Shuttle Bus Tours
Beyond the Savage River Check Station at Mile 15 of the park road, you’ll need to be on a bus, bicycle, or your own two feet. Shuttle buses travel to various destinations along the Denali Park Road, going as far as Kantishna at the road's western end.
Construction on the park road began in 1922, and it was completed to Kantishna in 1938. In 1972, construction of the George Parks Highway between Anchorage and Fairbanks made it possible for more visitors to drive to the park. The National Park Service established the shuttle bus system that same year, anticipating a dramatic increase in visitation with subsequent adverse impacts on wildlife.
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.
Both the Tundra Wilderness Tour (six to eight hours roundtrip during peak season) and the Denali Natural History Tour (five hours roundtrip) provide formal interpretive programs. Both tours provide a snack or box lunch and hot drinks.
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:
This 5-hour, fully narrated cultural history tour goes to Primrose Ridge at Mile 17. Includes a visit to the historic Savage Cabin and an Alaska Native interpretive program. There are three general departure times daily.
Tours six to eight hours in length to mile 53, Toklat River. Early morning & afternoon departures daily.
May 20th - September 14th
Tours 4-5 hours in length to mile 29. Early morning and early afternoon departures daily.
May 15th - 19th and September 16th - 20th weather permitting
 |
 |
|
Prices and Times |
|||
 |
Adult | Child |
Times |
|
Available May 20 - September 14, 2006 |
|||
| Denali Natural History Tour | $19.00 | $9.50 | Call for Times |
| Tundra Wilderness Tour | |||
| Teklanika Wilderness Tour | $19.00 | $9.50 | Call for Times |
| Prices do NOT include the $10.00 National Park Service entrance fee. | |||
Prices, tour dates, and taxes are subject to change without notice.
|
|
|
Alaska Tickets and Tours
PO Box 80606 Fairbanks, AK 99708
1-907-374-1999 or 1-866-374-1999 Toll Free
1-907-374-1313 Fax
Email us at tickets@alaska.comwww.alaskaticketsandtours.com
