June 17, 2018. Birding Trip Day 10. Denali National Park.

Denali National Park is closed to most automobile traffic, so we used the shuttle bus system to see the park. From the entrance, we rode out to Eielson Visitor Center and back, typically an 8-hour trip. The bus makes pit-stops twice in both directions, plus a 30-minute stop at Eielson. At each of these places, we saw what birds we could, but the day really was about grand scenery and big mammals. Neither disappointed.

Clouds typically obscure all but the lowest slopes of Denali, but we were fortunate to see most of the mountain and the summit. From the bus, we saw several Grizzly Bear, Caribou, Dall Sheep, and Moose, plus Willow Ptarmigans and Golden Eagles.

We got off the bus for a walk along the road and found a pair of Northern Hawk-Owls with chicks on the nest. We didn't see chicks, but momma was more than ready to defend them should the need arise.

Night outside Denali National Park (Denali Cabins Inn).

Trip Map.