Epic Road Trip - Denali Highway

Epic Road Trip - Overlanding Loop: Calgary to Alaska

This is an Overlanding adventure from Calgary (or wherever you will be at the time) to the (i) Denali Highway's 215km between Paxton and Cantwell. We will also stop at the Denali National Park.

(i) Denali Highway: starting in the settlement of Paxson, we quickly climb westward into a high alpine and tundra landscape, paralleling the great Alaska Range just to the south. The area plays host to a wide variety of wildlife including porcupine, moose, caribou, beaver, trumpeter swans, fox, and grizzly bears.

(ii) Denali National Park and Preserve: The Denali Park Road parallels the Alaska Range and travels through low valleys and high mountain passes. It is the only road in the park. Along its route, beautiful landscapes can be seen at every turn, and there are many opportunities to view Mount McKinley - if the normally cloudy skies permit. Wildlife can often be seen, too, though sightings are not guaranteed—they are, after all, wild animals roaming an unfenced land.

During summer, roughly late May through early September, private vehicles may drive the first 24km of this road, to a place called Savage River. The road to Savage River is paved, and features numerous pull-outs for folks to stop and snap some scenic photos. "The Mountain" can be seen as early as Mile 9 marker, if the day isn't too overcast, and animals of all sorts can sometimes be seen on this stretch of road - although chances to see wildlife increase greatly with a bus trip farther down the Park Road.

As we begin planning a trip to Denali, it's important to understand how the road operates.

• The road is 149km long. As stated above, only the first 24km are paved. The paved section, leading from the park entrance to Savage River, is the only section that personal vehicles may drive. In the summer, the first 24km is open for public (non-commercial) vehicles to drive and buses provide transportation along the rest of the road.
• Types of Bus Trips: Tour vs. Transit
  You should understand the nature of bus trips in Denali before booking anything. There are two main types of buses in Denali—narrated trips (tour buses) and non-narrated trips (transit buses). In addition, a few free buses travel routes around the park entrance, connecting visitor centers and points of interest in the same area where visitors may drive their own vehicles. If you are booking a tour, make sure you book it ahead of time.
• Non-narrated transit buses
  Cheaper than tour buses, and more flexible in that you may disembark and re-board anywhere along the restricted portion of the road, these are called transit buses. Transit bus drivers aim to help you experience the park on your own terms. These buses stop for wildlife viewing, restroom stops and beautiful scenery, just like tour buses.
  Read more about non-narrated transit bus options
• Narrated tour buses
  Your driver is your narrator on the tour buses, and they will provide a detailed and captivating program to accompany your journey along the Denali Park Road. Tour buses make the same restroom stops as the non-narrated buses, and of course will pause for views of wildlife and scenery. All tours offer either a snack or full lunch.
  Read more about narrated tour bus options
• Free buses
  Three types of free buses operate on the publicly-driveable portion of the Denali Park Road. These enable visitors without vehicles, or those who wish to leave their vehicle behind, to travel between various facilities, trails, campgrounds and day-use areas. All of these are free, and none require reservations.
  Learn more about free buses

If you wish to do any hiking in the Park, please visit the following URL: Hiking - Denali National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)

Should you wish to join me on this road trip, you will need to be prepared for travel on the Denali Highway (not to be mistaken with the Denali Road). The Denali Highway is a 215km gravel road. You will need a full spare tire and tools (not a dummy tire; you need to know how to change your vehicle's tire); carry extra gas (carried outside your vehicle); you will need a valid passport and a visa to enter the US, if applicable.

Given the Denali Highway has fewer campgrounds, your vehicle must be fully equipped/self-contained to enable potential boondocking requirements. A full list of requirements will be shared in January 2026. A Potluck BBQ will be organized in the Spring to answer any questions you may have. The full itinerary will be shared with those joining this trip at the first meeting location, and NOT before.

I will be using a roof top tent. Campers, trailers, motorcycles, etc., are welcome.
There are plenty of videos, blogs and articles on this highway that you can watch/read.

This road trip will be a slow pace/photography adventure on the Denali Highway to take in the scenery. Dress for the weather as well.

This Road Trip will start on August 1, 2026 and end on or about August 22, 2026. Exact dates will be shared in early January 2026.
You have the choice to meet the host at two locations to start the convoy:

• First Location (7am): Shell Big Hill Springs Road, Cochrane: 567 Hwy 22 and Hwy, Big Hill Springs Rd, Cochrane, AB T4C 1A4 (51.27208817937066, -114.46718048687853)
• Second Location (1pm/1:30pm): A&W Canada, 4007 Highway St, Valleyview, AB T0H 3N0

If you missed these two locations, the Event host will consider you a 'no show'
Hiking Pace: slow, beginner level, with lots of stops for photos.
What to bring:

• roof-top tent or ground tent + camping gear
• full spare tire (no dummies) + tire kit + tools (to change tires)
• extra gas (jerry cans must be carried OUTSIDE your vehicle: either on a roof rack or a hitch basket. There are Calgary outfitters that rent tents, roof racks, hitch baskets, etc.
• water and food (please be mindful of US border crossing requirements vs allowed food)
• rain/wind jacket and layers; dress for the weather
• good hiking boots/shoes
• hiking poles
• bug spray
• bear spray
• sunscreen/sun glasses
• camera
• most importantly, you are bringing a smile

Waiver: anyone joining this event must sign the waiver form before the start of the event (either at the meeting location or at the trailhead). You must also provide an emergency contact name and number of someone who is not currently joining you in this event.
Disclaimer: You acknowledge that organizers/hosts are not professional guides, and as such, by joining this event you assume full responsibility for your safety. You further attest to be prepared for the event (e.g. you have water, gear, food, etc.) and that you are physically capable to participate in this event.

*photo used courtesy of Alaska.org*