Denali shuttle bus confusion

[newzandile]

We are doing 4 days post cruise on our own (renting RV's from GAH). I've already booked our campsites at Savage River.

 

So, we'll arrive relatively early our first day in Denali (after an overnight in Talkeetna), I figure we can explore the area around Savage River that day. We then have 2 full days. I am thinking one day we'll take the free shuttle back to the entrance and sign up for a discovery hike and maybe find time to visit the sled dogs (or maybe do that when we initially arrive?).

 

For the other day which shuttle should I book? I want to check out Eielson visitor center but I'd also love to see Reflection pond. How is the 2.5 mile hike from Wonder Lake? I'm assuming that is 2.5 miles each way?

 

If we book Wonder Lake can we get off at Eielson for a bit and then continue on to Wonder Lake (or turn around if the weather is bad)? If we do continue on with a later shuttle will we still have time to hike to Reflection Pond?

 

I'm anxious to book, the lady I spoke to when I booked the campground suggested I do it soon (we are a group of 9). Should I just go ahead and book Wonder Lake just in case and we can scale it back if we want the day of?

 

I think that is what I should do but would love to hear from someone who has been on that shuttle, thank you in advance!

[Budget Queen]

We are doing 4 days post cruise on our own (renting RV's from GAH). I've already booked our campsites at Savage River.

 

So, we'll arrive relatively early our first day in Denali (after an overnight in Talkeetna), I figure we can explore the area around Savage River that day. We then have 2 full days. I am thinking one day we'll take the free shuttle back to the entrance and sign up for a discovery hike and maybe find time to visit the sled dogs (or maybe do that when we initially arrive?).

 

For the other day which shuttle should I book? I want to check out Eielson visitor center but I'd also love to see Reflection pond. How is the 2.5 mile hike from Wonder Lake? I'm assuming that is 2.5 miles each way?

 

If we book Wonder Lake can we get off at Eielson for a bit and then continue on to Wonder Lake (or turn around if the weather is bad)? If we do continue on with a later shuttle will we still have time to hike to Reflection Pond?

 

I'm anxious to book, the lady I spoke to when I booked the campground suggested I do it soon (we are a group of 9). Should I just go ahead and book Wonder Lake just in case and we can scale it back if we want the day of?

 

I think that is what I should do but would love to hear from someone who has been on that shuttle, thank you in advance!

 

You can get off shuttle buses at any point. Just return back to the road and wait for the next bus with open seats, to continue. At Eielson- you do have to sign up with the dispatcher if you do not stay with your same bus.

 

With a group your size, yes book ahead. There aren't going to be 9 open seats on most buses, if you leave your assigned bus. You will need to wait out for availability, or just split up. You can all meet up later. Would be the case if you want to "scale it back".

 

I have not know the Savage River shuttle buses to run early enough for the Discovery Hikes, so you'll need to consider driving back the RV to the WAC. You would have your camp tag at your site, so not a big deal.

 

If you are wanting to go to Reflection Pond- I wouldn't be walking there from Wonder Lake. Much closer is to just get off the bus, prior to the Wonder Lake Spur Road. You do have to request this stop. Take a look at a map. http://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/shuttles.htmhttp://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm

[newzandile]

Thanks!

 

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