Suggestions on Timing for Denali Shuttle Tour?
 

For booking shuttles (I'll be taking the 8 Hour, Eielson Shuttle), I've been told that the earlier you can book, the better, as you can see more wildlife. What do you think about this? Right now, I can book anything as early as 6:30AM all the way to 2:00PM starting time. I have my own vehicle, and can spend the whole day at the park.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

We (5 adults) just returned from Denali. We took the 6:30am bus because we wanted to be included in the 11 people ranger led hike at Eielson. Can't remember the time of the hike, but around noon. Well worth it as the ranger did a great job. Once you get off the bus hustle into the visitor center if you want to sign up for this hike. On the bus we saw grizzly bears, black bears, caribou, moose.

I would take the earliest but the NP has to see the most animals. If you are on the park service bus you can be more flexible as to when you return. Do pack a lunch, drinks, snacks, etc.

> the earlier you can book, the better,
> as you can see more wildlife

It is a fact of biology that wildlife slows down & retreats into the shade as our Sun gets higher in the sky. Thus, the earlier in the day you start the tour, the better the odds of seeing wildlife. So the above is correct.

Note the words "better the odds." You might see nothing at 6:30am while the 2pm tour sees twenty grizzlies. Denali is not a zoo, where the animals appear on schedule. This is both a problem & a joy of the place.

I was there the end of June-we did a 6 hour, I believe (to the end anyway and back) with 4 adults and a four year old which was very manageable and we saw EVERYTHING you could see. We left at 10 I believe; so it must have been a 6 hour- anyway, getting up God early in the morning is a bit ridiculous. Also- we had no problems just going and getting tickets but booking ahead is always smart.

When we were there it was overcast and foggy in the morning. Visibility was good in the afternoon.

HTtY