wilderness access center

When we went to pick up the tickets for our next day shuttle bus tour we were warmly welcomed by the staff. We asked 'some' information on hiking and we got a whole lot of information, including maps, bus schedules.

We had a hard time finding anyone with helpful info. The salesperson whom we needed to get tickets to gain access to the park was not very helpful. She didn't seem to understand how the bus system worked or the camping passes. It was very frustrating. The info booth didn't have paper bus schedules either only electronic ones for smart phones... Luckily we had researched enough online before hand and all of the bus stops have schedules printed on them.

The people at the Wilderness Access Center are very nice and helpful We were on the last bus out Sept 11,2014 9:30am. Our driver was very informative and would stop for wild life. I thought 11.5 hours on a blue bird school bus would be awful but it worked out fine; (93miles one way). Use this option.

The Center is basically a bus depot. The staff were very nice and helpful. The film on early Denali National Park was informative.

All tours begin at the Wilderness Activity Center. This is where we caught our Park Road tour to the Eielsen Visitor's Center...66 miles into the park...4 hours in and 4 hours out. This, we thought, was a non-narrated tour, but our guide imparted much knowledge and stopped for all wildlife...we saw 15 grizzlies, 6 caribou, ptarmigans, dall sheep, prairie dog-looking squirrels (?), and moose. The EVC is a new visitor's center and full of info with incredible views around it. We saw Mt. McKinley clearly from 35 miles away on this trip. There is another park tour that goes even further into the park...6 hours in and 6 hours out. There are no services, so you have to carry in your food and snacks for the day.

While in Alaska I ventured to Denali and did a self drive as well as a Bus Tour of the Park. The people at the Wilderness Access Center are very nice and helpful and this park truly is sacred ground as far as the United States is concerned. Keep in mind that if you want to self drive you may only go to Mile 15 and then you have to park and hike or turn around. For most people only a tour can get you into the back areas of the park. The tour is around $86.00 and includes a snack box. There is some wildlife that you may see but don't go there thinking it will be like an episode of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom because it won't be! Moose seem to be the most abundant and most visible! When I was there I went into the park for two days and I did not see one Bear even though there are 260 brown bears in the park. The buss tour lasts 6 hours and there are plenty of stops for restroom breaks and photo opportunities. Make reservations for the tour because they book up fast! Also if the price seems steep remember the proceeds go to keeping the park in good order. The park belongs to all of us so if you are a US citizen you are part owner of the park! The sweeping vistas and views are breath-taking and if you are in Alaska it's worth the drive or train trip to see our most amazing national park!

They have a store for snacks and last minute items before hitting the trail. Guides to give advice. My mother in law attended a Catholic mass in the auditorium.

This was a pleasant addition to our bus trip into Denali National Park as the movie shown taught us about the history of this beautiful National Treasure

Inside Denali NP, this is where tickets can be gotten for the bus ride through park. Ample vehicle parking and shuttle drop offs from lodging. It is organized, clean, staff are knowledgeable and helpful to customers. Sells coffee, a lifesaver for those early a.m. rides. Small gift shop inside. Wasn't crazy for the film (creating the road through the park). Water bottle refill station and full bathrooms. Maps of park. Pick up bus out back.

The center is good and has some good information. There is a neat little gift shop and there is a Saturday evening mass that people can attend from the McKinley Chalet and Denali Princess by taking the shuttle buses if desired.

4 hour bus trip. Plenty of bathroom breaks. We thought this trip would be booring, but everyone thought it was great. A long day, but great. If you don't like roads with cliffs right next to it, you may not enjoy the bus trip. Not much to do at the visitor center, just walk around for an hour or two before getting on the bus and heading back.

If you want official Denali souvenirs you will need to visit the tiny gift shop here. They have a small selection but nice products.

Nice gift shop, clean restrooms, clearly labeled Information area.Did not like to see Starbucks in there. Prefer a Mom & Pop type shop in such a family oriented place.

The center is really very nicely one by the trips operator. The staff knew about the options and suggested alternatives when appropriate.

They have bathrooms, snack bar with coffee available at 5am, gift shop and movie. This is where you buy your tickets for the shuttle buses and tour buses that will take you into Denali National Park. No private cars are allowed past about 10 miles.