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Get around

By car
The main road through the park is open to automobile traffic only as far as Savage River (mile 14). Travel beyond this point is allowed only on the park shuttle buses, on foot, or on a bicycle.

For those visiting Denali in mid-September the park service opens the road completely for four days after the shuttle buses stop running. Only 400 vehicles per day are admitted, and each vehicle requires a special permit. To obtain one of these permits contact the park and inquire about the Denali Road Lottery. The park service will ask you to mail your address, preference of dates, and a fee, and at some point in August you will be contacted if you have been selected. If snow has not yet closed the road, once the four-day lottery is complete the road will be opened to private vehicles for travel as far as Teklanika Campground (mile 29) until weather closes it for the season.

By shuttle bus
Private vehicles are not allowed past Savage River (mile 14) on the park road, but shuttle buses travel as far as Kantishna (the end of the road). Passengers may disembark from the buses at any point west of mile 20, and then re-board any bus on a space-available basis. Anyone disembarking should be aware of the bus schedule, and plan for at least a one hour wait for a bus with seats available to arrive.

Shuttle bus reservations can be made either by following the instructions at www.nps.gov/dena/home/visitorinfo/bus/reservations.html or in person at the reservation desk in the visitor center. Be aware that buses may fill several days in advance, especially during the height of the summer visitor season.

2005 Shuttle Bus Prices (including reservation fee):
 • Savage River Shuttle (Mile 14). 2 hour round-trip, no charge.
 • Toklat (Mile 53). 6 hour round-trip, $18.50 per person (Youth price $9.25).
 • Eielson (Mile 66). 8 hour round-trip, $23.75 per person (Youth price $11.75).
 • Wonder Lake (Mile 86). 11 hour round-trip, $32.50 per person (Youth price $16.25).
 • Kantishna (Mile 91). 13 hour round-trip, $35.50 per person (Youth price $17.75).

Youth prices are for individuals age 15 to 17. There is no charge on any of the shuttle buses for children age 14 and under. Fees for camper/backpacker drop-off is $23.75 for all destinations (Youth price $11.75).

By foot
There are few trails within the park, but visitors are allowed (and often encouraged) to choose their own paths across the tundra. The less-adventurous may choose to simply amble along the park road after Savage River; keep an eye out for buses and wildlife when traveling on the road.

By bike
A mountain bike is a great option for traveling on the park road. Many bikers arrange backcountry permits at the visitor center that allow them to spend a few days traveling out to Wonder Lake and back. If planning a trip by bike along the park road be prepared for travel on a dirt road with several major mountain passes and few guard rails.