Park Rd

Park Rd begins at George Parks Hwy and winds 92 miles through the heart of the park, ending at Kantishna, an old mining settlement and the site of several wilderness lodges. Early on, park officials envisaged the onset of bumper-to-bumper traffic jams along this road and wisely closed almost all of it to private vehicles. With few exceptions, motorists can drive only to a parking area along the Savage River at Mile 14, a mile beyond the Savage River Campground. To venture further along the road you must walk, bike, be part of a concessionaire-run tour, or, most popularly, take a park shuttle or camper bus.

If you're planning to spend the day riding the buses, pack plenty of food and drink. It can be a long, dusty ride, and in the park there are no services save for toilets and, at the Toklat Ranger Station, bottled water. Carry a park map so you know where you are and what ridges or riverbeds appeal to you for hiking.