Thanks for all the feedback, Karen and for sharing your experience with Denali Air! Please note: due to Denali Park Road maintenance, the 2022 Tundra Wilderness Tour will travel 42 miles one way with a turnaround at the historic Murie Cabin at East Fork River; the return journey affords the opportunity to view the rugged landscape from a new angle. The Pretty Rocks Area has been a frustrating part of the park road for years; while the road used to slump about 1-2 inches per year before 2014, that rate has increased such that the road was slumping over one inch every two hours in 2021. This means that no bus tours will go beyond Mile 42 in 2022 (and possibly 2023), and has created substantial changes in the options available for Denali bus tours in 2022. However, this will add a considerable cost to the already-spendy stay, so wont work for most Alaska travelers. I assume they plan to open for the 2023 season and may offer a fly-in/out package for guests. ( i mean, we wouldnt loose our place, if other people decided to get up on it?). Using the transit bus? I know this as I am a Tundra Wilderness Tour Driver. These buses typically run campers and hikers into various parts of the park, but those who want a more budget-friendly, less touristy option can take them in and out of the park too. This tour offers wonderful diversity for visitors. Finally, a stop at Primrose Ridge to experience a memorable Alaska Native presentation that will enlighten you with how the land has been used for nearly 10,000 years! Sign up with your email and we'll keep you posted on what's going on Just discovered Kantishna Air Taxi will not be operating in 2022 I forgot to mention we will be traveling in early June. 19952022, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge on the Kenai River, Alaska, Build Your Own Alaska Cruise Land Tour: South From Anchorage, Alaska Railroad: Everything You Need to Know to Plan the Perfect Cruise Tour, Denali Tundra Wilderness Bus Tour Excursion Review (Photo: Chris Gray Faust/Cruise Critic). Exact departure times will be assigned 48 hours prior to the scheduled tour date. Additional information can be found on the tour dates page here. Ive taken the Denali bus tours more times than I can count, and have even driven into the park with my family when we won the Denali Park Lottery one year. Particularly, there were a few selfish people and families who decided not to comply despite repeated verbal reminders from our driver-guide. First of all, no, you wont see the aurora that early in the summer. After completing an online reservation, you will be sent an electronic ticket, which lists your departure date and either morning or afternoon tour. In an effort to preserve the fragile ecosystem of Denali National Park and Preserve, the National Park Service has limited access on the Park Road for private vehicles. Finally, stop at Primrose Ridge to experience a memorable Alaska Native presentation that will enlighten you with how the land has been used for nearly 10,000 years! But I dont want anyone to book this thinking theyll be in the National Park or have that same experience, so I still recommend (also) booking the Tundra Wilderness Tour. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. My husband and I will be visiting Alaska April 26th through May 3rd of this year. Tickets with the exact departure time must be picked up the night before the tour at the activities desk of the assigned departure location. Primrose Ridge offers a great view of Denali on a clear day, making it a perfect tour for those who are especially keen to see the mountain but less concerned with spotting wildlife. Spend time on a short hike, visiting with a National Park Service Ranger, or exploring the exhibits during your stay. Driving a bus through the national park is a primo job in the Denali area, and Glen has been doing it for 15years. A bottle of water and a snack pack are included with this tour. Pre-booking your boxed lunches can be done at Denali Park Village Lodge. Your driver/naturalist will provide a great introduction to the landscape, geology, and history of Denali National Park and Preserve aboard the Denali Natural History Tour. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Thanks for reading, Sharon. Ive never flown with K2 so I cant speak to that experience but I would reach out to them and ask specifically what percentage of times they actually do the summit tour. Thank you for your help concerning our questions. When I win the lottery in the next few months, this is what Ill be planning for Mr. V and me, on our next trip! The Denali Natural History Tour focuses on the rich natural and cultural history of Denali National Park. Thanks. Along with confirmation and/or tickets, please present photo ID with pass to obtain National Park Service Entrance Fee Refund. Wow, you have a glaringly rude attitude and are afraid to put your own name on your comment. and when they do ( i know it is driver dependant) they wait for the people that were on them right? Please check your welcome packet upon arrival to confirm the exact tour departure time. Wheelchair accessible buses are available upon request when you make your reservation, and all stops are wheelchair accessible. So read on: discover the different Denali bus tours available in 2022, which ones are worth it, and even a few alternatives to help you see Denali National Park in a completely different way. NOTE: As of February 2022, Kantishna Air Taxi has cancelled their 2022 season. You can use ABTA's approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process if you have a complaint that is not resolved. The buses do not have restrooms; however, rest stops are made approximately every 90 minutes. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Id do the bus tour then flightseeing so you get to travel the road, then fly above it! Enjoy all the benefits of a Tundra Wilderness Tour while also exploring the Eielson Visitor Center. so you might end up booking that tour and not actually doing the summit flight anyway. Beginning with a stop at the Denali Bus Depot, learn about the creation of the Denali Park Road with the film Across Time and Tundra. Next, visit the historic Savage Cabin to learn how the cabin was once used, and how it continues to be used today. Hi! If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request. On our 6.5-hour tour, we saw bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep four of Denalis Big 5. Tours range from 4-5 hours to 11-12 hours, offering an option for everyone, depending on how much time you have in Denali. From your hotel or lodge, you board a school bus-style vehicle that takes you into the national park. In addition, the team that owns Kantishna Air Taxi also owns Skyline Lodge in Kantishna (Mile 90 on the Park Road). Warm clothes,rain gear, camera and film or memory card, binoculars and personal medication as necessary. 6294). Not only will you explore areas you cant see while driving yourself, but youll get the added benefit of hearing about the parks history and geology, as well as its flora and fauna. Let me know in the comments! We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. For rates, operational dates, and important information, please click here. You can book the Denali Tundra Wilderness tour through your cruise line -- Princess includes it on its Connoisseur tours fares -- or on your own. Thank you Valerie, that is really helpful we are in Denali 2-5 September so maybe the early tour may be better do you think? Guests were able to choose what length of bus tour they wanted based on what they hoped to see, ranging from 3 to 12 hours in length. I first took the Glacier Landing Tour from Fly Denali in 2007 while working for Holland America Line in Denali. Travel to the very end of the Park Road and backall 92 miles. The people at Fly Denali were nice and transferred my money over to Denali Air and we got to do flightseeing tour which didnt land on a glacier, but did a 360 around Denali. The snack box was very good. However, Id keep checking in the coming weeks last summer they had to do a second round of hiring to meet demand and released a ton more dates/tours in late May to meet summer demand. Finally, a stop at Primrose Ridge to experience a memorable Alaska Native presentation that will enlighten you with how the land has been used for nearly 10,000 years! The DNHT is offered from May 12 to September 15 in 2022, and costs $104 for adults and $44.50 for children. Explore the park with a certified naturalist guide. Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. A tour on the Park Road is the best chance to see Alaska's Big 5; bears, moose, caribou, dall sheep, and wolves. (My only complaint was that the mask mandate was not strictly enforced on the bus tours, despite National Park Service requirements to do so. 5 - 5 1/2 hours, depending on weather and road conditions, Comfortable, modified school bus with coach seating. Several interpretive stops enhance the experience with an hour of off-bus experiences. I am going in August and have time for 2 tours. Before wrapping up this post, I want to very clearly state which Denali bus tours are not operating in 2022: Additionally, the Denali Park Lottery which allows private vehicles to traverse the Park Road in late September each year will be limited in 2022. Hi Valerie. If youre wondering whether the Tundra Wilderness Tour is still worth it with the road closure, Ive shared my experience riding this shortened route in September 2021 in the next section. This extended tour follows the same path as the Tundra Wilderness Tour, but instead of turning around at Mile 62, youll have the chance to visit the Eielson Visitor Center at Mile 66. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Tour Times and Pickup Locations are assigned approximately 48 hours prior to actual tour date. Not sure if there is one that is picked up first or anything that you know. Seeing Denali itself isn't a guarantee, as North America's highest mountain is often shrouded by clouds. Denali isnt a winter destination unless you want to go in by skiing or dog-sledding. The bus stops about every 90minutes for restroom breaks, and you're given a snack pack for the ride (people often buy box lunches at their hotel or lodge to supplement). The New Denali Backcountry Adventure (2022 Only? Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS WTIHOUT A PARK TOUR: This comprehensive full-day tour travels deep into Denali National Park for the best possible wildlife, Denali, viewpoints and a host of magnificent vistas. *All properties in Kantishna can receive fly-in visitors thanks to Kantishna Air Taxi (more on that below). If you take an early morning tour, you should get back in time to do another late afternoon excursion, particularly in the summer when the sun sets late. There isnt a set schedule, and there no assigned seats they pick up people as they have seats available, so if you get off the bus and other people get on before you get picked back up, there may not be seats for you. This tour offers wonderful diversity for visitors. Are there alternate roads to get to Fairbanks in a reasonable amount of time. I guess someone else had that problem and you said to keep checking since they might add more. 3900 Arctic Blvd, Ste 304
If you are wheelchair confined, you must note it at the time of booking. Do you know if the East Fork bus ($30) stops at all for wildlife/pictures/bathroom or does it just go straight to Mile 43? I hope that all helps! Thanks for reading, Cheryl! They dont offer a glacier landing tour, but have a number of other flightseeing routes to get you up close and personal with the mountain. Morning tours generally depart between 5:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Terms of Service apply. After first publishing this post, I was tipped off to a new bus tour that will be offered in 2022 (and possibly beyond, though Im not sure!). By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Denali Tundra Wilderness Bus Tour Excursion Review, Help Ukrainian Families in Need: World Central Kitchen Donation Match, Alaska Cruisetours: 6 Things You Need to Know. Learn More >, Alaska Tour & Travel
We are interested in a flightseeing tour, with the landslide road closures in the park is it still worth driving into the park or perhaps just stopping in Talkeetna, doing a fly over and seeing some of Denali State Park instead? "Incredible! And theres a very good reason why: the road is closed beyond Mile 43 in 2022. A ranger is available 9 am4 pm daily (except on major holidays). Thanks for reaching out, Linda. Tour drivers, educated and trained as interpretive naturalists, provide colorful information about the land and its animals. To be honest, Rachel, its probably sold out. but I also know that the TWT is the best way to see the mountain and wildlife in Denali National Park. NOTE: Exact departure times are based on tour demand and will be provided to you within 48 hours of departure. Several interpretive stops enhance the experience, with an hour of off-bus experience. Thanks so much! Thank you! So is the Tundra Wilderness Tour still worth it, despite the road closure? Denali Bus DepotPark Rd, Mile 1Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755. Greetings; Our family is coming to Denali in July and I just have a couple of questions. Were planning about 7 days in Alaska. It depends a lot on the driver as to how much or how long they stop for wildlife. The bus comes with a video camera on the front, and Glen quickly turned it on so we could follow the little fox's movements. Readers' Choice Awards: Best Cruise Itineraries. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. With regard to the differences between them, the two flight routes approach the mountain from different angles; I prefer the flight form Healy (Fly Denali) since it follows the Park Road and thats fascinating to me. IT really all depends on the weather so its impossible to predict what your flight route and experience will be! We recommend reserving the tour in advance, as it does sell out. This is a beautiful structure built into the mountainside to better fit into its surroundings, and youll get off the bus and explore. During the tour, your driver-guide will narrate the tour, point out wildlife, and take plenty of stops for photos and bio breaks where facilities are available. Ive introduced many people ex-boyfriends, my college best friend, and my husband (Mr. V) to Denali over the years, and never get tired of visiting. Transit buses are not narrated, so you wont get the same experience as the tour buses. Agents at the Denali Bus Depot can answer any final questions you have about your trip. You can make your reservation online or in person at the Denali Bus Depot. They have been very helpful in planning for our trip in late July! Contact the tour bus company for more details. If that tour is gone, would it be worth it to take the non-tour bus there? Animal sightings include brown and black bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolves, snowshoe hares, lynx, arctic fox, porcupines and more.. was the best way to grab his attention. All Rights Reserved. If you have an entrance pass already (e.g., a Senior Pass), le. This is a unique opportunity to experience the old gold-mining town of Kantishna and learn about Denalis history in the Gold Rush, as well as its role in the formation of Interior Alaska. This tour offers wonderful diversity for visitors. Ive never flown with them so I didnt include them, simple as that . Once you arrive at Denali National Park, you can take this electronic ticket to the Denali Bus Depot, up to three days prior tour departure date, and exchange it for your bus ticket and confirmed departure time. Last question: Are mask required on either of these trips? Whats the option for me now? No matter which bus tour you choose, be sure to book in advance bus tours and transit buses sell out! Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Thanks so much! If you ever talk with me in person about Alaska, youll quickly realize its true; I am passionate about protecting the park and believe everyone should visit it at least once and preferably more than that! The Tundra Wilderness Tour will guide you along the spectacular road corridor, promising different experiences every day, as Denalis wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. Afternoon tours depart between 1:30 PM and 4:50 PM. We're glad we did, as it was a bit of a mad dash for a window seat. Before jumping into the specific details of Denali bus tours this coming year (2022), I wanted to list all of the available bus tours in Denali during a normal year. Most stop, but narration is limited if it happens at all on the East Fork Bus. All pass holders prepaying the National Park Service Fee will be entitled to a refund. Would you recommend the early morning bus tour or the the lunchtime tour to see the wildlife or are they both about the same. I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. If you have a need for a wheelchair seat on your tour, please call. Do you think it will be visible at that time? The Tundra Wilderness Tour will guide you along the spectacular road corridor, promising different experiences every day, as Denalis wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass, and braided wash of the East Fork River. First of all, its called Stone Dome and its on the map from the National Park Service as a stop/turnaround at Mile 56 (source). Thanks for reading, Sarah. Incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road, and some of the best opportunities to view the parks wildlife inhabitants await you on this tour. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Cheryl. Privacy Policy and
A ranger is available 9 am4 pm daily (except on major holidays). It's far preferable to bite the bullet and get up early, as the animals are more active in the mornings (or conversely, in the evenings). Several interpretive stops enhance the experience with an hour of off-bus experiences. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? The TWT is available from May 20 to September 15 in 2022, and costs $128 for adults and $56.50 for children.Click here to book. 2-5 day small ship explorations. If you get to the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller. But, there are reasons this iconic experience is a must for travelers into the Alaskan interior. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. Rest stops and opportunities to take photos are made every 1-1.5 hours. Sincerly Cynthia Lucksted, Cynthia, thanks for reaching out. Do you have a reason for not mentioning this great company? The Tundra Wilderness Tour is the premier tour of Denali National Park and Preserve! Even the shortest tour will give you a great flavor for the park and provide lots of wildlife-spotting opportunities; longer tours add gorgeous spots like Wonder Like and the fascinating old gold-mining town of Kantishna. Click here to book. Even the most entertaining driver can become grating after eight hours. I generally dont love school bus tours either, but I think this is one of those must-dos the flights are cool, but theres nothing like being on-the-ground in Denali, spotting wildlife, experiencing the vastness of the space. Me and my best friend are going to Alaska next month and we are so excited! Hi Valerie Thanks for all the info. Superb wildlife and mountain viewing opportunities. Because the bus takes the same road both ways, there's no real advantage to what side of the bus to sit on, but you do want to score a window. If youre willing to put your real name on your comment to verify why youre the true and ultimate expert, Ill approve your next comment. The first Denali bus tour available is the Denali Natural History Tour (DNHT), a short version thats perfect for those who cant sit for extended periods of time but still want to explore a bit further into the park than the 15 miles you can drive a private vehicle. ALERTS IN EFFECT: Please read for the latest information. Denali is an absolutely stunning parkfull of amazing wildlife and unforgettable scenery. A light snack and bottled water is provided, but passengers should bring additional food as there are no concessions available in the park. I think this is the best way to see Denali hands-down, and Im not the only one; click here to read some quotes from other folks I recommended book with Fly Denali in the past. It's often said that 30percent of visitors to Denali will actually see the mountain; Glen posited that the figure was much less, closer to 20 or even 15percent. And of course, not driving also allows you to fully focus on the beautiful landscape and keep an eye out for wildlife. Mr. V and I took the tour again in 2021, and even 14 years later, its still the most awesome experience we had (in my opinion anyway!). In this post, you mention that the part of Denali you see is different if you do the Fly Denail vs. the K2 trip from Talkeetna. Bring a camera and binoculars. Of course, youll also learn about the parks general history, along with its geology and wildlife, as you drive the length of the Park Roadplus, youll also stop at Wonder Lake, where youll be joined by a National Park Service Interpretive Ranger for a private tour of this gorgeous area. A small snack and bottled water are offered on this Alaska land tour. But, the star of the show ended up being much smaller. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. GUEST UPDATES: Please read for the latest updates on closures impacting our operations. The Tundra Wilderness Tour will guide you along the spectacular road corridor, promising different experiences every day, as Denalis wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. Valerie, your blog is very informative, I appreciate that.
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