The George Parks Highway Scenic Byway
The Grandeur and Wildness of the Last Frontier

Departure:	Denali View South Wayside, Alaska
Destination:	Minto Flats State Game Refuge, Alaska
Time to allow:	1 day

A journey on the Parks Byway, with its views of Mt. McKinley, state and national parklands, sightings of large mammals, outdoor recreation opportunities, frontier culture and pioneer history perfectly captures the spirit, grandeur, wildness and abundance that is Alaska and the last frontier. Travelers can expect unparalleled views of un-inhabitated lands, world class geological formations, wildlife sightings and a variety of recreational opportunities.

Day 1

• Start: Denali View South Wayside

  

  This stop provides the visitor with exceptional views of the Alaska Range. The natural landscape is breathtaking and shows the visitor the grandeur of majestic Mt. McKinley. Interpretive signs provide the visitor a “map” of the Alaska Range as seen from the wayside. A short trail to an overlook provides for another view of the geology of the Alaska Range.

• Stop 1: Broad Pass

  

  From previous stop:	1 hour 25 minutes / 68.8 mi (110.1 km)
  Directions:	Continue north on the Parks Highway to milepost 203.5 which has a paved pull-out on the north-bound side of the byway.
  Suggested time at this stop:	30 minutes

  Broad Pass is an unequalled stop which highlights the vastness of the geological formations that is Denali Country. One of the lowest mountain passes in the world, its unending views provide the traveler a sense of the Last Frontier’s wild and open spaces.

• Stop 2: Denali National Park and Preserve

  

  From previous stop:	45 minutes / 33.8 mi (54.1 km)
  Directions:	Continue north on the Parks Highway to Denali Park Road at milepost 237.3. Turn left onto the Park Road. Signage is provided to the Wilderness Access Center, Visitor Center, Murie Science & Learning Center and Park Headquarters.
  Suggested time at this stop:	4 hours

  Grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, caribou and moose are just a few of Denali National Park and Preserves' diverse wildlife. Enjoy backpacking, mountain climbing, and the wonderful sights of the park. In the summer wildflowers and birds show their colors on North America's highest peak. Mount McKinley will amaze you as you examine all 20,320 feet of its height.

  Two million of the park’s more than six million acres have been in protected status since 1917, making the park the largest continuously protected area in the world. The park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in order to recognize internationally the exceptional health and integrity of this colossal ecosystem.

• End: Minto Flats State Game Refuge

  

  From previous stop:	1 hour 30 minutes / 81.3 mi (130.1 km)
  Directions:	Exit the Denali Park Road and turn left onto the Parks Byway. Continue to milepost 318 to the pull-out on the south bound side.

  Minto Flats State Game Refuge provides the traveler with spectacular views of Alaska’s vast wetland system formed by the natural system of fire and flooding. Travelers can stop along the byway at milepost 318 to view this exceptional area for Sandhill Cranes, Trumpeter Swans, and other migratory birds and fur-bearing animals.

  Access to the refuge is via air service, boat horse and off-road vehicle which can be arranged in Nenana or Fairbanks.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled:	183.9 miles / 294.2 km
Total Travel Time:	3 hours 40 minutes
Total Stopping Time:	4 hours 30 minutes