How to See Alaska's National Parks

By Salwa Jabado

August 2,2015; 7:29AM,EDT

 

Credit: Sorincolac | Dreamstime.com
Alaska is a state of superlatives, so it's fitting that the state's eight national parks contain the nation's highest peak, the largest landmass, and some of the wildest and most remote wilderness areas in the world. 2016 marks the centennial of the national parks, so there's no better time to plan a trip to see Alaska's natural wonders. Each of the parks is distinct and you can experience them in a variety of ways, from a luxurious berth on a cruise ship to backcountry hiking, and everything in between. Here are three ways to experience four of Alaska's most diverse national parks -- Denali, Glacier Bay, Lake Clark, and Wrangell-St. Elias -- from mild to wild.
DENALI NATIONAL PARK TOUR BUSES

Denali National Park is a must for every Alaska itinerary. It offers a wealth of wildlife, from bears to moose, and if the weather gods are smiling, views of glorious Mt. McKinley (more commonly called Denali), North America's tallest peak at 20,320 feet. It's also easily accessible, connected by the state's highway system (it may be surprising for those in the lower 48, but most parks here are not accessible by car) and by the Alaska Railroad.
There's only one road into Denali and it's not open to private vehicles. You must either take a tour bus or a shuttle bus, and the difference between the two is vast.
The tour bus has narration about flora, fauna, and wildlife and offers a comfortable ride on a motor coach. For the best views of wildlife and Mt. McKinley, opt for one of the longer excursions, such as the 11-12-hour Kantishna Experience.
The national park's own shuttle bus offers more flexibility but less comfort on converted school buses with less narration. However, if your goal is to get outside and hike, this is your best bet, since you can hop on and off and pick up another bus going in either direction.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Denali National Park and Preserve Travel Guide
DENALI NATIONAL PARK FLIGHTSEEING

For a different take on Denali National Park, and an "only in Alaska" experience, try a flightseeing tour. The focus will be on Mt. McKinley, the tallest mountain in the world when measured from base to summit, rather than wildlife. Most flightseeing leaves out of Talkeetna.
K2 Aviation has options at different price points, but we like the fly and hike trip where a floatplane lands on Moraine Lake for a hike in the shadow of Mt. McKinley. You're unlikely to meet other hikers in this pristine wilderness and the views are breathtaking.
Insider Tip: Alaska's bush planes can take some getting used to. They are generally small, at six to ten seats (you may even sit co-pilot), with one to two propellers. If you have a tendency to get motion sickness, take a seat at the front of plane, sip cold water, and chew on mints or ginger candy. Also, focus on the beautiful scenery rather than trying to capture it in photos. Finally, feel free to talk to your pilot, a charismatic breed of Alaskans, who will surely try to put you at ease.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Denali National Park and Preserve Travel Guide
DENALI NATIONAL PARK DOG SLED EXPEDITIONS

Fascinated by the Iditarod? In love with huskies? Then seeing Denali from a dogsled may be just the thing for you. Denali National Park offers summer dog sled demonstrations and kennel tours where you can meet the dogs that help patrol the park in the winter. Sled dogs have an important cultural and historical role in Alaska and allow park rangers to have the least impact on the wilderness area (dog sleds being less disruptive to wildlife than a snowmobile, for example).
Earthsong Lodge offers Denali Dogsled Expeditions in the winter. On day trips or multi-day overnight trips, the park is essentially yours alone and you can even drive your own dogsled team.
Insider Tip: Check out Denali National Park's cute puppy cam for some heart-melting videos and live streams of the spring or summer litters.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Denali National Park and Preserve Travel Guide
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