An awesome destination!
Written: Sep 01 '01
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Pros: Truly gorgeous scenery. Varied wildlife. Isolated.
Cons: Expensive to get to if you don't live in Alaska
The Bottom Line: Go in summer, daytime is 24-7! Can't wait to return myself.
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| rasiel's Full Review: Denali National Park and Preserve |
Alaska is on every would-be traveler's short list of places to see. And if you go to Alaska but miss Denali it's a bit like going to France but skipping Paris.
Most likely, people who come to visit will be doing so from Anchorage which is several hours' drive south. Luckily, the road conditions are the best for all of Alaska on this route. Not to say this is the autobahn but at least it's well maintained compared to the other roads which suffer from frequent potholes and heave frosts (undulating pavement damage caused by repeated freezing and thawing).
On the positive side, heading north from Anchorage/Wasilla there is little traffic even during peak season. The nearest town to the park would actually be Talkeetna and not "Denali Park, AK" as the epinion staff wrote (I don't think there's any such town). Even then Talkeetna proper is just a few houses and one big restaurant/souvenir shop. Normally you can take excursion tours starting here which take you far into the park system but we were unable to catch one. Words to the wise: if this is your intention plan ahead with a local travel agency to secure a bus seat. Flying stand-by is asking to be left out.
You can still drive your own car, which is what we did, but are limited only to the first 15 miles; beyond that point are allowed only the park's staff and the tour buses. However, you can go and walk as much as you want.
I was impressed by the variety of wildlife milling around. In one hour's time I saw bears, foxes, moose and even an uncomfirmed lynx (maybe bobcat?).
Here is a picture from halfway up a mountain we hiked. Notice the faint outline of the public road:
http://rasiel.com/wallpaper/800/Denali.jpg
Fairbanks is a great place to stay and gear up but, at over two hours' time drive, too far in my opinion to make it a starting-off base from where to go to and from daily.
If you have any more questions please email.
Ras
rasiel@rasiel.com
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: June-August
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview
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Epinions.com ID:
rasiel
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Location: Minneapolis, MN USA
Reviews written: 15
Trusted by: 0 members
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