Driving to Denali National Park in Rental Car

Hi, I%26#39;ve read in another forum that companies like Avis and Hertz do not allow you to drive to the Denali National Park using the Denali Highway (assuming this is the main way of getting there).

Does anyone know of any company that allows you to drive to and around Denali?

thanks

Judy

Driving to Denali National Park in Rental Car

The Denali Highway is a gravel backroad that doesn%26#39;t go into or even to the park - the George Parks Highway is the paved road that runs from Anchorage or Fairbanks to the park. The road that goes deep into the park is closed to public traffic except tour and shuttle buses - the shutles are the way to go.

Murray

Driving to Denali National Park in Rental Car

Hello Judy,

I admit this is very confusing but to get to Denali National Park you do not need to use Denali Highway. From Anchorage or Fairbanks you get to Denali NP on Parks Highway and any regular sedan gets you there, no need to have 4 wheel drive or SUV. Denali NP is located 240 miles about 5 hours north of Anchorage.

There is only one road that gets you inside the park from the entrance located just off Parks Highway. You are allowed to drive you vehicle only to mile 15 and there are no restrictions on driving any rental car to mile 15 into the park as this is a paved road.

To visit the park along the remaining 75 miles of the road you have a few options. You may take the shuttle, tour bus, camper bus, stay in one of the lodges at the end of the road or campgrounds at various areas, you may also bike or hike/walk. To better understand how this works you may want to check this website www.nps.gov/dena

www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/bus-travel.htm

Many of us here on this forum highly recommend taking the shuttle bus instead of more expensive tours. You should make reservations for the shuttle in advance. Check out www. reservedenali.com

ya I%26#39;ve read about the shuttle busses, we%26#39;ll probably look at staying in a lodge or something a few miles from the National Park Entrance and taking the shuttle in to explore.

Thanks alot for the confirmation both of you, Should be a nice drive to Denali :)

Hi Judy! If you want to know more of a wide variety of accommodations, check out the list at www.denalichamber.com. There are a few places South of the Park entrance, some near the entrance, and many north in Healy. Quite a variety - if you need some recommendations, let me know. :)

Sure, recommendations from a local would be great thanks.

Somewhere fairly close to the Park Entrance, doesn%26#39;t have to be right next to it though, but within 20 miles or so, judging by that Denalichamber site all of them are within that distance anyway.

What%26#39;s the Grizzly Bear Resort like? It%26#39;s one of the more appealing ones on that site. Along with the Lakeview Inn.

A clean, comfortable lodge or hotel in a scenic location, maybe slightly peaceful, but not Way away from everything like I hear the Grande Denali is.

Denali Lakeview Inn is a very popular place for many reasons and I just learned a couple days ago they are already booked for many dates of the summer 2007. I wouldn%26#39;t wait too long. Good luck

www.denalilakeview.com

Hi Judy - me again. A bit confused - you mentioned the Grand Denali being far away from everything . . .but in fact, it%26#39;s located right in Glitter gulch at the entrance, so it%26#39;s closer than Lakeview Inn or Grizzly Bear.

Grizzly bear is in a good location - right next to the Nenana river - there are some great restaurants not too far down the highway as well. I haven%26#39;t been in their hotel, but it was brand new this past spring, so that is a plus! It%26#39;s treed as well, which I think is a plus. Hope this helps some. Are you looking for anything specifically? :)