BIking through Sable Pass in Denali National Park in early spring, an optimal time to go thanks to decreased bus traffic and expanded private vehicle opportunities. May 15, 2020.
Denali National Park, home to the tallest mountain in North America, is a short 120 mile drive south of Fairbanks.
Famous for stunning scenery and ample wildlife, Denali National Park is popular among tourists and Alaskans alike.
One of the park’s primary features is also a visitor’s main access — the sole road in the massive 6 million acre park. At 90 miles, the two-lane, mostly gravel road climbs and descends three large mountain passes, navigates through dense forests, over rivers and past vibrant wetlands — all with chances of seeing moose, bear, caribou, Dall Sheep, lynx and much more.
Normally, private vehicles can only travel to Mile 15, so the majority of visitors opt for bus tours of varying lengths. But biking the park road is extremely popular, especially early in the year when private vehicles can drive to Mile 30 and traffic on the road is light. (Because tourism has been greatly diminished due to Covid-19, the Park Service has expanded public vehicle options for 2020, all of which can be explored on their current conditions).
A late May bike trip on the park road offered countless caribou, sweeping vistas, challenging climbs, delightful descents and, fortunately, full views of Denali, which is visible only 30 percent of the time.
A caribou crosses Saveage River in Denali National Park. May 15, 2020.
A young mosses crosses the road in Denali National Park. Only one 90 mile road services the 6 millions acre park, and only the first 15 miles are paved. May 15, 2020.
Caribou graze along the banks of the Savage River in Denali National Park. May 15, 2020.
Caribou rest and wander along the gravel bars of the Teklanika River, a 30 mile drive inside Denali National Park. May 15, 2020.
A ptarmagin, Alaska's State Bird, rests in a dead tree with Denali in the background. Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Visitors to Denali National Park only have a 30 percent chance viewing the mountain. May 18, 2020.
Scoring good views of Denali pretty much boils down to luck and timing, if you have that luxury. May 15, 2020.