Denali Park Ride

[AKBeemer]

This weekend Annie and I took what is becoming our traditional first significant ride of the year. We rode to Denali Park and into the park to the Tatlanika pull off. Each year the park allows people to drive into the park past the normal control point at Savage River.

We've had exceptionally warm weather the past week in the interior of Alaska. It was particularly welcome as we preped to leave after an unusually cold March and early April.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/AKBeemer/LoadingUpatHome.jpg

The ride to the park was glorious; we had to stop to peel off liners.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/AKBeemer/FairbankstoDenali.jpg

We spent the nite at Motel Nord Haven in Healy. Still too chilly for camping for our tastes.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/AKBeemer/MotelNordHavenHealy.jpg

As we started our ride into the park on Saturday morning we had proof that winter was still not completely whipped.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/AKBeemer/IceAlongParkRoad.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/AKBeemer/RiverIce.jpg

The sites along the road into the park were a great introduction to summer in Alaska.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/AKBeemer/AnnieonParkRoad.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/AKBeemer/DakaronParkRoad.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/AKBeemer/OverlookofParkRoad.jpg

Not too much wildlife made themselves available for a photo op. Missed some shots of Ptarmigan and a bull moose. This fox was very photogenic.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/AKBeemer/Fox.jpg


The turn around point at Tatlanika.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/AKBeemer/Tatlanika.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/AKBeemer/RiverViewatTatlanika2.jpg

We had some extra time so we road to Cantwell and then east on the Denali Hwy.
Got a great view of Denali herself.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/AKBeemer/AlongDenaliHwy.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/AKBeemer/DenaliFromDenaliHwy2.jpg


And thus begins the summer riding season in Alaska. Our goal is to ride every major dirt road in the state this summer. More to follow.

[ian408]

I've always wanted to do that since my school bus tour several years ago. Very pretty place Denali is.

[BMWRich58]

WOW...way COOL!
Getting to drive in the Park....how far..*miles* do they let you ride/drive???
When I was there..I had to take a Bus...:rolleyes

[AKBeemer]

Each spring as the Park Service opens the road from the winter snows they let people into the 30 mile point to a spot called Tatlanika. They close the road just before the buses start running in mid-May. In the Fall (September) there is a lottery for passes to drive into the park as far as Kantishna.

The Denali Highway offers scenery and wildlife every bit as spectacular as the park. It used to be the park entrance before the Parks Hwy was built. The Denali Hwy is open to everyone and costs nothing. It's 135 miles with about 110 miles unpaved. It is open for wheeled traffic May - September and snogos and dog teams the rest of the year.

[franze]

so, the fox on the road didn't make the edit.......... I'm glad you figured out the picture posting, it took me quite awhile. I suggest you ride as much as possible and keep posting so you don't lose the technique. Great stuff, thanks :thumb

[sfarson]

Terrific... and you were able to catch Denali uncloaked by clouds!. I've never been, but looking forward to a trip someday.