What To Do At The Eielson Visitors Center: Denali National Park, Alaska- You may be wondering if the bus ride all the way to the Eielson Visitors Center (mile 66) at Denali National Park is worth it? And yes! It is! Even the the bus ride seems like, there is such much to look at, it will make the time go fast! You may also be wondering, what is there to do at the Eielson Visitors Center? Even though your time may be short there do to the long drive in, and the long drive out, there is lots to see. I will lead you through short and long hikes, and what to do at the Eielson Visitors Center in Denali National Park in Alaska.
Overview
The Bus Ride To Eielson Visitor Center
What To Do At the Eielson Visitor Center
Hikes at the Eielson Visitor Center
Other Hikes In The Area That You Might Like
Where To Stay
We explored Alaska in a campervan with Million Mile Adventures. But no matter which way you are traveling I listed options for you below.
RV & Tent Camping
We stayed at the Riley Creek Campground, in the Denali National Park (about a 3 minute drive from the Visitors Center). And if using a bus this was right down the street from the bus depot.
Hotels or Rental
The best place to stay for access to the park would be in the town of Denali Park, located right side of the entrance. There are many accommodations and it is only a short drive to the Denali National Park Visitors Center.
You can also easily get here from other small towns:
Healy– 20 minute drive
Cantwell– 35 minute drive
When To Go
Some of these hikes are open year round. But it is best to go during the summer months. I would plan for between June and September. Even a few weeks after we got back at the beginning of August they were starting to close some of the Denali Park Road as they had some heavy snowfall.
If you want a clear trail (minimal snow coverings) I would plan for July or August. Other ‘summer months’ could have snow leftover on the trail or roads.
**As of late August 2021 Denali had a massive landslide . This resulted in closing the Denali Park Road at mile 42. The buses and cars cannot go any farther on the road. Make sure you check their website for updates, especially if planning to go to the Eielson Visitor Center or Wonder Lake by bus.
How To Use The Bus System
Denali National Park has a few different options on their bus system, all depending on what type of day and adventure that you want to have. I have listed the different options below. All od these buses can be reserved through Reserve Denali website. We took the Transit Bus.
***As of late August 2021 Denali had a massive landslide . This resulted in closing the Denali Park Road at mile 42. The buses, bikes and cars cannot go any farther on the road. Check the Denali National Park website for more updated information.
Tour Bus
This bus is designed for the person that wants to travel to mile 66 at the Eielson Visitor Center, multiple stops along the route, and get a full tour guide. This bus trip will have a tour guide driver that will have tons of information about the park, the wildlife and nature. They will even help point out animals and stop when they are sighted. Bring binoculars, water, lunch and a camera! In 2021 the Tundra Wilderness bus was the only narrated tour running.
Transit Bus
The hiking transport bus was originally designed for those who want to get off and on the bus to hike at their own time and pace. This bus would pick up hikers on the side of the road and transport them back to the bus depot or their next hiking destination. This bus will go all the way to the Eielson Visitor Center. This is the one that we used.
Camping Bus
This bus is designed for only those who are camping. You cannot hop on and off this bus like the hiking one. You will need a camping reservation to use this bus.
The Bus Ride To Eielson Visitor Center
The bus ride all the way to the Eielson Visitor Center will take about 4 hours. Expect this to take up your entire day as it is about a 4 hour bus ride one way.
We took the 7:00 am bus, although ours was not narrated, we still were able to stop and see many animals and our bus driver gave us lots of information along the ride.
The bus ride is long but with the constant scenery and being on the lookout for animals it does go fast. Make sure you pack water, snacks and lunch.
Along the route the driver will make many stops, for restroom breaks and for specific overlooks.
If you are lucky, one of the 30% of visitors, you will get to see the top of Denali’s peak (Mt. Mckinley) along the drive or at Eielson Visitor Center.
Stops Along the Route
**I added the times it takes to get to these points without stops. It took us a little over 4 hours to get to Eielson. We saw lots of wildlife to stop and watch along the way which made our drive longer. No complaints there.
We were only on the bus for about 20 minutes when we saw a moose off to the side of the road in the woods and some spruce grouse crossing the street.
Savage River
Mile 14: 30 minutes drive.
The first major sight you will pass is the Savage River area. You won’t get out here, but this is a pick up spot. Here is where rangers stop cars and only allow park buses back. We came back here the next day to hike.
Teklanika Rest Stop
Mile 30: 1.5 hours drive.
This will be the first official stop along the bus route, along with the last stop. Here there is a restroom, benches and a river overlook to take some pictures. Most of the stops were only for about 10-15 minutes. So not much time to hike around but to get out stretch and take some photos.
After the Teklanika Rest Stop, about 25 minutes further, you will drive through Sable Pass. This won’t be an official stop where you get off of the bus. But often animal sightings are here. Bring binoculars and look carefully at the colorful mountains to see what you can spot.
Ghiglione Bridge
About 20 minutes after Sable Pass you will drive over Ghiglione Bridge. This bridge passes over a braided river. A braided river is one where the river bed consists of a network of river channels separated by small islands making the river bed look braided.
Polychrome Overlook
Mile 45.2: 2 hours 13 minute drive
The Polychrome Overlook is another stop that you can get off of the bus. There are no restrooms here but some short trails from some higher overlooks. With the short stop I would start there right away. It is not much different than the bus stop but is usually less crowded. This was my favorite section of the bus ride, I loved the multi-colored hills and mountains.
Toklat River Contact Station
Mile 53: 2 hours 33 minute drive
This stop is on the way there and back as it has restrooms and even a small souvenir shop. I loved that this stop was right along the river. We even saw a caribou up close as we drove in!
Stony Hill Scenic Overlook
Mile 61.5: 2 hours 50 minute drive
This is not exactly an official stop but a bend in the road that is the iconic viewpoint of the Denali Road and Denali Mountain. As we turned down these bends our jaws dropped and it was constant oohs and ahhs as we got to see Denali peaking out from the clouds. Since we could see it our bus driver stopped and let us get out for pictures and viewings.
Eielson Visitor Center
Mile 66: 3 hour drive
The next and last stop was the Eielson Visitors Center. Here is if on the Transit bus you can decide to walk around and get back on the same bus or hike longer and catch a bus with open spots later on. We decided to hike around and caught a bus out later about 4:00pm.
*The drive back was shorter as we only stopped for animal viewings and restrooms, not the scenic stops.
What To Do At the Eielson Visitor Center
Once at the Visitors Center you can choose to take a short break and get back on the same bus or since this is a transit bus you can hike around and catch an available bus later. We wanted to hike so we caught a different bus on the way back.
Hikes
There are many short hikes to do at the Eielson Visitor Center, one for every type of hiker. If you are quick and get an early bus you can probably do them all. I listed the hikes, with times, pictures, and difficulty below.
Nature Center
We went in 2021 so you could not get inside as it was not open, besides the restrooms. There were plenty of rangers outside to ask questions, show you about the hikes, and even one was giving a kids presentation to a small group.
**Ask a ranger in this area about signing up for the bus back to the Bus Depot if using the Transit Bus. We had about a 30 minute wait until getting on the bus, which was not a bad wait with the beautiful views.
Viewing Platform
When the bus pulls up to the Eielson Visitor Center it is almost hard to tell you are there. The building is nestled into the ground below the parking lot. I love this design, it doesn’t interfere with nature as much. When you walk down the stairs to the parking lot you can see benches and a few picnic tables to enjoy lunch at and take in the views.
Picnic Lunch
Many people took their short break to grab a table or bench and enjoy their picnic lunch that they brought. Make sure you bring your own food and refillable water bottles as they have water stations but no food or drinks available for purchase.
Hikes at the Eielson Visitor Center
Thorofare Ridge Trail
Length: 2.2 miles out and back
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,105 feet
Trailhead: opposite side of the parking lot from the Eielson Visitor Center.
We first took off for the longer, more difficult hike in this area, the Thorofare Ridge Trail. This hike is 2 miles round trip. It is short but steep, with a 1,000 foot elevation gain. Expect 1 to 2 hours to complete this hike. But on a clear day I think this hike gives you the best views of Denali.
Tundra Loop Trail
Length: 0.4 mile loop
Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Elevation Gain: 52 feet
Trailhead: Eielson Visitor Center Viewing Platform
We had some time before the next bus came so we also did the short 0.4 mile loop by the Visitors Center, the Tundra Loop Trail. The views don’t change that much from the Visitors Center overlook, but it is a great way to stretch your legs from the long bus ride.
Gorge Creek Trail
Length: 3.8 miles out and back
Time:
Difficulty: moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,095 feet
Trailhead: Eielson Visitor Center Viewing Platform
The Gorge Creek Trail is another longer hike, we didn’t have enough time for this one. But it is 2 miles round trip, with a 600 foot elevation change.
We made the same stops along the way back that had restrooms and for more animal viewings. But passed by the other scenic overlook stops. The drive back went faster than on the way into the park.
We got in late from our bus tour, so we ate a cooked meal at our camping site at Riley Creek Campground. I would suggest looking into 49th State Brewing Company, or for a fast bite to eat, Denali Dogs.
Tips For The Area
Denali’s Peak
Only 30% of visitors of Denali National Park get to see Denali, or known as Mt. McKinley. We got extremely lucky to see it, even with a little cloud coverage. Don’t be too disappointed if you don’t see it, the bus ride is still worth it! The landscapes getting there are incredible.
Leave No Trace
Make sure you practice Leave No Trace 7 principles to leave minimal impact on the trails.
Be Bear Aware
Make sure you are Bear Aware while in any part of Alaska. We carried bear spray while on any hike in Alaska. We did not see any moose or bear along this hike, but did talk to a hiker that said they saw a black bear on the trail ahead of us. Stay alert, make noise, and seal food in containers. I also used a bear bell since we are usually pretty quiet hikers.
Watch For Weather
There is not much storm coverage at the top of this trail. Make sure you keep in eye on the weather before heading out on this hike.
Go Early
Going early will help you beat the crowds and the heat. And maybe even give you a better chance at seeing some wildlife if you are interested in that.
What To Bring
Water– we each carried 2 liters of water in our hydration bladders with an additional collapsible water bottle.
Hiking Poles– If planning on hiking I do love using them for uphills and downhills, much easier on your knees. But not exactly necessary for these small hikes.
Layers– You never know what Alaska weather and high elevation hikes may bring you. Dress in thin layers and make sure you bring a raincoat as well.
Sunscreen– Sunscreen is essential. We got burnt on this hike because we didn’t reapply our sunscreen often enough.
Bear Spray– we each had our own, and I also attached a bear bell on to my backpack. When on the bus they will ask you to seal it in your backpack. Bear spray is probably not necessary if sticking to the main populated trails. When using the buses you will need to put this in your backpack.
Bug Spray– Alaska summers are known for their bugs. Although we didn’t seem to get bitten by bugs much while in Denali National Park.
Hiking Shoes– Good sturdy hiking shoes are a must. I love my Ahnu’s.
Snacks/Food– This is a long hike, we packed many snacks such as granola bars, jerky sticks, fruits strips and more. We also packed a sandwich to eat at the top.
Sunglasses/Hat– Again it is very bright at the top as it is a pretty wide open area. I would pack sunglasses and maybe even a hat if you are sensitive to the sun.
Other Articles You May Be Interested In
3 Days In Denali National Park Itinerary
Lost Lake Hike Near Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska
Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield Hiking Guide
Renting A Campervan in Alaska: Million Mile Adventures
Savage Alpine Trail in Denali National Park
Horseshoe Lake Hike in Denali National Park
Gorgeous shots!
This Denali National Park guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!