jheckley

I also found a tour that will be giving us more freedom on a back-road. http://www.alaska.org/detail/denali-highway-jeep-excursions

 

 

Unless you really want a guide, just rent a vehicle in Anchorage that can be driven on gravel roads. The Denali Highway is a fully maintained gravel highway, although services are limited (read mostly nonexistent).

There is also the option to get off the highway and into the backcountry on a 6x6 military truck. They travel down a historic mining trail, Stampede Trail, in the bush! https://www.travelalaska.com/Partners/StampedeExcursions/Displays/18DO6_Denali-National-Park.aspx

As part of my DIY pre cruise Alaska trip next June, I had just started thinking about visiting Denali this way instead of driving all the way there and spending 8 hours sitting on a bus. I will reconsider, especially after the cause has been determined.

There are a lot of flight options in the area and many flights that operate year round. This was a tragic incident but overall aviation in Denali is very safe. It is an absolutely wonderful way to see the park and the mountain. There are companies based in Denali (Healy, AK). That fly twin-engine aircraft, like Stampede Aviation, if you are looking for a little extra redundancy. My heart goes out to all those affected by the tragic event but I am so glad I was able to go flying!