Courtesy Shuttle Buses

Courtesy buses are identified as Riley Creek Loop, Savage River Shuttle or Sled Dog Demonstration in their marquis.

nps photo / neil blake

 

There are three free bus services available in the park’s entrance area to facilitate visitor travel between the various visitor service buildings. They are called the Savage River Shuttle, the Riley Loop Shuttle and the Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle.

As the facilities are somewhat spread out, the courtesy buses eliminate excess traffic, confusion, and parking challenges for those visitors not wishing to utilize the trails that link all facilities.

The main entrance area bus stops are located at the north end of the Wilderness Access Center (WAC) and the Denali Visitor Center (DVC) bus stop - between the Alaska Railroad Depot and the Denali Visitor Center complex.

All entrance area shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible. All operate daily and are free.

Map of the Entrance Area

 

Savage River Shuttle

View the 2013 Savage River Shuttle schedule. (PDF 114 KB)

This courtesy bus is perfect for those visitors wishing to experience a short bus ride into the park. Regularly departing from the Denali Visitor Center Bus Stop and the Wilderness Access Center, the Savage River Shuttle travels to the Mountain Vista trailhead and Savage River day-use area at mile 14 on the Park Road.

At Savage River, visitors can hike the Savage River Loop Trail, picnic beside the river, or just enjoy the 2-hour round trip ride. Schedules vary during the season, so check at the WAC and DVC bus stops or information desks for departure times.

This is a perfect activity if you only have a couple of hours or don't have time to take one of the other shuttle rides further into the park.

Visitors may also access the Savage River Campground by taking this shuttle.

 

Riley Creek Loop Shuttle

View the 2013 Riley Creek Loop schedule. (PDF 136 PDF)

This courtesy bus continuously circuits the entrance area, linking all major visitor facilities roughly every 30 minutes. Stops are located at the Riley Creek Campground, Wilderness Access Center, Denali Visitor Center bus stop, Murie Science and Learning Center, Riley Creek Mercantile, and the Horseshoe Lake/Mt. Healy Trailhead.

 

Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle

Unless you plan on walking the nearly 3 miles to the park kennels, this round trip transportation service is the only way to get to the park sled dog demonstration.

Boarding takes place at the Denali Visitor Center (DVC) bus stop, and you must be there at least 40 minutes before demonstration time.

There is no parking at the kennels, and there are no late departures from the DVC bus stop. Demonstration times vary during shoulder seasons; check at the DVC bus stop or at the DVC for departure times.