Summer visitors flock to Denali National Park: now is the best time of year to visit this beautiful preserve.

• Author: Pilkington, Steve
• Position: Alaska This Month

One of Alaska's greatest attractions is Mount McKinley and its surrounding Denali National Park, which comes alive with wildlife, flowers and sightseers from spring to early fall. Each year roughly 360,000 visitors make their way into the park, and if conditions are right, a spectacular view of McKinley, North America's highest mountain, is the reward.

"The mountain is the icing on the cake," said Kris Fister, public information officer for Denali National Park and Preserve. "I'm sure that everyone sees and gets something out of their visit." The park is open year-round, but the best experience by far is available during the summer season.

Since 1976, buses have been the most common way to get deeper into Denali. The shuttle busses, known as the visitor transportation system or VTS, will begin around May 22, depending on weather and road conditions. The shuttle bus system is designed to provide access to visitors wishing to view remote areas of the park, access a campground or to reach an area good for a hike. Drivers on the green busses will help spot wildlife and answer questions about the park and its features. Rest stops along the park road are spaced roughly at one-hour intervals. Visitors are encouraged to bring along food and drinks, as none are available once the trip begins.

"I always advise people to try to go as far into the park as they have the time and ability to do," Fister said. Tailoring your ticket and distance to your ability to be comfortable on the bus is important, she said.

For those seeking a more relaxed, comfortable trip, there are different types of tour busses available into the park. The Denali Natural History Tour departs from the east end of the park and turns around near Mile 17, at Primrose, on the park road. Snacks and drinks are provided. The tour guides provide historical information.

The park was established as Mount McKinley National Park on Feb. 26, 1917. The park was originally...