to see animals. Plain and simple, animals go into hiding as the sun gets higher in the sky. So I recommend the earliest you can get AND can wake up for.

If you start early as you can then there is a chance that you can see more animals as time passes the animals starts hiding into there houses.

Thanx everyone. We will take 6:30 shuttle, if available.

Starting early gives you a better chance of seeing McKinley since it often clouds up during the day. The recommendation I received was to book the shuttle to Wonder Lake and if the mountain is out take the shuttle all the way to Wonder Lake. If it is a rainy, cloudy day get off at Eilson.

There are 2 shuttles in the morning that go to Wonder Lake--I think 6:30 and 9AM with a 30 minute checkin. My husband refused to go on the 6:30. If you are planning on taking the shuttle all 3 days be sure to call 1-800-622-7275. The third day is free.

Thanx Lindainohio

The other advantage of getting the early shuttle is that you have more time to spend in the park. I would definately get an earlier one. I got the 7.30am shuttle, and went to Eielson.

Pictures of my Denali trip are here if you are interested: www.dreamhorsemedia.com/travel/

Eielson was so incredible we hiked around the region for so long we got the last bus back -but it still wasn't enough time. If I go again (and I hope I do) I would get the 6.30am or earlier shuttle. Make sure you get out and spend as much time in the park as possible walking around and soaking all the beauty in.

We camped near Denali in August. We were worried we wouldn't wake up for the early bus, but it didn't get totally dark until the a.m. hours (maybe 2 a.m.? can't remember) and then started getting light maybe around 4 a.m. I remember picking blueberries in the twilight around 11 p.m. You'll love it.

Thanx everyone for your suggestions.Appreciate it.