Alaska bound

[bigcat2]

I am starting to plan a trip to Denali NP in Alaska in 2006. I know it is still a long way away, but I also know it'll be here before I know it. I would like any and all information on where the best spots are in Denali, any special equipment I'll need, etc. I've done some research, but I know it doesn't compare to first hand from ppl. I thank you all in advance for the help. Be safe and hike well.

[smokymtnsteve]

what time of year??

[TakeABreak]

Bigcat2, are you driving or flying into Alaska, the reason I ask is that I drove up there in late April 01, it was an awesome drive, really cold at night too. There is also, a nice little hostel in Anchorage, that is really inexpensive, I can try and figure out where it is again if you want.

[smokymtnsteve]

it is cheaper to fly into ANC and take AK trails shuttle, then it is to fly into Fairbanks. this winter the shuttle fare from ANC to Healy is $74 one-way or $144 round trip.

the AK railroad is very nice to take at least one way in or out. about 8 hours from ANC to Denali station.

[bigcat2]

Takeabreak, if you could find that info about the hostile for me that would be great. I may want to stay there and take the AK train the next day, depending on what flights I can get.

Steve, I will probably want to go near the end of the Summer. Possibly looking close to Labour Day but no set time as of now. I will definitely be flying up there. I had looked at flying into Ankorage and taking the train mainly because I've never done a train trip like that. I think it would be wonderful to see the countryside from the train. I suppose I'm nostaligic that way. All I know is that I am already excited about going and reading your report on AK just added fuel to the fire. AK has been on my top 10 places to go and I figure I might as well stop talking about it and start planning it. That's one reason I'm going in 2006 so I have enough time to save enough to enjoy it like I want to.

[smokymtnsteve]

I stayed at the international youth hostel when I was up anchorage


http://www.anchorageinternationalhostel.org/

it is right in town and 1 block from the people mover bus station , one bus from the airport to the hostel downtown, downtown ANC is nice, fopr free you can go to the public lands center and see exhibits and films, also the toni knowles coastal trail is nice ,,a bicycle is a easy way to get around ANC, it is just a few blocks to the train station from the Hostel. Very easy,

from Denali it is easy to hitchhike to Fairbanks, Fairbanks also has a bus system, Fair banks is a city that you can walk around the train station is very close to the downtown area, there is a hostel at 18th, that is in walking distance to downtown.

[smokymtnsteve]

Delta airlines has aquired some slots at Fairbanks International and is going to start some direct flights to FAI during summer season, look for some competitive fares.

I was up this year for the end of Aug and the beginning of Sept the weather and fall colors were amazing.

also by going during a time when you will have more dark period increases your chances of seeing some auroura, my son saw northern lights regularly at in sept.

right now you can fly RT atl-anc for around $450.