How long from Anchorage to Denali?
 

How long of a drive is it from Anchorage to Denali? Can this be done in a day with stops along the way? Any good places to stop along the way?

It's about 240 miles or so. Four hours straight through, but it's easy to make a day out of it. Talkeetna is a nice stop. Take a flightseeing trip there. Plenty of details available on this board.

Where are you staying in Denali, callalilly? When is your trip? Be sure to post a report.

I am very open to suggestions on where to stay in Denali. We are considering:
http://www.touchofwildernessbb.com/

Anyone stopped at Hatcher Pass on the way back from Denali to Anchorage? Anything of note to do there?

This summer when we go, we're spending a night at the Hatcher Pass Lodge on our way from Seward to Denali. Hatcher Pass has been highly recommended as a beautiful spot. The Independence Mine is there, and we might take a horseback ride.

As for Denali, based on Internet research and suggestions here, some other leading lodging contenders for us were Denali Lakeside Lodging, Ridgetop Cabins, and EarthSong Lodge, which we opted for.

Good luck. It looks like several of us have similar plans.

We enjoyed Independence Mine but my other half loves to look at any kind of construction. The original buildings are being restored and the story about the mine is interesting. But, if you travel before July 4, I think you have to get there from the Palmer side. The pass doesn't open until around July 4, depending. If you can't go thru the pass, it will add over an hour to your trip. We also visited the Transportation Museum which might appeal to anyone interested in early aviation in Alaska.

I would allow 5 hours for the drive Anchorage-Denali Park AT LEAST. There is PLENTY to stop at along the way and frankly- take advantage of it. A necessary reference is THE MILEPOST, purchase a copy after 3-05. Verify that your rental will allow driving on the Hatcher Pass, some do not and if they do- be certain to verify all your insurance options- again some void coverage on unpaved roads. Stones cracking windshields are not uncommon. Be aware of all your risks. I have stayed at Touch of Wilderness many times, consistant wonderful lodging.