Wilderness Access Center, Alaska, United States
4.5 (329 reviews) Spent Ranking #10 in Denali National Park and Preserve Visitor Centers
Vistor Center (Last pick up spot)
Where the bus tours start. it's the last pick up for the Tundra tour, so most of the seats will be filled fyi. We got lucky that the entire bus was filled with 1 tour group and the 3 of us. They left us the fourth row free, so we were able to sit on the same row at least. The center has a coffee bar, service reps, and a small gift shop. They were nice and helpful with some questions we had. Use the restrooms here for sure. It also had some info on the walls, etc. Nice to read about the history of how it all came about.
Address
Mile 0.75 Park Road, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
Mobile
Website
http://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/wildernessaccesscenter.htm
Current local date and time now
Saturday, May 11, 2024, 19:25
User Ratings
4.5 based on (329 reviews)
Reviews
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51never2late 5:00 PM Oct 22, 2016
An efficient operation
The WAC, the starting point for trips into the park and where one comes to confirm/ make shuttle reservations. We found the staff to be knowledgable and super organised in dealing with the many, many people who enter Denali each day. The Dispatcher, in particular, calmly and efficiently worked to ensure everyone was lined up ready to board the correct bus, ensuring a punctual, hassle free departure. I respect people who know their job and do it well.
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5queentut1 5:00 PM Sep 12, 2016
How to See Denali!
This great experience started with Rudy, one of the customer service reps whom I was lucky enough to reach when planning my visit into the park. Thanks to his guidance and efforts, my husband and I were successfully able to book an early morning bus excursion to Wonder Lake just a few weeks before our trip. He is a fine example of the type of service that is available at this company. Like another Trip Advisor contributor, we walked an easy couple of miles to the WAC from the Holland America lodges, which are right next door to their sister Princess lodge facilities. On the way, we encountered a tremendous moose, right there on the roadway. That is a rather common sight out there, and we understand that this particular moose is a frequent visitor to the same area--we think we even saw her the last time we visited the park a few years ago, when she had one of her babies with her! While it seems that she has gotten used to the many humans that she sees in the area, the idea is to keep your distance and use common sense. As she was very busy eating her breakfast and seemed totally uninterested in us, we moved as quickly as possible as far as possible away from her, and all was well. Just letting you know that there is a real possibility, if you walk over to the Access Center especially in the early morning or evening hours, you may be in for some bonus wildlife sightings! The shuttle bus ride to Wonder Lake from the Access Center is terrific, with some of the most beautiful scenery that you will ever see anywhere, although it is a VERY full 11 hour day. But, there are many different trip options, so you can budget your time accordingly. The bus drivers are wonderful and informative, and they make frequent stops when wildlife is observed in the area. There are also stops at rest areas, but be warned: there is no food and very little water available once you leave the Access Center, so if you haven't done so already, stock up on provisions there. The Denali National Park is, hands down, one of the premier highlights of any Alaska trip, and the Access Center does a terrific job of coordinating and running these shuttle bus adventures. Just don't forget your food, your water, your camera, and your binoculars!
