Quick Denali shuttle bus question

I am about to book our shuttle bus for June 2nd and see the first one is at 6.30am followed by one at 7.00pm. Should we be aiming to catch that first one (which is no problem as we are early risers) or is the 7.00am one ok?

We will be driving to the park from Healy - is there easy parking near where the shuttle bus leaves from?

Quick Denali shuttle bus question

This is a never-ending ';debate.';

Either is fine but it really depends on what you want to do in the park. If you want to get off the bus and have more time to hike, the earlier bus is better. Many claim the wildlife is more active earlier in the morning, though I really don%26#39;t think 1/2 hour makes that much difference.

Of course you are aware that the buses only operate to Eielson on June 2nd. I would definitely take the bus that far. There is some excellent relatively easy hiking near Eielson. And/or you can get off the bus on the way back anywhere that suits your fancy and hike there too.

John

Quick Denali shuttle bus question

Thanks John. Do you also know the answer to the 2nd question re parking?

Oops, sorry I missed that one. Yes, lots of parking at the Wilderness Access Center (WAC) where the bus leaves from, especially that early in the year.

For others reading this, there is the Riley Creek Overflow parking lot about 1/4 mile? walk from the WAC in case the WAC lot is full but that only happens in the higher peak times when all the shuttles to Wonder Lake are also operating and even then, not every day does the WAC lot get full.

John

%26#39;For others reading this, there is the Riley Creek Overflow parking lot about 1/4 mile? walk from the WAC in case the WAC lot is full but that only happens in the higher peak times when all the shuttles to Wonder Lake are also operating and even then, not every day does the WAC lot get full.%26#39;

Yup, and even then, it%26#39;s usually folks who go out on the later buses that will find a full parking lot by the WAC. I saw tons of animals about the same time in the season you are going, mischief, when I went on the 7:30 am bus, so yeah, I agree with John that half an hour isn%26#39;t going to make a lot of difference.

Thats great, both my questions answered!

Yes, daylight in early June is almost 24 hours - animals don%26#39;t have that ';dusk'; period of when they may be more active, so it really matters more on whether you are hiking in the park (which then makes sense to be on an early bus) or just doing the bus ride. If you are just riding the bus, I would go on a later one. Have fun! :)

And remember to get there early so you can get good seats! :)

I also want to add for all that are worried about the WAC parking lot being full and having to walk th half mile or so from the overflow parking at Riley Creek Campground - the park service runs a loop bus that goes from the campground to the WAC starting around 7a.m. in case you do not want to or cannot walk to the WAC.

booked on the 7.00am shuttle %26amp; looking forward to the trip. Thanks for all the help

wrinkles