Why Buses?

Beyond the Savage River Check Station at mile 15 of the Park Road, you'll need to be on a bus, bicycle, or on foot.

Why do I need to be on a bus?

Prior to the 1972 completion of the George Parks Highway, the main travel artery which opened up interior Alaska, visitation to Denali National Park and Preserve was fairly low. Anticipation of major increases in traffic resulting from the now-direct route to the park prompted park officials to implement a mass transit system beyond Mile 15 (Savage River) on the Denali Park Road.

The Denali Park Road is the only road in the park, and with few exceptions, private vehicles are not allowed beyond Mile 15. To provide for visitor access and enjoyment of the world class resources, our concessioner, Doyon/ARAMARK Joint Venture, offers several types of bus services along the Park Road.

Extending 92 miles from the park entrance to its terminus in the old mining community of Kantishna, the mostly-gravel road traverses boreal forests and sub-arctic tundra. Crossing rolling mountainsides and sheer cliffs, the road meanders through scenic vistas and prime wildlife viewing areas.

By riding a bus, you help to reduce traffic congestion and to protect the natural resources of the park. We encourage you to explore the different bus options and decide on the best choice for you.

 

Even more information on how the park road is managed, as it relates to vehicle traffic, can be found in the Denali Park Road Vehicle Management Plan