The holiday season may still be ramping up and Alaska may just be settling into winter but officials at Denali National Park and Preserve are urging people to start planning their summer adventures by booking campsites and seats on the park's shuttle buses early.
Beginning Dec. 1, sites can be reserved in the four largest campgrounds at the Interior Alaska park: Riley Creek, Savage River, Teklanika River and Wonder Lake. All the campsites at those campgrounds can be reserved in advance, while only 65 percent of the shuttle bus seats can be booked in advance, a spokesperson for the park wrote in a press release.
Park spokesperson Kris Fister said officials aren't expecting everything to be booked right away but some campgrounds will fill more quickly.
"I suspect Wonder Lake, towards the end of August and into early September, will be booked," Fister said. "By that time the bugs are gone and the colors are beautiful, but it is the same people every year and that entire campsite will go. Wonder Lake has a high level of demand."
The shuttle bus system, which provides transportation deep into the park for visitors, is scheduled to operate May 20 through Sept. 16, officials said. Parties can reserve only eight seats at a time. Ticket prices range from $27.50 to $52.50 for a single adult passenger. Youths 15 and younger ride shuttles for free.
A variety of other park packages are available as well.
To make reservations call 800-622-7275 or 907-272-7275, or visit www.reservedenali.com.