Teklanika Campground at Mile 39.5 on the Park Road, opens on May 20. We’ve transitioned to the opening of the “summer season” in Denali National Park. Prior to today one could drive all the way to mile 30. In the summer you can drive a private vehicle only to mile 14 at Savage River. May 20 is also the day a few of the interior campgrounds open. If one has a reservation at an interior campground one can drive to that campground. However, once parked the vehicle must remain at the campground until the end of your stay. If you use your vehicle then you must leave. In the morning, we prepare to head to our new spot. At Mile 14 the road becomes gravel. The speed limit remains at 35, but that kicks up a huge dust cloud. We putz along at 15 to 19 mph to keep the dust down. At this speed it’s easier to spot wildlife, but as we discovered over the past few days wildlife viewing is best at low speeds. Furthermore, wildlife spotting is the luck of the draw. One time we see lots of wildlife while an hour later there’s nothing. Our trip to Teklanika Campground only revealed a few Cariboo along with several ptarmigan.
Arriving at the campground we secure a beautiful spot within sight of the Teklanika River. As the day goes on more campers arrive, yet there are several spots unoccupied. Basically, all the non-river view sites.
Camp is set up we pull out the bike and enjoy a short bike ride.
Not a Bad View
Seeing North America 