Denali

I'll probably get flamed, but....I might suggest either "0" or "at least 21"

- If you are an active camper/hiker, get dropped off in the backcountry and spend several days seeing the country and the animals that one simply can't see from a quick (or even relatively quick like the bus) road trip

- If you're more into "checking the box", spend a 1/2 day going into the park visitor center, part of the time in L.A. North/Glitter Gulch, then get out of there and head on to Squarebanks or Los Anchorage

- If one wants to see stuff, but not take 3 weeks of camping, spend more time and $$ outside the park taking flightseeing trips from other places. Scenery is better and you get more scenery for time spent. Denali Air (as mentioned above) and K2/Rusts come recommended by acquaintances who have used them.

- The bus ride into the park is OK, but it can range from almost hitting animals to "See that black spot on the ridge over there? That's a bear."

- If seeing the Mountain is the goal, book a stay in Talkeetna for 3-4 days, commune with the hippies, and at least twice, if not three times a day, drive out of town (circa 5-7 miles) and then drive back in: you'll get spectacular views of McKinley if it's out without having to put up with the hassle of the park crowds.

N.B.: the park isn't always overcrowded and it is a good place to visit, despite my cynicism. However, one can see more scenery and more country in better ways and I will freely admit to my view of the park being tainted by glitter gulch which is an abomination IMNSHO. FWIW, other than an extended camping, not RV'ng, trip (meaning one involving tents), the bus trip in is one of the better ways to possibly see wildlife on a trip through Alaska.

pyoung47 wrote:
How many days should we allot to Denali?

Really is dependent upon what you want to do.

Lots of hiking and camping remote require weeks.

the bus ride and dog show only require 1 or 2 days.

Always go to Denali Air, (across the highway) and take the flight.