There are multiple options for cruise packages these days, and what you choose depends on what the overall goal for your vacation is. Most packages have similar stops along the way, but the land portions are different. Our goal was to visit Denali National Park. In my dad’s words, “if we’re going all the way to Alaska, I want to see Denali.”
Wise words, from a wise man.
As mentioned in my last post, we spent two nights at the Princess Wilderness Lodge. Our first day/night was spent around the lodge, and our second day was spent driving through Denali National Park. For 8 hours. Should you visit in your own vehicle it’s not likely you’ll get passed a certain check point without a permit, but when you hop aboard the magic school bus it’s full steam ahead.
But seriously, we rode a legit school bus.
The space was cramped, the Australian woman behind me was sick, but we were able to get out and use the bathroom/explore every couple hours. There were no complaints because I was in Alaska. For food we were given a snack pack, although I didn’t eat anything inside because #autoimmuneprobs.
I fueled my stomach with amazing views and even better company.
The weather ranged from sunny and blue, to cloudy and rain, to below freezing and snow. It was even more unpredictable than my home state of Washington. I loved every minute. Except when we got out and it was below freezing. I bought a hat on the cruise ship (and a jacket) that was a Godsend, but I was still frozen.
My dad and I spent time getting to know each other on this trip, and I was able to teach him how to take a proper selfie. He then became the selfie king, which was good because I never take selfies.
Selfies aside, we saw a wide range of wildlife on this tour. Denali National Park has over 6 million acres of protected land, and I’ve never felt so small in my life. Amazing how easily we could have been swallowed by these mountains with even the slightest amount of careless disrespect.
Either the mountains, or a grizzly bear.
This bear was right next to the road, and I immediately took back all the unkind things I thought about the cramped bus. I was thankful for the large hunk of steel to separate me and the grizzly. He didn’t seem too fazed by us anyway. With 6 million acres, seeing a grizzly isn’t all that common, but we lucked out.
We also saw tons of dall sheep, caribou, and a handful of moose.
All critters aside, the vast open landscape was what captured my soul. The locals say it’s hit or miss to actually see Mt. Denali due to the changing weather, and for us it was a miss. The clouds covered the spot where Denali should be visible, but there was plenty of beauty to make up for the hiding peak of Denali.
Of all the places we visited this was the only spot I would have liked to see in the summer months opposed to the fall. There are trails for hikers all over the park, and I’m not a big snow fan. Looks like I’ll have to go back and cover some land by foot.
Although, I’m not sure I want to run into a bear.
Alaska is truly a wonder, and is a place you have to see for yourself to appreciate all the beauty.
Q: Have you ever seen a bear in its natural habitat?
Blissfulbritt 
24 thoughts on “Denali National Park”
wildlifeweeks
I would love to go there some day!!!
Brittany
You must!
rootchopper
I don’t recall if we saw any grizzlies or brown bears in Yellowstone but Elk, Bison, and deer on steroids were everywhere. Black bears are a dime a dozen in the Adirondacks and at Granny’s House in southern West Virginia.
Brittany
Hahaha granny must have lots of experience defending her land.
rootchopper
My MIL and wife went for a walk. Encountered a black bear hiding behind trash dumpster. Ran back home. MIL wet her pants
Brittany
Hahaha I’d have wet my pants too. 😳
rootchopper
Used to look out the back window and watch black bears snarling apples from a tree in their yard.
Brittany
That’s kinda awesome!
wineandhistory
I have seen black bears several times in the wild, including Yellowstone (2x), Leavenworth, WA, and outside of Shenandoah NP in VA. I have never seen a grizzly though and would like to! With a nice safe bus or someone between me and him, of course.
Brittany
I’d never seen a grizzly until this trip! I’ve never seen any around where I live, but that’s not to say they aren’t there!
Ellie
Each year when the trails open there is always a “wildlife to watch out for” guide that goes around. You know, bears are always on there, but I don’t really get scared of them…I’m more worried about ticks and deer flies 😦
Brittany
That’s fair, I just never want to get in the path of a bear!
P
Haven’t seen a bear in its natural habitat, but I did see a possum scare a cat once…very creepy! I’d probably be less scared to see a bear in comparison 😛
Brittany
Eww omg, possums can be so freaky!
Anthony
Awesome trip.
Awesome photos.
Awesome positive vibes.
All the best in the new year.
Brittany
Thank you! Same to you friend.
Allie Zottola
Love that your dad became the selfie king, haha! Denali looks so, so amazing. I bet it’s 100x better in person. I can’t believe you could drive around for 8 hours! It must be huuuuge!!
Brittany
aaannnddd…we didn’t even go all the way! Crazzzyy big!
Mary
Hi Brittany, I’m glad to see that you got to Alaska. I’ve never been despite living in the same area as you. Thanks for sharing these big open vistas, beautiful yellow (larch?) trees, and the grizzly pix! Wow! I’ve never seen one, though I’ve seen black bear while walking in my neighborhood.
Brittany
Oh my! Black bear in your neighborhood, that’s quite a sight!
stateeats
Aww, your dad! Luv the selfie. Denali is on my bucket list. You really lucked out with the wildlife viewing. -Kat
Brittany
We definitely did!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I would have loved to have seen a grizzly bear and I too would have been fortunate for the bus. Bears are cool, but I value my life.
Brittany
Agreed to the max.