Need a "how to" on Denali
 

Read all the posts, had some questions answered here, done research - but I am still not getting it (probably my fault).

We are booked 3 nights - which will be 2 days at Grizzly Bear Lodge near entrance to Denali - have cabin with kitchen, although we will likely not cook.

Undecided as to whether or not to take regular bus thru Park or book something more private - understand that they all go ont he same road.

But questions are much more basic. The way I see it, we get up early, have breakfast and then get on some sort of bus and travel thru Denali. Do we stay with one bus, is there more than one bus loop, are they hop on/hop off/wait for next bus type of thing like other National Parks? Do we need to make reservations for osmething? Any option other than bringing lunch? Any bathrooms? If it is a hop on/off bus, how do you avoid getting stranded in the Park with bears overnight - I have read here about full buses.

And then do you do the same thing Day 2, or go to Denali State Park as someone here suggested? Are there things to book separately like rafting or Ranger activities.

I really do understand how rural and huge the Park is - the size of my home state of MA and we have travelled to other NP - but having never been to Alaska I am having some problem getting a handle on this part of our trip.

We are family with 2 almost adult kids - we are walkers, not hikers, and level of adventurism ranges from none (me) to willing to try anything (17 year old dtr).

I'm no expert on the matter as I've only been there once -- but we were so glad we decided to stay 3 nights way inside the park at a Backcountry Wilderness Lodge. The trip all the way there and out again is a very long one, but worth it. And we had two great days inside the park that way doing various hikes and trips.

I honestly think if I were staying outside the park, I'd only do the park one day. Why go way in and then way out twice? But the other day would be wonderful if the weather is clear to do a plane or helicopter tour -- or to go elsewhere in the area. I just don't think I'd repeat driving into the park.

<b>Undecided as to whether or not to take regular bus thru Park or book something more private</b>

The 'shuttle busses' (regular busses) are less expensive and offer more options futher in the park, plus you can get off and do something on your own, then get on a different bus later. Technically these are 'shuttle' instead of 'tour' busses in that the drivers aren't obliged to give you a running tour, though most of them chatter on like a tour leader.

The Tundra Tour busses are similar but more comfortable and more expensive, and these are 'tour' busses in that you are provided a running commentary on the history and wildlife and scenery. You have to stay on these, they don't go as far into the park, and they are more expensive. Most of the people on these seem to be part of cruise ship packages bussed into the big hotels.

There is also a day trip to Kantishna Roadhouse Lodge which goes all the way to the end (about 95 miles) and has a sled dog show and lunch at the lodge.

<b>The way I see it, we get up early, have breakfast and then get on some sort of bus and travel thru Denali. Do we stay with one bus, is there more than one bus loop, are they hop on/hop off/wait for next bus type of thing like other National Parks?</b>

There is one gravel road into the park, about 90 miles to the boundary, another 6 or 7 to Kantishna ... so you sign up for a bus that goes say 45 miles (East Fork) or 66 miles (Eielson) or 90 miles (Wonder Lake), say 5 or 8 or 12 hours round-trip (these may not be exact but are basically the options).

So on the shuttle busses you can get on and off as you please, assuming there is enough space.

<b>Do we need to make reservations for osmething?</b>

When we've visited (late Aug - early Sept) the first few busses were filled ahead of time so it makes sense to have advance reservations for those. Busses leaving mid-day were typically not full and you could get tix for those when you arrive. The advantage of waiting is to check on the weather and not go out on a cloudy, rainy day; the advantage of buying ahead of time is you can get on the early busses.

<b>Any option other than bringing lunch?</b>

Going hungry ... no food sold inside the park, unless you are going all the way to Kantishna, where you can buy meals at the Roadhouse.

<b>Any bathrooms?</b>

Bathroom stops at Teklanika, Polychrome Pass, Eielson, Wonder Lake, Toklat ... some they hit on the drive out, some on the drive in. Usually every hour or less.

<b>If it is a hop on/off bus, how do you avoid getting stranded in the Park with bears overnight - I have read here about full buses.</b>

By law they cannot leave anyone stranded, even if they have to send out another bus for you. In practice you might have to wait 3-4 busses (say an hour) before you can find a seat ... with four people you may have to split up. Typically there is a late camper bus returning from Wonder Lake that almost always has room, and the late PM busses are rarely full going out, so have room to pick people up. Mid-day is when it can get crowded.

Bill

This URL should help with shuttle buses:
www.denali.national-park.com/visit.htm#bus

The shuttle buses are (for the most part) get-on, get-off. You will need to reserve your initial entry bus but, after that, you can get off and get back on wherever you want IF there is space on the bus. You will have to bring your own lunch and beverages. There are periodic back-country bathroom stops. You avoid getting stranded by making sure you don't miss the last bus of the day.

Day Two and Three can be spent by getting off the bus and doing a day hike in true wilderness. This will require more than the usual amount of planning, equipment, and preparation; so it isn't for the casual walker. Denali is, after all, a wilderness park, not a zoo or amusement park. If you want three days of being entertained by others, Denali is NOT the place to go to. If you want to visit a true wilderness where your enjoyment is from your own ability in the environment, Denali is hard to beat.

Thanks - this helps put it into a better perspective.