Customer Reviews

Discovering Denali: A Complete Reference Guide to Denali National Park and Mount McKinley, Alaska

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Discovering Denali includes information on how to get to the park, what to see on the way, where to stay (including campsites, bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels), side trips and excursions, and tips for fishing, hiking, flightseeing and even climbing Mt. McKinley (also know as Denali, "the High One"). There are also bits of interesting history and folklore, extensive maps, and some personal insights by the author. It is the first and only source of information that provides detailed descriptions about the 43 individual sections of the park, including backpacking and camping information that heretofore has only been available upon arrival.

I bought the book based on the good reviews of this book. But I am totally dispointed. Basically this book copies the information from the Denali nps website, there is nothing new in it. And you can get more up-to-dated information from the web.
Save the money, visit nps website instead

Once you get there, you learn that Alaska is EXPENSIVE, especially mistakes in planning well ahead. As is Denali National Park. And more you know, the better. For those planning a trip to Denali NP a word-of-mouth is probably the best way to go. The book by Dow Scoggins offers a good starting point and a reference for the w.o.m. search. Myself, I bought four guidebooks about Alaska and Denali, three more-or-less useless, rather collections of ads by different operators from the region, and the Scoggins' one. After being there, I can tell you that the book is worth the money.

Discovering Denali by Dow Scroggins is a "Complete Reference Guide to Denali National Park and Mount McKinley, Alaska," and the subtitle says it all. This book is a must for anyone going to Denali National Park area or to attempt climbing Mount McKinley (Denali). Scroggins details the beauties, necessities, delights, and dangers of this Wilderness adventure. He is specific in telling what equipment to bring and what to expect on many different trails. He covers all seasons individually. You'll also find an excellent guide to animals and plants found in this special area of the United States. He has included an interesting history of Denali National Park, driving and transportation information, as well as lodging and restaurants, activities, maps, and calendar of events. This is the best guide we have seen of what you need to know before you go to this vast and beautiful wilderness, whether you are a one day sight-seer, a camper, a back-pack hiker, or an expert mountain climber.

This book is very thorough in covering everything around Denali National Park, and I mean everything. There is a trade off in that it isn't very deep in any one area, but if you are afraid that you are going to miss out on a hidden gem in the area, get this book. I used it on my last two trips to the find restaurants I never knew of and a better campground to stay in when I couldn't get into the park.

A couple of considerations, there are few illustrations in this book and it really does read like a Fodor's guide, so it is not a thrilling cover to cover read. Also, the information is starting to get a little dated. The information is still valid, although prices and schedules are probably getting out of date. Hopefully a new edition will come out in the next couple of years.

Discovering Denali includes information on how to get to the park, what to see on the way, where to stay (including campsites, bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels), side trips and excursions, and tips for fishing, hiking, flightseeing and even climbing Mt. McKinley (also know as Denali, "the High One"). There are also bits of interesting history and folklore, extensive maps, and some personal insights by the author. It is the first and only source of information that provides detailed descriptions about the 43 individual sections of the park, including backpacking and camping information that heretofore has only been available upon arrival.

Very informative guide to one of the nation's largest national parks. Especially enjoyed the small chapter on the men, women and dogs of Denali. Also learned about the Moose Dropping Festival thanks to this book. The book also contains a calendar of events in and near the park.

Besides having information on the 43 sections of the park which no other book has, Discovering Denali also provides useful information on summer and winter activites in and around the park. Thanks to this book, My family discovered the delightful town of Talkeetna which is located just south of the park. My family and I also hiked around Denali State Park which we did not know about until we found it in this book. If you are visiting Alaska, I would also recommend the following books, The Milepost and Alaska's Best Places.

In my many treks to Denali, I have never Had to search for places and things that I had not explored- until I purchased this guide. The author brings to life the Park, as well as a reason to take the 'trail less traveled', as if there was a passion and connection with with the land that he so describes.