Tips for viewing Wildlife in Denali

Question

Hello. I will be staying 3 nights at Denali Cabins in July and I have already book a Green Bus Transit for one morning at 7 and I am thinking about adding another the day before but earliest departure is at 12:30. Do you think two green bus tours would give me more of a chance to see and photograph wildlife? Any other suggestions? I am avid wildlife photographer and seeing and photographing animals in the wild of any kind is my goal.

Thank you in advance!

Answer

Hello,

Denali National Park is one of the best places in the world for wildlife photography, and your plan to stay three nights at Denali Cabins with a Green Bus Transit tour is a solid start. Here’s a detailed guide to maximize your chances of seeing and photographing wildlife:

Green Bus Transit Tours

Taking two Green Bus tours can increase your chances of wildlife sightings, but timing matters:

Your 7:00 AM tour is ideal – early morning is one of the most active times for wildlife, particularly bears, moose, wolves, and caribou. Wildlife tends to be more visible before the heat of the day.
The second tour at 12:30 PM will still give you opportunities, but animals may be less active and more dispersed during midday. However, it can still be valuable for seeing species like Dall sheep or birds, and for photographing different lighting conditions.
Try to position yourself on the bus so you have good access to windows or doors for photography, and bring binoculars for spotting distant animals.

Additional Wildlife Viewing Tips

Beyond bus tours, there are other ways to maximize wildlife encounters:

Explore near the Denali Cabins: Early mornings or evenings near the cabins can yield sightings of moose, foxes, and birds. Bring a tripod and telephoto lens for distant shots.
Hiking Trails: Some of the front-country trails like Savage River Loop or Horseshoe Lake Trail can provide opportunities to see smaller mammals, foxes, and abundant birdlife. Stick to marked trails for safety.
Photography Gear: Use a long telephoto lens (300–600mm) to capture distant wildlife safely. A monopod or tripod helps stabilize shots from the bus.
Be Patient and Observant: Animals can be elusive. Spend time scanning open meadows, riverbanks, and forest edges. Even a few minutes of quiet observation can reveal unexpected wildlife.
Check the Denali Visitor Center and Ranger Advice: Rangers often have current information on wildlife sightings and best viewing spots, which can help you plan your day efficiently.

Other Considerations

If your goal is photography, consider taking only one Green Bus early in the morning and using the afternoon for hiking or stationary observation points, which allows for more focused photo opportunities at your own pace.
July is peak wildlife season, so pack layers, bug spray, and waterproof gear to stay comfortable during long observation periods.
Binoculars and spotting scopes are invaluable for framing shots of distant animals without disturbing them.

In summary, two Green Bus tours will slightly increase your chances, but the early morning tour is by far the most productive. Complementing the bus tours with hikes, stationary observation, and scouting near your cabins will give you the best opportunities to photograph Denali’s incredible wildlife.

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