Tours offered in Denali

[Bell Ringer]

I believe the Tundra Wilderness Tour is the day long tour on glorified school busses. Am I close?

The Natural History Tour is only a half day tour and doesn't go far into the Park...

Then I saw another tour called Discover Denali. What is that?

Pros and Cons as well as any details describing the tours, please. Thanks for any information.

[Glaciers]

This is quite old but have to think it still applies regarding the Discover Denali Tour.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=815608

[Bell Ringer]

After reading that, hope that it's all pretty close to the situation now. If anyone else has personal knowlege , I would appreciate any iformation to clear up my mind.

[mapleleaves]

You can take a tour or a shuttle into the park. There is only one road to follow. The Denali reservation site is the best source for information. The map indicates the names of popular stops so that you will be aware of how far the bus travels in relation to the entire 100 miles of park road.

Shuttle bus: http://www.reservedenali.com/shuttles.aspx

Tour bus: http://www.reservedenali.com/denali-tours.aspx

 

Tundra Wilderness Tour goes to Mile 53, 8 hr, $113

Eielson shuttle goes to mile 66, 8 hr, $34

 

The Natural History Tour goes to Mile 17 for $75

Savage River shuttle goes to Mile 15 for free.

 

The Park web site: http://www.nps.gov/dena/siteindex.htm where you will find info on the free sled dog demo, hikes, trails, etc

 

The Park or it's concessioner does not offer a Discover Denali Tour. If there's such a thing, it doesn't go into the park and probably offered by a cruise company

[Bell Ringer]

Thanks Mapleleaves. We are just starting to plan for a group tour and cruise , so you are helping me.

[mapleleaves]

Based on your intial comment about a 'day long tour on a glorified bus', it doesn't sound like you're candidates for Wonder Lake at Mile 85. :)

The shuttle to Eielson Visitor Center (EVC) at Mile 66 seems to be a happy medium for folks who are concerned about a long bus ride. It only takes about 4 hrs to get to the EVC, stops at a restroom every 90 minutes, stops for all wildlife sightings, stays at the Visitor Center for about 30-40 minutes, then returns to the entrance. At the EVC there are exhibits, trails, rangers, and a great view of the mtn if it's out. A nice place to have your picnic lunch. A lot of people nod off on the return trip ( until folks start yelling for the driver to stop for wildlife).

[alabama ghost]

Just back from trip to Denali and the Eileson Shuttle. It cost us $45pp though, but a bargain for an 8 hour tour. I think that included the entrance fee.

 

We left at 9am, there at 8:30 to be first in line to board. Limited animal sightings on the way out, but many on return including grizzlies, moose and caribou close to the bus. Wonderful driver with lots of commentary, very knowledgeable. Lots of stops for animal sightings and bathroom stops about every hour or hour and a half.

 

Bus not that uncomfortable, considering we were on it for almost 8 hours. Just be sure and take your lunch and drinks.

 

Great trip!