Free Buses

 

In the summer, there are three free bus lines around the park entrance area to help visitors travel between the visitor center and other facilities. They are called the Savage River Shuttle, the Riley Creek Loop Shuttle and the Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle.

As the visitor center and other facilities are somewhat spread out, these free buses eliminate excess traffic, confusion, and parking challenges. All shuttles operate daily in summer and are wheelchair accessible.

The main bus stops are located at the Denali Bus Depot and the Denali Visitor Center (this bus stop is located between the visitor center building and the Alaska Railroad Depot). Numerous other stops are indicated on the map, for people who are at Riley Creek Campground or other facilities. Refer to a map of the entrance area of the park to orient yourself.

Shuttle bus schedules are posted at all bus stops and available below. Printed copies are not available in the park and cell service is not available in all areas—print or download these schedules to your phone before visiting.
 

Savage River Shuttle

This bus route is perfect for visitors wishing to experience a short bus ride into the park. Departing from the Denali Visitor Center bus stop and the Denali Bus Depot every 30 minutes, this shuttle travels to trailheads at Mountain Vista and Savage River, where parking is extremely limited. Visitors can use the shuttle to access hiking trails, picnic beside the river, or just enjoy the 2-hour round trip ride.

This is a perfect activity if you only have a couple of hours or don't have time to take one of the long bus rides further into the park. Visitors may also access the Savage River Campground by taking this shuttle.

The shuttle traveling to Savage River can be green or tan colored (but is usually green) and will have a placard in the front window reading "Savage River Shuttle."

Download schedules:

Last Updated: November 13, 2024. Schedules are subject to change, so make sure to download the most recent version before your visit.

Savage River Shuttle: May 15 to May 22, 2025 — operates from 8:20 am to 8:10 pm.
Savage River Shuttle: May 23 to September 1, 2025 — operates from 6:20 am to 10:10 pm.
Savage River Shuttle: September 2 to September 14, 2025 — operates from 8:20 am to 8:10 pm.

 

Riley Creek Loop Shuttle

This shuttle continuously circuits the entrance area, linking all major visitor facilities every 30 minutes. Stops are located at the Riley Creek Mercantile, Riley Creek Campground, Denali Bus Depot, Horseshoe Lake Trailhead, and the Denali Visitor Center bus stop.

The Riley Creek Loop shuttle will be either green or tan colored and will have a placard in the window reading "Riley Creek Loop."

Download schedules:

Last Updated: November 13, 2024. Schedules are subject to change, so make sure to download the most recent version before your visit.

Riley Creek Loop: May 15 to May 19, 2025 — operates from 9 am to 5 pm.
Riley Creek Loop: May 20 to June 4, 2025 — operates from 6 am to 7 pm.
Riley Creek Loop: June 5 to August 27, 2025 — operates from 5 am to 7 pm.
Riley Creek Loop: August 28 to September 3, 2025 — operates from 6 am to 7 pm.
Riley Creek Loop: September 4 to September 14, 2025 — operates from 6 am to 5 pm.

 

Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle

This free round-trip shuttle service provides transportation to the popular sled dog demonstrations.

Boarding takes place at the Denali Visitor Center (DVC) bus stop 40 minutes before demonstration time. No tickets or reservations are needed.

There is no parking at the kennels, so please plan to use the shuttle or walk from the DVC to the kennels (approximately 2 miles each way via the Roadside Hiking Trail). The trail is mainly uphill on the way to the kennels.

2025 Sled Dog Demonstration Bus Schedule

Program Times Depart DVC Arrive Kennels Depart Kennels Arrive back at DVC (approximate)
10:00 am
(offered 5/20–9/11)
9:20 9:40 10:40 11:00
2:00 pm
(offered 5/15–9/14)
1:20 1:40 2:40 3:00
4:00 pm
(offered 6/1–9/1)
3:20 3:40 4:30 5:00

Last updated: November 13, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 9
Denali Park, AK 99755

Phone:

907 683-9532
A ranger is available 9 am to 4 pm daily (except on major holidays). If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller.

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