We will be on the Denali shuttle in late August going to Wonder Lake. If we are lucky enough to have a clear day, I am wondering about photo opportunities at Wonder Lake. According to the Lonely Planet Alaska guidebook, it is a 2 mile hike from the shuttle bus stop to get the best photo of the mountain and the lake reflection. Has anyone done this? How much time would it add to the trip? I'm assuming that we would need to take a later bus back. Can you get decent pics without the 2 mile hike? Appreciate any tips.

Frankly, you need to allow way more time there than a same day shuttle bus. Best is to camp or stay at Kantishna. IF you want the famous Wonder Lake in the foreground, then yes you have a long hike and will be going on the next bus. End of August they run about every hour. Look at the schedule.

Thanks for your reply BQ. We are taking the first bus of the day at 6:45 AM. At the Wonder Lake stop, does the driver allow any time to walk around a little? How much time? Thanks for your help.

You will have about a thirty minute stop at Wonder Lake, But the bus makes a stop at the bottom near the lake then continues on for another brief stop above, total time maybe about 45 minutes.

Thanks for opening this topic. We're also planning to hike Wonder Lake, and we're taking the earliest bus out and will return on a later bus. Do I have this right, it's about 2 miles from the bus drop off one way? Thanks not too much for us. I'm "wondering" (no pun intended) which stop we get off at, the bottom or top of the lake? We're also concerned: are there bathrooms near the bus stops? One further question, is there hiking around Polychrome Pass/ Overlook? We've scheduled two days of shuttle bus trips as we like to hike and take photographs. Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

You would stay at the lower section IF you want to hike around the lake. The Lake is at the bottom. No bathrooms in that area, but 2 on the hill above with the campground bathrooms better in my opinion. I would NEVER consider any hiking or even going to this area before mid August. Significant bug problems that if you do still go, you need to be WELL prepared for- full strength deet, bug hats and my trip was still uncomfortable. So much so, you will never see me within that timeframe in that area again. There are NO hiking trails- you go on your own ANYWHERE in the park, so yes plenty to walk to and see at Polychrome Pass.

Hey Chelsea..I read your itinerary and it looks like we are doing a somewhat similar trip. We arrive in Anchorage on Aug 24 for 17 days. I have been planning for months and it still seems like I have questions.
As far as the Wonder Lake bus stop, it apprears that it will make a VERY long day if we decide to hike to the northeast shore for photos. Yes, according to the Lonely Planet guide, it is 2 miles one way to get the famous reflection pics. From what I have read here, it is unlikely that we will a nice clear day, but if we do, we may decide to hike it and endure the late return.
Have fun planning. Four more months until August!

we will stay four nights at the Wonder Lake in July (I know there is a bug problem).

Does anyone know if there are shuttle busses in the morning from Wonder Lake towards Fish Creek (Mile 63) or Eielson Visitor Center (Mile 66) or do we have walk, if we are tired of the Wonder Lake area?

Thanks for your advice.

I second the suggestion on full strength (or nearly full strength) DEET. A few years ago we stayed in the backcountry for a few days in early June, right after the lodges there usually open. It was also right around the time the mosquitos hatch. Several others had the 20-40% DEET solution and it did nothing for them. The stuff I used kept many, but not all, of the mosquitos away. Mosquito hood was mandatory. I would go again, but as others have noted, it can still be uncomfortable.

In July the first bus leaves for Wonder Lake at 5:30am, and most every half hour after that. I doubt you will want to walk 20+ miles to Fish Creek???

@budgetqueen
Yes - I understand, that the first bus leaves to Wonder Lake at 5:30 am.

But how is this, if you do an overnight stay at the Wonder Lake campgound. Are there busses going from the Wonder Lake campground in direction to the park entrance during the morning hours or does the first bus return from Wonder Lake to the park entrance during noon?

Take the plunge and stay back there in Kantishna. We did...at Denali Backcountry Lodge. GLORIOUS. What's more--they have about a dozen bug-eater machines working full blast. I have a grat photo of my son in SHORTS with NO SHIRT, with a mosquito net over his head. TOOOOO funny. Here's the clincher: upgrade and FLY back to the park entrance with Kantishna Air. They really do a great job. NOT CHEAP, tho'.

Wonder Lake buses take about 10-11 hours round trip, one way- half that. First bus available for you out would be about 11am?? and then buses arriving about every 30 min. In July- be WELL prepared for bugs.