Sightsee on a Denali Tour Bus
Denali National Park & Preserve
Summer sight-seeing in Denali is mainly done by bus, and there are several trips to choose from. Narrated tour bus trips are more expensive than non-narrated transit buses. From high up in a bus, it becomes possible to look over roadside brush, allowing you to enjoy the incredible scenery (and wildlife sightings, too!).
Denali is a unique park in many ways. There is just one road in the park, and traffic on most of it is regulated to prevent congestion, preserve a wilderness experience for sight-seers and reduce stress on wildlife. Travel on the road is mainly limited to a variety of bus trips. Tour buses are narrated. Restroom breaks occur about every 90 minutes. Wildlife viewing stops will occur any time animals can be seen. Passengers stay with their bus for the duration of the trip. Some tours offer opportunities for short walks, while others will only disembark passengers for bathroom breaks. Comparison of Tour Bus Choices Notes: Peak season in Denali is roughly early June to early September—exact dates vary each year. There may be fewer options before and after those dates. Durations listed below are round-trip, and inclusive of restroom stops, wildlife viewing stops, etc. Destinations indicate how many miles into the park your tour travels before turning around (i.e., the Natural History Tour travels 17 miles, to Primrose Ridge, before returning to the park entrance). Natural History Tour Duration: 4.5–5 hours Destination: Mile 17, Primrose Ridge Description: This tour focuses on the rich natural and cultural history of the park. Several interpretive stops enhance the experience, with an hour of time spent exploring off the bus. Tundra Wilderness Tour Duration: 5–5.5 hours Destination: Mile 43, East Fork River Description: Variations of this tour have been in existence since 1923, with the first concessioner offering bus trips as far as the road extended at that time. Today, it is a 5–5.5 hour excursion into the park with a certified driver-naturalist. This tour provides in-depth information about the history of the park, while maintaining a keen eye in search of wildlife and photography opportunities. Learn more about tour bus trips in Denali or reserve a bus trip now.
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4-6 Hours
When you buy a tour bus ticket, you'll choose how long of a trip to undertake. Choices range from 4.5 to 5.5 hours round-trip. Durations include stops for wildlife viewing, bathroom breaks, and more.
Ticket prices vary depending on the duration of the trip. Please visit the tour bus company's website to find current prices.
Yes
Summer
Day
Several buses each day are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Please be sure to notify the bus company of this need when making reservations. Rest areas where buses stop offer wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. Most of the park road and rest areas are well-compacted gravel surfaces. Only the first 15 miles of the park road are paved.
No — Pets are not allowed on buses.
Yes — If your visit will be short (e.g., 3 days or less), reservations are strongly recommended. Please visit the tour bus company's website to book in advance. Visitors who will be in the Denali area for more than a few days may find it more convenient to wait until arriving and purchase tickets in the park, at the Denali Bus Depot.
There are no minimum ages; but state of Alaska child safety laws mean that kids under age 4 must be in a car seat. Car seats are not provided by the bus company, so please bring your own.
Varies