Polychrome Pass in Denali
 

Is this the only scary area (riding on cliff edges) in the Denali Park? My group is torn whether to chance this shuttle ride or not. Is it as bad as Going to the Sun Road in Montana? I sure would like to hear your honest opinions. A shorter shuttle tour that would not go as far as Polychrome Pass doesn't seem worth it. Do you think?

It's not scary at all, you'll be on a bus with a professional driver who drives this daily every day during the summer.

If you're afraid of heights just look out the other window or down at the floor here and near Eielson (where it's just as steep) and while crossing Sable Pass.

Bill

Not only isn't the pass scary, you may see something incredible - like a golden eagle feeding an eaglet on the nest!

I am afraid of heights and the bus ride is scary because the road is narrow, windy, and it appears there's just a few inches margin before the cliff. With that said, I've been on the bus and enjoyed it every time! I just choose NOT to look at that side of the bus when we're so close to the cliff. I've not heard of any of the buses over over the edge. You are probably safer than in town and the drivers drive the same route every single day. Don't worry, enjoy yourself, and know that if it were so dangerous 1000's of people wouldn't safetly travel those roads every summer.

This is a pure drop off area and indeed frightening for some people. Especially on the return when you are on the outside edge. I was on a bus one trip, where someone, became extremely upset.

If a concern, I agree, don't look and get a drivers side seat on the way out of the park. This can take 10-15 minutes, depending how much you can tolerate. It slopes with a couple hairpin turns.

My opinion only, Polychrome Pass is a do not miss. Be prepared with distractions etc. so to make your trip comfortable for you.

I agree Polychrome Pass is a do not miss. It is not just a restroom stop, it actually has some trails for you to walk to a higher point to see the beautiful scenery. I afraid of height too but I totally trust the bus driver and also since only professional bus drivers can drive in the park, there's no crazy or careless driver on the road. Just look out at the scenery and don't look down.

I dont want to put a damper on the party here but for me the return through Polychrome Pass was sheer terror. Many people can say its not scary or its not that bad because for them its not. Looking away is easier said than done for some people myself included. But besides that looking back we wished we had gone to Wonder Lake not just to Fish Creek. If you are going to go, go all the way.
Cherie