Denali National Park - Alaska

Elmer and I are thrilled to announce the launch of our travel agency franchise, and we would be honored to assist you in creating unforgettable travel memories. For those who know us, you know how much we love to travel, and now we're excited to share that passion with all of you.

 

 

A fantastic way to experience the park is by adding a rail tour before or after a cruise. This allows you to immerse yourself in the unique port towns along the coastal/interior passage on the cruise ship, while also exploring the breathtaking interior of Alaska.

 

 

During our week-long stay, we were fortunate to witness the grandeur of this always snow-covered peak from different vantage points. Denali itself is the crown jewel of the park, creating its own weather and occasionally hiding behind cloud cover. Patience is key, but even if you miss it in the park, Denali can be visible from as far away as Anchorage on clear days. Tour buses often stop along the highway between Anchorage and Denali, as guests capture photos of this stunning mountain as soon as it comes into view.

 

 

 

There is only one road into Denali National Park and the park entrance is about halfway between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Both Princess and Holland America offer beautiful and comfortable lodging near the park entrance.  Most of the park road is only accessible by tour bus, which means wildlife in the area are accustomed to the buses and mostly pay no attention to them. The bus drivers will stop to make sure everyone gets a chance to see any wildlife that's spotted. Keep an eye out for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, as well as many small mammals.  On rare occasions there will be a glimpse of the elusive wolf. And of course everyone is trying to spot a grizzly bear!  You just never can tell what you'll see on your visit, but as we rounded a curve riding in a tour bus the last day we were in the park, there was a grizzly walking down the road right toward us!  The driver stopped to give it the right-of-way.  It kept walking toward us, only stepping off the road to walk around us, then continued on without another glance.  Everyone was glued to the windows holding their phones or cameras to capture photos of this magnificent animal at such close range!

 

We watched this moose graze along the side of the road for quite some time.

The visitors' center near the park entrance is a must-visit, offering excellent exhibits and films that delve into the park's rich history. Ranger-led hikes of varying difficulty levels start from the center, and don't miss the sled dog program – an enlightening experience showcasing the park's winter operations. Since much of Denali is designated as federal wilderness area, motorized vehicles are prohibited in those areas and the dogs are used to check on the backcountry in the winter.  As long as any of the dogs approach you, you are welcome to pet them and give them belly scratches.

Some of them were getting a nap in before the sled dog demonstration!

 

 

 

While there was a landslide in 2021 affecting part of the park road, the closure won't hinder your experience. "The Mountain," as Denali is fondly called by locals, can be visible as early as Mile 9 if the weather allows. The  43 miles of breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters make the journey well worthwhile.

 

Beyond the sightseeing, there are plenty of adventures to embark on – from river floats, white-water rafting, and hiking to helicopter and small plane excursions offering close-up views of Denali.

 

If you're eager for more information or want to see additional photos, feel free to reach out. You can call us at 901-501-6693 or email linda.nelms@cruiseplanners.com. Let's turn your Alaska dreams into reality – find your someday!