Please be aware...look carefully at the National Park Service reservation policy for campgrounds for 2005. 100% of the campsites in these campgrounds will be available by advanced reservation: Riley Creek, Savage River, Teklanika and Wonder Lake Campgrounds. If you are an independent camper, and want to camp in the Park Service operated campgrounds, you will want to call ahead as soon as you know of your arrival dates. Sanctuary and Igloo campgrounds will still be available as walk-in from the Visitor Center, but these campgrounds only accommodate a limited number of people, and are walk-in campgrounds , as is Wonder Lake.
If you find yourself without a reservation, please consider the private campground alternatives in Cantwell, Denali Park and Healy. These campgrounds also take reservations. Several choices can be seen on the accommodation web page. Other lodging options include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and cabins.
Reservations for the shuttle bus system or campground sites are strongly recommended prior to your visit. Online reservations opened December 1. Telephone reservations will open approximately February 15, 2004. However, approximately 35% of the seats on the transportation system into the park are available two days before the travel date and can be reserved in person at the park visitor center, or by phone and fax. Please don't hesitate to come to Denali National Park if you do not have your bus tickets reserved. This web page will attept to explain the National Park Service's reservation system to help you in your planning.
Reservations may be made in one of the following ways:
Entrance Fees: Please include an entrance fee of $10.00 per individual or $20.00 per family when mailing or faxing reservation requests.
Refund Policy: Shuttle and campground reservations may be canceled up to two days in advance. There is a $4.00 cancellation fee for each bus seat and/or campground site. This fee will also apply to any changes made to existing reservations, but will not apply to cancellations of reservations for children 12 and under.
Visitor Bus Departure Times for Advanced Reservations from approximately May 22 - September 16, 2005: Buses generally depart on the hour and half-hour between 7 AM and 2 PM. Shuttle Bus Fees and more information.
Shuttle Bus System Information and Fares
2005 fares to be added soon
The shuttle bus system is designed to provide access to visitors wishing to view remote areas of the park, access a campground, or deboard and go for a hike. Shuttle buses provide access to Toklat (6 hours roundtrip), Wonder Lake (11 hours roundtrip), and Kantishna (12 hours roundtrip).
The shuttle system offers a range of destinations that provide visitors an opportunity to select a trip tailored to fit their needs. Selected buses will turn around at the Toklat River to accommodate visitors on a tight schedule, or who wish to take advantage of the exceptional day-hiking opportunities east of Toklat. A large majority of the shuttle buses head to the popular Eielson Visitor Center and Wonder Lake sites. Limited service will be scheduled to the community of Kantishna to provide additional access to this remote historic area and its adjoining back-country units.
Trips on the shuttle bus are informal. The drivers will provide answers to your questions and assist you in spotting wildlife along the road. Formal interpretive programs are not provided. Rest stops along the park road are spaced at approximately one hour intervals. It is important to remember to bring along beverages and food as none will be available once your trip begins.
More formal interpretive program tours are available from the concessionaire, Denali Park Resorts. Transportation through the park to destinations in Kantishna are available through the lodging/resort companies located there.
Shuttle Bus Fees (includes reservation charge) Subject to Change |
||||
Miles One Way |
Roundtrip Time |
Adult Fare |
Ages 15-17 |
|
| Savage River Shuttle | 14 |
2 hours |
free |
free |
| Toklat | 53 |
6 hours |
$18.00 |
$9.00 |
| Eielson | 66 |
8 hours |
$23.00 |
$11.50 |
| Wonder Lake | 86 |
11 hours |
$31.75 |
$15.87 |
| Kantishna | 91 |
13 hours |
$34.50 |
$17.25 |
Ages 14 and under
All destinations are Free
Camper/Backpacker
(Age 18 and over): All Destinations: $23.00
Camper/Backpacker (Age 14 and under): All Destinations: $11.50
Teklanika Pass
Teklanika Campers Only (Unlimited Shuttle Bus Rides)
(Age 18 and over): All Destinations: $23.00
Camper/Backpacker (Age 14 and under): All Destinations: $11.50
In order to make the best use of the system, visitors should be aware of the following points. Reservations are required for all west-bound boardings except as noted below. Passengers may get off along the park road and reboard later buses (west of mile 20) on a space-available basis with a ticket valid for that day. Visitors with current back country permits may board buses west of mile 20 on a space available basis with a camper pass.Visitors may board eastbound on a space available basis. Please keep your ticket stub for the driver's inspection.Expect a one hour wait before reboarding buses along the park road.
When planning your trip to Denali, please remember, you may not drive your private vehicle past the Savage River at Mile 12 of the park road. The best way to experience the park is to get into it, either by using the transportation system, a tour, or by hiking and camping.