Denali National Park

Driving into Denali National Park our trip odometer rolled over to mark our 8,000 mile this trip.

Denali is truly a crown jewel in the national park system. Cars are only allowed in the first 15 miles, so we drove 15 miles and parked at the end of the road at the Savage River. The drive in is spectacular. Unlike many scenic drives, the landscape on both sides of the road is low brush with few trees so that people in cars can see for miles any wildlife walking several miles from the road. You also can see the mountains that ring the park.

Our first day in the park we parked at Savage River and walked a mile down the Savage River trail. Next we climbed a 2,000 foot mountain that runs along the river and hiked back on it summit.

They boys chose to also climb the next mountain as well (since we were so close) while Sara led Bill and Michelle down through the 8 foot tall underbrush back to the RV.

While waiting for the boys to return, Bill and Michelle hiked the Savage River trail again and got to see a caribou and a Dall sheep.

Once the boys return, we headed for the Grizzly Bear Campground, 6 miles south of the park for showers and a good nights sleep.