Denali,
Alaska,
United States
Friday, July 13, 2007
So I finally bucked up and went to Denali National Park. I camped in nearby Healy and drove down to the park. The scenery there is... epic... it's mostly Arctic Tundra and lots of evergreens. There are numerous trails, streams, etc etc. I went out for a few little hikes and saw some arctic ground squirrels and seagulls and ptarmigans. But for what I paid ($20 entry and $12/night camping outside the park), I wasn't that happy. I was alone... so maybe if I had had company, it would have been worth it since the $20 is per car and not per individual. Not that I'm unhappy that I went... just less than ecstatic. In truth, the scenery there is comparable to other places along the Glenn Highway... only you have to pay for entrance. And did I mention tourists? Holy wow by the bus and RV load. They swarmed like ants around the visitor center.
Next time I go, I'm bringing a seasoned outdoorsperson with plenty of backcountry experience. I think that's really the way to go. Take the bus out to the end of the road and backcountry camp....
