I'd really like to highlight this Mount Healy Overlook Trail…read more Because...in my opinion...it's this hike that is the best thing to do in Denali National Park! I wasn't so impressed with my explorations, though I did appreciate hanging out with Denali's sled dogs, lol, but in terms of enjoying the sights and surroundings...I was left feeling just okay about the experience. It wasn't until my final few hours in the afternoon that I discovered this Mount Healy Overlook Trail. And it was hiking to the halfway summit area (which is as far as you can go) that left me departing on a great note from this section of Alaska. Reflecting back, I was surprised that nothing was mentioned about this hike during my research for discovering Denali. As per the usual routine that tourists do, I signed up and took the all day Tundra Wilderness Bus Tour. But, I found it to be lacking the beautiful scenery that I was anticipating for visiting one of the most popular parks out of the 8 located in Alaska. So...with some extra time on my hands, I inquired with the Denali Park Visitor Center about what else can be done while here and it was a Park Ranger who recommended this hike as a way to immerse yourself in a postcard type of setting. And...the trailhead is situated right across from the VC. So, I didn't need to move my car and simply walked across Denali Park Road and was prepared for the climb higher. For this Mount Healy Overlook Trail...it is described as strenuous, and I would agree with that, especially when you're almost finished making those last few steps at the end. There are a bunch of never ending switchbacks, but eventually...the hard work pays off as you're rewarded with undisturbed views of the entire Denali Park region. No, lol...you can't see Denali's famous peak from here (or at least I didn't), but still, standing at the midpoint of Mount Healy (which is as far as the trail pathway leads) you're offered 360 degree sights and many photogenic opportunities. Some more details about the hike... - 2.7 miles each way. - 1700 foot gain in elevation, especially accentuated towards the end of the trail. - It takes about 4 - 5 hours to complete and depending on how much time you afford yourself for pictures. According to the park's website, nps.gov... "This is one of the steepest trails in Denali. It travels part-way up Mount Healy, a small mountain overlooking the entrance area of the park. The trail starts with a steady, mild uphill grade, eventually becoming quite steep near its finish. The official end of the trail is not the peak of Mount Healy, but it is an open spot with outstanding views to the south". I feel like Denali NP is not really known for hiking, so I'm glad I got to talk about this Mount Healy Overlook Trail. It deserves more recognition and I feel confident you'll be impressed with the vista point perspectives.

This national park has been on my bucket list for a while and so I was over the moon when I got to…read morecheck it off in September right before it closed down for the season. The fall leaves were beautiful and the clouds lifted late morning for a view of the majestic Denali mountain. I camped in the Woof Loop of the Riley Creek campground which was covered in snow (and open all year long). It is dog friendly and super close to the only two dog friendly trails in the park- the roadside hiking trail and the roadside biking trail. The visitor center was beautiful and their souvenir shop had lots of goodies. I've never been happier to get my national park passport stamp and splurged on a sticker for it!

Epic park!!! We were there in August when the weather was perfect…read more Went on a guided hike the first day as we were leery of meeting bears... Learned a lot from the guide about the flora and fauna of the park. The next visit was a bus ride, which from what I gather the experience hinges on the driver as to what you see and learn about. Our driver was excellent!!! He didn't have a spotter so we all were told what to look for and to not be shy about yelling out what we see. We spotted a momma bear and two cubs up a rock slide between hills. We saw two dall sheep high on a hillside and a small group of caribou too. Each time we saw something he stopped and we all got to see it! We did let a couple people off the bus at two different points, but my question was: where were they going?! There aren't any hiking trails or anything anywhere from the looks of things... and you can see a long ways. It is amazing beautiful wilderness with a capital W.

We stayed at 2 campgrounds here, Riley Creek (1 week) and Teklanika (4 nights). Both were…read moreexcellent but neither have hookups; the sites are well spaced and private. Denali is a wonderful experience, and we loved our time in the park. The scenery is spectacular and the ability to see wildlife is excellent. In fact you need to take care when hiking as it is bear country and we carried bear spray. We took the Tundra Wilderness Tour which was great, but you need to reserve very early, like when you get your camping reservations as these sell out fast. We saw moose, caribou, grizzly bears, arctic squirrels, ptarmigan, fall sheep, and so many birds and pretty wildflowers in bloom everywhere. It's a fantastic park and a must see if you are in Alaska.

If you want to see wildlife then get up very early. Moose stay close to the main entrance and are…read morevisible all day. Register in advance for a bus tour. We rode the transit bus.

If you have limited time in the area, do not hesitate to book this tour. Fred will go out of his…read moreway to make sure you have a wonderful, authentic Alaskan experience. During our visit to the Talkeetna area there were wildfires burning, we were unable to make it to the meeting area but Fred and his helper Rich came to the hotel and picked us up so we wouldn't miss out on the fun. He first took us to a secluded spot by a river where the salmon were literally swimming between our feet. We could have reached down and scooped them up, but we were there to learn how to fly fish, so learn we did! Fred was extremely patient with me and my husband....and our limited fishing abilities! He came supplied with everything you could need or want during the tour. The waders fit perfectly, and kept us warm in the glacier water. While driving to our second fishing spot he supplied yummy croissant sandwiches to snack on during the ride. The second fishing spot had just as many salmon and we were able to catch quite a few fish. I had a beautiful trout on my line but unfortunately I didn't snag him and he got off the hook. I was bummed, but Fred is so encouraging before I knew it I had a huge salmon on the line and brought it in successfully. While we enjoyed fishing Rich cooked up some salmon by the shore along with vodka tonic and rum and cokes. We took a break to enjoy a perfect meal of deliciously cooked salmon and a nice cocktail. It was seriously a perfect day, despite the wildfires in area. I just hope that Rich and Fred's property were not impacted. If I am ever back in the area, this would be the first tour I book. It was a great experience and a super fun day!! Thank you Fred and Rich for making this the highlight of our trip!

This was the highlight of our Alaska trip. We did the fishing trip with Fred and He was amazing. We…read moremet up with Fred around 2pm. Had a delicious lunch and drinks and caught fish all afternoon. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. The spot Fred took us the fish were jumping out of the water right before our eyes. As the sun started to go down it was impossible not to catch a fish. We even ate our fresh fish on the beach. We were celebrating my Mom's 60th Birthday and Fred made it an extra special day. My brother is already wanting to make another Alaska trip next year just to fish with Fred!

Denali safaris are amazing. This whole area is breathtaking! The guides are very informative and…read morefriendly. I highly recommend this excursion!

Once in a life time adventure - this is one for your bucket list! Awesome time had and we went…read moreplaces that only a monster truck can go, up mountain hills, through rivers and into areas where the views were spectacular. We saw beavers at work and play, bears and beautiful birds that I'd never seen before. The sights alone make the trip amazing but the wildlife is the icing on the cake. Nature at it's best. We'll be back again ...... way fun.