Ready for some serious action? Touch down in Anchorage and take a bush plane to the one-time mining town of Talkeetna. The treacherous transport alone makes this a not-so-kid-friendly destination (although it's a wild ride for adults).
Where to Stay
A five-mile hike from a historic 59er homestead cabin, the family-run Denali Fireside Cabins & Suites brims with welcoming charm in its cute cabin suites with gas fireplaces, covered outdoor decks and hand-sewn quilts (from $99).
On the south side of Mount McKinley, the mid-size Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge is a comfortable base with romantic add-ons like Jacuzzis and fireplaces (from $209).
What to Do
Flight-see over the alpine tundra, granite gorges and glaciers that surround Mount McKinley and Denali National Park (Talkeetna Air can plan it for you). Tip: This isn't an excursion to take if you get motion sickness.
Heli-ski (a commonly used term for accessing off-trail, downhill skiing via helicopter instead of a ski lift) near Anchorage with Chugach Powder Guides.
Put your best camera to use in Denali National Park & Preserve, but respect the park's guidelines on how close you can actually get to the grizzly bears that inhabit the area.
Register at least two months ahead of your trip if you want to go on a climbing expedition on Mount McKinley (you'll need to get a permit). Hire a guide or head out on your own.
Meet the sled dogs of Denali with a visit to the park's very own kennel.
What to Bring
A sleep mask. During summer months, the sun sets as late as 11:40 p.m. in southern parts of the state and doesn't set at all for 84 days in the northernmost regions. In the winter, bring a watch with an alarm setting —Anchorage only gets six hours of daylight in December, making it somewhat hard to keep track of time.
No comments:
Post a Comment