Denali National Park

“I'm planning on spending a couple weeks there this summer and or the next, and was woundering how many of you have been there. If so, any advice would be helpful. Thanks!”

“I've never been there, drove past it in the middle of the night last Feb. and have flown by it a couple of times. I have heard the St. Park offers less crowds and similiar views then the main park. I would be prepared crowds and lines waiting for campsites and bc permits. I would look into that online registration/reservation or call. Sooner the better and bring your money.”

“AP --

Was in Denali for 3-4 days back in '92. Over the summer solstice.

Get up early. The school bus (at least in '92) was on a first come first serve basis, as was back country availability.

Be prepared for mosquitos. I know it seems obvious (esp. if you live in AK), but man oh man. Stepped off the school bus during a rest break about half way to WOnder Lake and the jsut swarmed. THICK. BLACK CLOUDS. WILD.

They require a bear canister and will rent them to you.

They do not lend a lot of advicve (if any) as to where to go, what to see, what hikes might be nice etc. Coming from out East i was unprepared and somewhat pissed off by this laize faire attitude. I wanted to be directed to "the best" hiking spots, "the best views", "the best camping spots" etc. The rangers were deliberately evasive. The theory is, that by directing traffic to certain areas they would create a human impact problem. By leaving you to simply guess where to go, it results in a bit of randomness. I am sure that there must be books or resources (other than me) that can give you a few ideas of where try to head.

They do close backcountry areas on an as needed basis. eg If there is a grizzly or wolf kill in the area or other significant predetor activity that would be best to avoid.

Saw Dall sheep, grizzlies, moose, marmots, caribou, fox etc. No wolves.

Wonder Lake is, of course, Wonder Lake. We were lucky enough to see the mountain. Kodachrome pass (on the road in) is amazing. We base camped and did day hikes. One ranger guided hike so we could learn more about the flora.

****Stop at Talkeetna on your way up. Get a flight up onto the Ruth Glacier Something something Ampitheatre. It was $360 ($90 to each of us). Without question the best $90 I have ever spent in my life. Flying into the moutain was the most spectacular, amazing thing I have ever done. **Bonus: my future step mother in law puked on the way out (we were flying low following the moraine and swamps looking for bear and moose).”

“"Flying into the moutain was the most spectacular, amazing thing I have ever done."

Did the plane explode when it flew into the mountain? Is that when you future step mother puked?”

“BaSO4 --

When you have flown a plane directly into a wall of ice, snow and granite . . .you will know what I mean. Until then, consider yourself unfulfilled.”

“Which is the best hiking season for Denali? Is there a season like 'After The Winter But Before The Mosquitos'?

What sort of sleeping bag would it need (concerning temperatur ratings)?”