We took a bus trip into Denali park and had a great time we saw moose, brown bears Caribou and Dall sheep as well as other small wildlife saw 6 bears and 7 moose went in on a very nice day a bit cloudy but could still see a long way and then came back out in a snow storm. Cannot wait to go back
The bus drivers were VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE! My husband and I learner so much just when we were driving around and taking in the incredible scenery! They were very nice and helpful and full of interesting information on everything from the park's animals to its geology!
We've taken buses into Denali National Park numerous times and have never been disappointed. On some trips, especially the shorter ones to Savage River, we haven't seen a lot of wildlife, but the scenery is spectacular. We've been fortunate enough to see the mountain (Denali, or Mt. McKinley) many times, something that always thrills me. And the colors in the fall are brilliant. It's one of my favorite trips. Everyone should do this trip.
very scenic. narrow road with busy bus traffic and some scary passes with no guard rails. abundant wildlife along the way. great photo ops
We spent four full days at DNP and ended up booking the shuttle bus for two different days. The first to Eielson Visitor Center (about 8 hours round trip) on the first day. We looked ahead and the weather was supposed to be beautiful two days later and decided to book that day for the full ride into Katishna (12 hours round trip). Both days were great in their own way. The fall colors were amazing. We say several grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, an eagle and ptarmigan. We could not see Mt. McKinley the first day but had full beautiful views two days later on the second bus trip. Just breathtaking. We also saw (& heard) migrating sandhill cranes at Wonder Lake during the second bus trip. As mentioned in other reviews, pack your own water and food for the day. The rest stops seem enough. It is nice to have some extra time at Eielson to stretch your legs and walk around a bit. You can take another bus back if you want extra time there. The views after Eielson VC are amazing and worth the extra time to go further into the park. However, if Eielson is all you have time for; it is still worth doing at least this one. The road is tight in some spots with hairpin turns. We had great drivers both days (Craig and Sheryl). They were informative about the area and animals and seemed proud of this beautiful place. We felt it was worth doing the bus ride twice as it seemed like two totally different experiences. However, we had the time to do so. Even the weather changed as it snowed in the mountains in between. The same walk around Eielson the second trip was with a light dusting of snow on the ground. The fall colors just seemed better the second time.
I visited in the spring, when the park road was open to cars up to a certain mile marker. It was AMAZING. The beauty in Denali is indescribable. Driving the road allows you to stop and take in all of the breathtaking views. I was initially concerned about making the trip to/from Anchorage in one day, but it was incredible and I am grateful for the experience.
Except for wolves we saw just about every animal that lives in the region, close up. One grizzly walked up to the bus then stayed in front of the bus as we drove a half mile or so. The views along the way with Denali at the end are something unforgettable. Some places along the narrow road are really scary. Worse coming back than going as returning the bus rides the edge of the road with a look a long way down over the edge. But the drivers are pros with years of experience.
I was there on 9th Sept, just the day before they close down the park for the end of the season.I took this shuttle to Eieilson to enjoy the most of the park in a day. I believe it's the best option if you only have a day.But it's rather long since you send 4hours to arrive at eieilson center and 4hours to go back.Also you don't want to get off since it's a long journey. Our bus had still room for 3, 4 people we picked up on our way. So we couldn't get off but for how long !!! Since you need some time to walk around and plan to get in a bus shortly after.I took the bus at 9.30am and saw all the animals we should see: moose, grizzly, squirrel, alaskan bird, fox, dall sheep, caribou.We also could see very clearly the Mt McKinley.Definitely the best option for a 1 day trip.If you forget to buy food and drink for the trip, there are some (not a lot) at the visitor center.
We had to get up really morning for this. We were on a tour and we did see some grizzly bears, although not too close to the bus. We also saw a lot of other animals and overall enjoyed the tour. We had great views of Mt. McKinley, which I am told one can only see about 30% of the time, so we were lucky.
I was working in the park as a volunteer and was lucky enough to have an all-access road pass in Denali. Drove the whole road from the visitor's center to Wonder Lake over a ten-day period. During that time, went bike riding on at least 25 miles of the road. Saw so many animals and heart-stopping views. This is not to be missed, but I'm not so sure I'd want to do it via the park busses which can be crowded and noisy. Here's what I'd recommend: Take a mountain bike into the park. Bike as far as you can into the park, depending on how strong you are. Bring plenty of gear for all weather and lots of food. At the end of the day, catch a bus back and put your bike on it. Know what to do if you see a grizzly or a moose (park has helpful videos on this though you'll forget everything they say when it actually happens.) Bike ride of a lifetime. Don't even need a car. DO IT!!