August 8, 2010
Denali National Park
We visited Denali and spent some days hiking. We also road the bus in as far as Eielson Visitor Center.
Entrance to the Park
Visitor Center
One of the new buildings in the entrance area of the park. Lots of changes here in the last few years.
Waiting in the Bus Reservation Line
We had no trouble getting a reservation for the next day.
Bull Moose
We spotted this guy one day from our car, moose are common in the road section that you can drive yourself, before the gate at Savage River.
Caribou
These caribou were also in the section before Savage River. In fact, they were browsing along the edge of the river.
Willow Ptarmigan
One of many we saw along a very nice trail that follows the Savage River north from the bridge. Again, no need to use the bus to get here. We've spotted ptarmigan every time we've walked this trail.
View From The Bus
Most wildlife watching is done in the section of the road where you must ride the bus. The drivers do have headphones and speakers so they help spot wildlife, so do all those other eyes on the bus.
Caribou
Taken from the bus, an early morning shot just before Savage River.
Our Bus At A Rest Stop
They're nothing more than school busses. Not too fancy, but adequate. This rest stop, however, is spectacular. We spotted several grizzleys on the river below. Picture below.
Grizzlies From Rest Stop
There was a sow and two cubs. The sow is the bear on the left.
Denali
You have to ride the bus to get a picture like this. You also need a great day!
Grizzly
Picture taken at Eielson Visitor Center from the patio. He was close enought that the rangers closed the trails and made sure people stayed well away.
Grizzly
Another shot of the same bear.
Caribou
Another shot from the Eielson Visitor Center patio. He's heading in the other direction after spotting the bear.
