Pre-symposium excursion to Denali Nationalpark
A 2-day excursion will be offered to Denali-Nationalpark on Fri 22 - Sat 23 June.
Denali Park is one of the most-visited National Parks in Alaska, only 125 miles (200 km) south of Fairbanks. It includes 24000 km2 of wild land, bisected by only one road entering the park. The park is home to North America's highest mountain, Mt. McKinley (20,300 feet, 6100 m a.s.l.). Surrounding Denali Park is the Alaska Range, which includes countless other spectacular mountains and many large glaciers. Denali encompasses a complete sub-arctic eco-system, home to large mammals such as grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, caribou and moose. The park provides one of the best opportunities to see these animals.
See images about the park
Tentative program
Day 1: 7 am: Drive from Fairbanks to Denali Nationalpark (roughly 2 hours - we have 4 mini-buses), bus ride into the park (stops at various locations and when we see wildlife; longer stop at Eileson visitor center where several smaller hikes are possible). Return to park entrance around 8-9 pm. We will provide food for the day.
Day 2: Optional flight-seeing (weather permitting, max 24 participants), alternatively activities such
whitewater rafting can be done (approx. two hours on the water with a total tour time of about 3-4 hours; no previous experience needed; all gear including dry suits provided; extra costs $89 per person); or hiking/walking, e.g. on Mount Healy trails. We will also visit the park visitor center.
Drive back to Fairbanks, arrival late afternoon (people may leave from Denali at different times depending on the activities participants chose).
The excursion will be led by Rob Burrows from the National Park's Service.
Costs
Excursion fee (to be paid in advance):
Option 1 (single room accommodation) = $260
Option 2 (double room, 2 queen size beds) = $190
Fees include transportation from Fairbanks - Denali, breakfast on 2. day, lunch on both days, snacks, bus ride in Nationalpark, park fees and 1 night accommodation in Denali.
Saturday flightseeing (optional): ~$300 (paid directly in Denali)
Maximum number of participants: 35 (on first-come-first-serve basis).
Note that you can only participate in the excursions if you register for the IGS meeting as 'regular' participant or accompanying person.
What to bring
It can be cold, rainy and windy. Bring: Rain gear, hiking boots or jogging shoes, fleece, rain jacket, hat, bug spray. We highly recommend to bring binoculars to get a better view of bears and other wildlife which you are very ikely to see.