The
shuttle bus system was established in 1972 after the completion of
the George Parks Highway. Having shuttle buses transport visitors
into Denali National Park and Preserve (then Mt. McKinley National
Park) helps to protect
the
natural resources. By using the park's shuttle system, visitors
actively support the National Park's Services mission of preserving
and protecting park resources for future generations while providing
a high quality experience to present day visitors. As added benefits
to the shuttle bus system, visitors now can enjoy viewing the park
without worrying about maneuvering a vehicle, and riding in a bus
enhances the chances of spotting wildlife. Visitors are sitting
higher than in a car and there are many pairs of eyes searching,
which increases the chance of seeing wildlife.
Some
general information to be aware of:
-
The
shuttle system gives visitors the option of getting on and off the
shuttle buses throughout their time in the park.
-
Beginning
at mile 20, a visitor can exit a bus to do some day hiking or
exploring, then return to the road when ready and re-board the next
shuttle (green) bus that has space available. During peak hours/peak
season this can be a wait up to an hour or more.
-
The
visitor must keep their ticket stub in order to re-board a different
shuttle bus.
-
Shuttle
buses stop approximately every hour and a half for a restroom break.
Bottled water is available for purchase at the Toklat rest area
(mile 53). No food is available for purchase after leaving the
Wilderness Access Center.
-
State law
requires children under the age of 4 and or less than 40 pounds, to
be in a car seat. Parents are responsible for providing appropriate
car seat.
- Smoking or consumption
of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on shuttle buses.
- Suggested list of
items to bring:
warm clothes, rainwear, walking shoes or boots, insect repellant,
camera and film, binoculars and personal medications as necessary.
Description of the shuttles
available:
Polychrome
This shuttle ride is
named after the area's multi-colored bluffs, Polychrome Overlook
offers spectacular views of the Alaska Range.
46 miles one-way, 5
hours round-trip
Click here to see pricing.
Toklat
Toklat River is an
area of merging glacial rivers and towering cliffs. Dall
Sheep are often seen and grizzlies sometimes graze the riverbed's
soapberries.
53 miles one-way, 6
hours round-trip
Click here to see pricing.
Fish Creek Turnaround
Fish Creek is
situated on the rolling tundra slopes of the Thorofare Valley.
On a clear day, this 8-hour shuttle bus trip into the park
affords outstanding views of Mt. McKinley, the Alaska Range, and
excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
63 miles one-way, 8
hours round-trip
Click here to see pricing.
Wonder Lake
Wonder Lake was
created by the Muldrow Glacier. Along the road alder and
willow-carpeted hills are dotted with kettle ponds.
86 miles one-way, 11
hours round-trip
Click here to see pricing.
Kantishna
Kantishna is
primarily a destination for lodge visitors and backpackers for
backcountry access. Please respect the private lands in
this area.
91 miles one-way, 13
hours round-trip
Click here to see pricing.