Denali Tour differences

[Warm Weather Fan]

Hi:

I hadn't realized, but it seems there are two tours that go to Kantishna; one is the Kantishna Wilderness Trails tour and the other the Kantishna Experience.

Any feedback on the difference and does either one allow for time to hike?

I believe Alaska Travel and Tour uses the Wilderness one.

Reviews on Alaska Travel and Tour (looking for the combo transportation/hotel package out of Anchorage)

or other good options? Hoping to do the train one way and bus the other.

Thanks much!

[mapleleaves]

The Kantishna shuttle is 12 hrs RT, so little time for hiking. You might want to look at last yrs schedule to see if there's an option for a later return bus. If hiking is a priority, go in for a 2nd day, or take a shorter shorter ride like the Eielson Visitor Center, which is 8 hrs RT.

Descriptions of ths various Tours and Shuttles are in the park we site, as well as its reservation site.

http://www.reservedenali.com

https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/visiting-denali.htm#CP_JUMP_1025193

[mapleleaves]

As you see in the descriptions, COST is a huge difference between Tours and Shuttles. For Kantishna, the tour is $190 vs $50 for the Shuttle. Of course there are differences in the experiences, so up to you to determine which one best meets your needs.

Look thru the 2015 trip reports for a photojournal from jmele999. Its the only Kantishna Tour i recall reading. They rented a car in Anchorage for their visit in order to squeeze in other sights ( a few too many as they learned).

Edited October 24, 2017 by mapleleaves

[Budget Queen]

No, there is no time for any hiking unless you overnight there. I've stayed at the Skylon lodge where is a cheaper option to consider. Time is your biggest friend here. and really 2 nights are better to consider.

[Glaciers]

Entrance fees may be increasing.

https://www.adn.com/politics/2017/10/24/park-service-considers-70-per-vehicle-entrance-fee-at-denali/