One of my favorite places to stay in Denali, and one I recommend, is the Teklanika (”Tek”) Campground. The reasons; the Tek campground saves you 60 miles on the bus each day, staying there allows you to drive a portion of the road few others are allowed to drive, and it puts you in a great place to see wolves and bears right from camp. In addition, Tek gets some of the best evening light in the entire park. And finally, you are able to buy a Tek Pass, giving you unlimited access to the buses for the length of your stay.
Unfortunately this year the Tek campground is closed until July because of aufeis – overflow river ice from the Teklanika River.
I was a bit disappointed, and skeptical the campground really needed to be closed, so one day I walked in a took a look. Well this photo from June 9th pretty much sums the situation up – river ice in this particular site had to still be three thick feet! Needless to say, the closure is more then justified.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Very nice portrayal of the scene Ron. That is unfathomable for a So Cal native to think of river ice, much less this late in the season. Is the entire park covered in snow too?
Wow Ron, what timing. We leave for Alaska in just a couple of hours, and have reservations for Teklanika this weekend. I knew about the closure, but I’ve been wishing the ice would melt in time for us to stay there. At least we’ll get to use our Tek pass from the Riley Creek campground.
Hi Ben,
I hope you have a great trip! Having Tek closed isn’t all bad – maybe you will be able to drive the first 15 miles late in the evening, or early in the morning and see that wolf!
Hi Richard, you know most of the snow and ice had melted, even in the Teklankia River bed – this area by the campground was extra bad for some reason. It must have gotten blocked here during the winter, overflowed and froze.
Thanks,
Ron
Wow! That’s pretty wild looking. Have never seen that before!!
Yeah, you know Beth, I’m not sure that I have either!
Thanks,
Ron
Does anyone know of how conditions are at Tek now (June 29)??
We are supposed to stay there Aug. 7th. I’m hoping things will be
much better by then!
I haven’t heard, your best bet would be to call up to Denali – not the reservations number, but someone up at the park.
I’m thinking by Aug 7th you should be fine, but I would check it out.
Enjoy your trip!
Ron