Husband and I are considering a trip to Alaska in 2019. The tour starts in Anchorage and spends time in Denali, Kennicott, Knik Valley, Seward, then back to Anchorage for a 11 day tour. Our question is what time in May/June is the best time to see animals and maybe their young ones. The last time we went to Alaska several years ago, we went in late May and saw young grizzly bears which our guide said the time that they come down from the mountains! Is it better to go on May 21, May 28, or June 11. Need to consider the weather too.
I'll have more questions later.
Margo

Is this a guided tour, and if so, with whom? With that outline itinerary I would give very strong consideration to planning a self-driving tour; in my view you could see a lot more and probably save money in process, without the regimentation of a group tour.

Is May/June non-negotiable? Any chance you could do the trip later in the summer?

We went June 15 some years ago and full road within Denali had just opened 2 days prior to tours due to roads and weather. May is too cold. We saw lots of baby animals in Denali.

We went late June for two weeks and had perfect weather, bears, etc.

May is too early for sure, early June is probably too early as well. I'd plan on late June at the very earliest. Late July/early August if you can.

The later the better...May is too cold and unpredictable. Each of our three visits have been in July...absolutely gorgeous weather.

I liked late June/first week of July best. Flowers were blooming. Salmon started running in Russian River (it's fun to watch fishing). Net fishing in Kenai/Soldotna area. Forest Fair at Alyeska/Girdwood. (great combination of food, crafts and locals).

Thanks for all your comments. We have decided to take the June 11 tour. I hope the wildflowers are in bloom and the salmon are running upstream.
Margo

That is still pretty early