Renting car in Denali

Question

We are taking the train from Anchorage to Denali and will be staying at the Denali Bluffs hotel. We are there for 3 nights.

The first day we are taking the 4-5 hour tour on the brown bus in Denali NP. We have no other activities booked.

My question is should we rent a car for the next day to drive around inside and outside the park and possible drive to Talkeetna.

Also, let me know if your favorite activities to book in and around the park.

Thanks for your help.

Answer

Since you’re staying at Denali Bluffs and already taking a 4-5 hour Brown Bus tour on your first day, renting a car can offer flexibility for the remaining two days, especially if you want to explore areas outside the park or visit Talkeetna.

Inside Denali National Park, vehicle access is limited. Private vehicles are only allowed on the first 15 miles of the park road. Beyond that, shuttle and tour buses are required. So while having a car is convenient for reaching the park entrance, nearby trails, and some short hikes, you won’t be able to drive deep into the park on your own.

For day trips outside the park, a rental car is very useful:

Drive to Talkeetna: Approximately 2 hours each way, this charming town offers art galleries, shops, and flightseeing tours over Denali. You can also take a short flightseeing tour or go rafting on the Talkeetna River.
Nearby hiking and wildlife viewing: There are trails along the Nenana River and Healy area that are accessible by car, offering chances to spot wildlife and enjoy scenic views without entering the park road beyond mile 15.
Scenic drives: The Parks Highway from Denali to Talkeetna or to Healy offers excellent views of Denali on clear days, along with pullouts for photos and wildlife spotting.

Favorite activities to consider while in Denali and nearby areas:

Flightseeing over Denali: Small planes or helicopters give an unforgettable perspective of the mountain and glaciers. Options depart from Talkeetna or the Denali area.
Rafting or kayaking: Nenana River offers options for guided rafting trips ranging from mild float trips to more adventurous rapids.
Hiking: Popular trails accessible from the park entrance include Horseshoe Lake, Mount Healy Overlook, and the Savage River area. These are suitable for half-day excursions.
Wildlife viewing tours: If you enjoy photography and seeing wildlife, consider guided tours that go beyond the Brown Bus route, such as private naturalist-guided hikes or specialized shuttle tours into areas rich with bears, moose, and Dall sheep.

In summary, renting a car is recommended if you want freedom to explore outside the park or visit Talkeetna, but for inside the park beyond mile 15, you’ll still rely on shuttles or tour buses. Planning a mix of shuttle tours, flightseeing, and short hikes gives a well-rounded Denali experience.

Renting car in Denali

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