Discover hike or shuttle bus in Denali??
 

Hello guys,
A quick question again. We are doing bear viewing from Homer and so wildlife viewing would already be done. I was wondering what good it will be to again take a 8 hr shuttle tour when I can get down and hike arnd mile 50 (for west hikes) alongwith a ranger? Do u think the Discovery Hike is a better option compared to the shuttle? I can go in the bus till Mile 50 and also do a 3-5 hr hike? Your take on these issues please.
Regards
rocky

We took the shuttle bus (its a schoolbus)with my dad and his wife, and liked it because you get excellent commentary along the way. Plus, your vantage point is a bit higher on a bus, and you can cover more ground in less time. And, if you're really lucky, you'll be able to see the mountain!

In addition, hopefully, to the grizzley, you will see lots of caribou, sheep, and maybe wolves. On our shuttle bus, we had a guy who would get off before some of the rest stops and hike past us and we would pick him up as we got there. At the turnaround at
Wonder Lake, he hiked for at least an hour before we came back that way.

If you are a serious hiker, then definately consider the Discovery Hike, you need to be WELL prepared so review the criteria. The shuttle does offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities but from the sound of it, not of interest for you??? The scenery is also splendid. Do what is your priority here.

I was quite lucky to have a shuttle bus driver that enjoyed giving commentaries and being on the lookout for wildlife. As I understand, do not expect that from all drivers because their job is really to drive, not be a tour guide.

However, that is FREQUENT on the shuttle buses, I have never NOT had a great driver that knew Denali inside and out. A significant reason not to pay three times the cost for the tour buses.