Park Road
Park Road
4.6
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Scenic 90-mile roadway that winds through Alaska's Denali National Park.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- MyersFamilyTravelers170 contributionsWe had done the Denali Tundra tour the day before but wanted to try and see some more wildlife so hit the road in the morning. This is an approximate 16 mile drive to get you to the ranger station where you have to pay to continue into the park. The speed limit is 25-30 MPH, so you are in for nearly an hour round trip. We saw two moose and a caribou on our drive. We have talked to other people who say the best time to drive this road is early morning or late afternoon.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 11, 2024
- Natty Park TravelerAltoona, Pennsylvania323 contributionsWe took the transit bus tour as far as you could go on the road. Our driver was Tim And he was awesome. Very descriptive about things along the road, stopped for all kinds of wildlife, a moose, caribou, fox den, and ptarmigan. Then exited the bus for a hike at the end of the road, mile 43. Was worth it to have Tim as a driver.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 24, 2024
- MarkMNMinneapolis, Minnesota135 contributionsWe took the transit bus tour so we could go beyond mile marker 15. Our driver was Sandy and she was amazing. She was very knowledgeable and gave suggestions for hikes. We saw moose, grizzly bear, black bear and her cubs on the trip. We had hiked the Savage Alpine Trail and the Savage River trail the day before so we did not get off the bus to do more hiking. We enjoyed the scenery and once back at the depot decided to do a hike after all.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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FS11F
Novo Hamburgo, RS3,368 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This is the only road that runs through the park. From your private car, you can only go up to mile 15. Even so, we recommend driving through it several times, this increases the chance of seeing wildlife. If you want to go further than mile 15, we recommend taking the guided bus that goes beyond mile 40, increasing your chances of seeing wildlife, as well as going to points with less density of people.
Written September 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
allbog
Canton, OH37 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We visited Denali at the onset of fall. I highly recommend fall when the leaves are changing to yellow and red.
We did this drive several times over 3 days. If you want to see a moose, I suggest making this drive in the evening. They seemed to be more active at that time of day. We only saw moose and a porcupine. If you want to see bears, you’ll likely need to take the wilderness your beyond the 15 mile marker. Bears are in the area because we saw bear scat on the hiking trails, but we only saw them on the bus tour.
Even if you don’t see any wildlife, the views are spectacular, even if you aren’t part of the 30% fortunate enough to see Denali in the distance.
We did this drive several times over 3 days. If you want to see a moose, I suggest making this drive in the evening. They seemed to be more active at that time of day. We only saw moose and a porcupine. If you want to see bears, you’ll likely need to take the wilderness your beyond the 15 mile marker. Bears are in the area because we saw bear scat on the hiking trails, but we only saw them on the bus tour.
Even if you don’t see any wildlife, the views are spectacular, even if you aren’t part of the 30% fortunate enough to see Denali in the distance.
Written September 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UtahFlower
West Jordan, UT16 contributions
Jul 2020
I have been anticipating getting a Timed Entry Ticket into Denali National Park this year. The sight indicates that they are available 14 days prior and it used to provide an example of the rolling availability. Based on that date we tried for tickets. You must first be logged in to the recreation.gov. My husband and I were at two separate locations trying with two accounts. You also must watch the 4 minute video. We were on the sight 20 minutes prior and kept refreshing the site and putting in how many tickets- in our case we selected (1) ticket using an interagency pass. You click the date and nothing happens or changes. The calendar indicates it is "not yet available" but we kept trying from 11:50 am-12:30 pm. The zero with a line through it appeared when you try to select any date. I tried calling recreation.gov and chatting for clarification on the process but waited two hours with no luck. I called the Denali NPS for help and no one knew there how to do it. They just said they "sold out" in minutes. We also tried yesterday just in case with the same results. This website and process in infuriating and antiquated. There isn't any indication on the site if the tickets have sold out or not. Terrible process. Our only option now is to buy a bus tour at 3-4 times amount this ticket would've cost it.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nettie2010
Saint Charles, MO367 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We took the general admission (green) bus which was pretty interesting and informative and saw a moose right next to the road just a mile or two in. We enjoyed ourselves even though the weather was misty and overcast. Our favorite part was getting out at the end and walking 2+ miles to the rock slide, which is fascinating to see. Along the way, we saw a white, very woolly wolverine on the hillside above us! The only other place we might have considered walking is along sable pass where there are likely to be animal sightings but we didn’t do so because of the weather. If you do, be aware that you might have to wait up to an hour for another bus that has room for you to jump back on. Obviously this isn’t the experience we’d hoped for when starting to plan our trip 2 years ago but stuff happens in the national parks and you just have to roll with nature and enjoy it!
Written August 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Floyd G
Edina, MN103 contributions
Aug 2021
It's a long way - 90 miles - form the Park Entrance to Kantishna Road House on a mostly one lane gravel highway. The drivers are experienced and it shows on some of the passes - no guardrails and it's a long way down. We were fortunate to leave hours before the road closed for the season due to a landslide.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim T
Kenai, AK1,157 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
You do not need to pay an entry fee to drive the first 15 miles of the Denali Park Road. That portion is paved and you need to turn around before crossing the Savage River. There is a limit on vehicle size and towing a trailer on that portion is not recommended due to limited space at the turnaround. Quite often you will see moose, caribou and even bears while still on the pavement so keep all eyes open and watch for where other vehicles are stopped. The one thing you WILL NOT see from that section of the park road is Denali itself. So if you don’t have alot of time, take the short drive and hopefully you’ll be rewarded with some wildlife.
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronald M
Kingwood, TX88 contributions
Jun 2022
We had a party of 7 consisting of a 10, 11, and 12 year old, 2 40somethings, and 2 70 year olds. We went on the narrated Tundra wilderness tour. Honestly, we love things like this, but this was boring. It might have been partly because of the smoke from wildfires made the views just okay, we saw a few caribou, a dall sheep that was far away. The driver spotted it, and put it up on the screens, which was cool. I understand that they cannot control the wildlife, but even I dozed off, which is not my style. Now I also have to add that we only went to mile 42 because of the washed out road, but if the rest of the road is as boring as the first 42 miles, they should probably just not repair the road.
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Wanderer1992
Columbia, MD2,607 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
My husband and I got tickets for the 8 am East Fork transit bus. We bought them in advance and had no problems checking in. The bus left right at 8 am and did not wait for anyone who arrived late. The bus drives to around mile 43 where the road is washed out and turns around. You are able to get off the bus whenever you want and hop on another transit bus to pick you up. The bus drives on a paved road for the first 15 miles (cars are also able to do the first 15 miles) and then turns to gravel for the next 28 miles. The bus stops at restrooms. The driver does not have to talk, but ours did and even stopped for wildlife sightings. The entire ride is about 4.5 hours. The bus was uncomfortable. It had some scenic views. As for Denali, we did have glimpses of her. Based on research, better views come after the washed out road, which is unfortunate. We saw a few animals -- the easiest one to view without binoculars was a porcupine walking along the road.
Written July 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Plattonian
Fort Worth, TX837 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
You can only go 15 miles into the park if you are driving your own private vehicle. However, if you go on a tour, you can go as far as the road goes. We went up to mile 65. Got great views of the mountain since it was a clear day.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ghiatrain
Sharon, MA442 contributions
May 2021 • Family
I planned a last minute trip to Denali with my daughter and as a result was too late for bus tickets. That meant we were restricted to driving the first 15 miles to the Savage River Bridge. Still a beautiful drive and we had a clear view of Denali and observed some moose. Great park but try and get tickets to get the most of the journey.
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do the regular park buses have comfortable seats? I’m taking my 75 year old mom and 71 year old aunt and am debating if we should do a guided tour for more comfortable seats.
Written January 19, 2020
We took took a guided tour, from the park entrance all the way to Kantishna, and it was pretty comfy. Our driver was PHENOMENAL. We got a ton of info and he stopped alot. The trip was about 11 hours so that may be excessive for older riders, but it was a great time. Our driver was Chavez, he will make your trip worth it, regardless. My husband was against a guided tour, but this guy, man. He was as excited to be there as we were. In short, guided=comfy, but dont try the Kantisha Experience. It would be too long for them.
Written February 8, 2020
What's the difference in animal activity between the early (6:40am-3pm) versus the afternoon tour (1:40-9pm)?
Written July 27, 2018
The morning is absolutely better for seeing animals. In the summer, animals are m,ost active from about 11 pm to 8 am.
Written August 13, 2018
With the Eielson bus taking 8 hours round trip, that means it takes 4 hours to go 66 miles? If we want to do a full day hike from Eielson center, does that mean we have to sit on a bus for 4 hours to begin the day?
Written May 31, 2017
Yes. It'll be about 4 hours one way but there are rest stops during the way. Pack more food than you think and bring water.
Written May 31, 2017
Does the shuttle replace the tours or do you need to do both the shuttle and a bus tour.
Written February 17, 2017
Shuttle replaces tour. My shuttle driver was awesome. Gave narration, although they are not required to talk I think most do. Also stopped to let us take pictures. After my research it seemed like you were getting the same thing as the tours only for less money If you would happen to get a driver you don't like, hop off and wait for the next shuttle.
Written February 26, 2017
Fees for Park bus tour and how does one get there from McKinley Chalet resort ? Are they available on Sept. 19 and 20 ?
Written September 8, 2016
There is definitely a fee - depending on how far you are going anywhere from 25- 50 dollars if I recall correctly. I would to the Denali National Park website (NPS) and click on reservations and they can give you exact schedules. When we were there in August there were so many buses you couldn't keep track, and they were all full! Activity drops off some in September though.
Written September 8, 2016
It sounds like both the Tundra Wilderness "tour" and the shuttle tours stop for animals and some scenery. I'm guessing that the shuttles offer more flexibility if you want to get off, hike a trail, and then catch a different shuttle forward or back. Is this correct? If so, approximately how often do the shuttles come along? We are traveling early June.
Written April 19, 2016
Yes. You can keep it on your lap or there is an overhead bin. Sorry, but don't know if it would fit up there. The bin can hold a backpack.
Written May 31, 2017
I am wondering if we can take a car down the park road, or if we need to take one of the tour buses. Our trip is planned for early July.
Thank You,
Mary Jane Muchow
Written March 1, 2016
You can drive 15 miles into the park with your vehicle. There is a bridge and a ranger station, then you'll know you reached the end. You can drive 40 miles in but you'll need a permit (and it's usually for people camping). I'd go for the shuttle bus as it's cheaper than the tours. Plus, you can hop off anywhere and catch a return shuttle bus.
Written May 31, 2017
What are the different bus types of transportation in the park ? Do we have to make reservations? How much in advance can we make the reservations?
Written January 18, 2016
There are shuttle buses and tour buses. The former allows you to hop off anywhere and then catch any shuttle bus back. The tours are more in-depth and you're bound by the tour time. Go to reservedenali . com to book shuttles. Remember the farther you go out, the higher the cost. Also, pack more food than you think and bring water.
Written May 31, 2017
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