I have an afternoon, one full day, and a morning at the park. Have just booked this tour my full day since it goes furtherest into the park. Good idea? Should I have utilized the shuttle buses instead? We are a group of 7 with a 5 year old and 14 year old. As always the ideas and comments provided are very much appreciated. thank you

Although the shuttle busses are actually school busses, you get a much better tour on the shuttle bus. Check the distance of your Tundra tour compared to the shuttle bus tours. I think you'll be disappointed to see the short distance your Tundra tour goes into the park.

When will you be in Denali? It's tough to make recommendations without your dates since dates can affect distance of shuttle trips.

You will need a sack lunch for the shuttle ride. We stayed at Denali Lakeview in Healy and they prepared our lunches.

We will be in Denali the middle of June. The advertised distance is 58 - 62 miles into the park.

I defer to BudgetQueen. Fish Creek is 63 miles in, and a good minimum distance to travel into Denali. BQ is an expert on Alaska travel, and can help you with this one far better than I can. I know she never recommends these tours over the shuttle buses. Maybe being on a larger bus would be best with the 5 yo, though. We did the shuttles and were very pleased with our trips, even on rainy days.

I never recommend the TOURs, for any independent visitors and always the shuttle bus. Your kids are FREE on the shuttle buses, you do still have to reserve a seat for them however. The price is 1/3 the cost of the tour buses.

Think carefully with the 5 year old and if you continue to take him, pack twice as many games and DVD's that you think you'll need. Headphones are necessary. AND stress the importance of talking softly and listening to the bus driver. Pack plenty of snacks too.

For clairfication the tour buses go the LEAST distance into the park. The Park Road is 90 miles. Kantishna at the end is most all private property. Wonder Lake Mile 85, Fish Creek mile 63. Tundra Wilderness tour mile 53, they only go further IF McKinley is viewable- which it seldom is. SAME distance as the Toklat Shuttle, for $19.50 plus $10 park fee.