Denali National Park

Denali National Park's shuttle buses are perfect for the do-it-yourself traveler. They go 86 miles one way to Wonder Lake, pairing flexibility with low cost. You can get off anywhere, spend a few hours hiking, then catch another bus back to the park entrance - as long as a seat is available. Designated shuttle buses also accommodate campers, hikers, bikers, and all their gear.

The trips are not officially guided tours. Driver/guides are not required to provide commentary, but many of them do. Don't hesitate to ask questions. When you see a bear or a moose, just yell at the driver to "Stop!"

The buses here are far from luxury motorcoaches: they’re essentially converted school buses, and you’ll look forward to getting off. So where should you hop off? Depends what you want to do. Most riders are on the bus to experience the following:

WILDLIFE

Bear, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and tons of birds make their homes in Denali. Bring binoculars. And talk to the bus drivers; they know this road as well as anyone and can give you the inside scoop on where the wildlife is that day.

Mile 9. A great place to see moose, especially during fall rutting season.

Mile 34. Igloo Mountain—look for Dall sheep.

Miles 38-43 A bear habitat area

Mile 64 Thorofare Pass is a good place to find bear and caribou.

HIKING

Bring those hiking boots, because Denali is a great place to walk and hike.

Mile 53. The flat plain by the Toklat River makes for easy walking.

Mile 58. The soft alpine tundra makes for a comfy walk from here to the Eielson Visitor Center at mile 66.

Mile 66 Rangers at the Visitor Center lead one-hour walks on the tundra every day at 1pm, starting in mid-June. Start your bus trip by 9am to get here on time.

VIEWS

Words can barely begin to describe the views of nature along the road. Bringing extra film or memory cards goes without saying.

• Mile 9. The closest spot to the park entrance with a view of Mount McKinley.
• Mile 46. Top of Polychrome Pass, the most scenic point on the entire park road.
• Mile 58. Dramatic views of Mount McKinley start here.
• Mile 86. Gorgeous Wonder Lake, the closest road point to Mount McKinley. Its massive presence here makes it hard to believe it’s still 27 miles away.

GO ALL THE WAY

Some buses continue on to the very end of the park road, at Kantishna. If you want to experience an old mining town tucked deep into the wilderness, journey the extra half-hour.