Denali Question

We're doing some inland exploring on our own after our cruise and hope someone can advise as to whether we need to pre-reserve the shuttle bus to Eielson during the first week of June. At this point, we think we know what day we're aiming for, but have no idea what time we'll feel like getting up, so don't want to commit ourselves to something we'll later wish we hadn't done. Thanks.

[Karen16]

I would never consider the shuttle bus without a reservation. They do hold back a certain amount of daily tickets but you can also have to wait a day or 2 for them to open up. I also always go on the first available shuttle. There are many advantages- mostly the possibility of open seats so you can have a single seat across from who you are going with. Big advantage to not have to look through the small bus windows over strangers. I also would never consider being in that area without lodging reservations. What are your other plans?? It is easy to plan time since there are so few roads and vast distances.

We were in the same situation last year May 31st and June1st and decided, based on advice here, to reserve out seats on the earliest shuttle as soon as we could, in late Jan I think. I talked by phone with the reservation mgr who faxed me the schedule for each day. We faxed our request to him, he faxed back our confirmation for 8:00am the 1st day and & 7:30am the second day. When we got there, we found out they had added earlier buses on both days. Our buses were fairly crowded, not every seat and not one per seat. Reaching over people or vis versa was necessary to try to get photos, especially when we had a grizzily right next to the bus. You can book your bus, and can later change the time or cancel up to two hours before each tour. You can probably get on without but might have to wait for the next bus or two. A schedule is available on the denali website under transportation, shuttle bus.

[Karen16]

I never reserve more than 30 days ahead. There are small penalities for changes. I believe $6 pp.

Thanks for your suggestions. We're actually renting an RV for ten days so our lodging and transportation is all arranged. We'll be faxing in the Denali shuttle reservation soon and then everything bookable is booked. After a year of planning, we're down to under 50 days! Can hardly wait.

[Karen16]

One bit of advice on RV campgrounds. In season they are packed, especially if using the state park system, you will need to be at the park's by afternoon to get a level (greatly desired) spot. This is also true at Riley Creek at Denali Park, there are a lot of "undesirable" sites, so if you end up in one be sure to try and move as people leave if you are staying for more than one night..