Bus Tours in Denali, Alaska

Following the completion of the George Parks Highway in 1972, officials closed the road through the Denali National Park and Preserve to private vehicles past the 15-mile mark in order to reduce traffic and protect the park's natural resources. Several bus tours take sightseers farther into the park, however. Bus tours in Denali include narration from a trained naturalist, and focus on park history, wildlife or the Kantishna experience.
  1. Natural History Tour

    • For information about the cultural and natural history, landscape and geology of the Denali area, the Natural History Tour provides a five-hour experience, traveling about 19 miles into the park. The tour stops at the historic Savage Cabin, where spectators will enjoy a historical reenactment by characters from Denali history. In 2011, the tour runs May 15 through Sept. 17, and costs $93 for adults and $43.50 for children, which includes a beverage and light snack. Rates don't include taxes and are subject to change. Tours depart around 7 a.m. or between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Exact tour times are determined 48 hours in advance.

    Tundra Wilderness Tour

    • The Tundra Wildnerness Tour leaves in the morning or afternoon and travels 53 miles into Denali, ending at the Toklat River. The tour takes seven to nine hours, during which time sightseers can expect to spot wildlife such as moose, bear, wolves, Dall sheep and caribou. The narrator provides a geographical and historical context during the tour and scouts for wildlife. Though a hot beverage and light snack are offered, guests are encouraged to bring a box lunch. In 2011, rates are $99 for adults and $49.50 for children from May 15 through May 19 and Sept. 16 through Sept. 21. During the peak season, May 20 through Sept. 15, rates go up to $149 for adults and $74.50 for children. Rates are subject to change and don't include taxes.

    Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour

    • Considered the gold standard of Denali park tours, the Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour spans 12 to 13 hours and 95 miles of prime Denali wildlife habitat from the comfort of a custom motor coach. This fully-narrated tour covers Alaska's gold rush history and provides full views of Mount McKinley when weather permits. Guests will travel through back country, forest and high alpine tundra wildlife habitats that support species like black bear, moose, grizzly, Dall sheep, wolf, wolverine, caribou, marmot, mink, beaver, lynx, coyote, fox and more. At the historic Kantishna Roadhouse, guests enjoy a home-cooked meal, watch a dog-sled demonstration and explore the Recorder's Cabin. The tour departs mornings only and, in 2011, operates June 4 through Sept. 12. Tickets are $169 for both children and adults, including the lunch at Kantishna and an on-board snack and beverage. Ticket prices may change without notice and don't include taxes.

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