Denali

.Visit a land of unspoiled wilderness, rugged landscapes, and the tallest mountain in North America. Located in Alaska’s wild interior, Denali National Park covers more than 6 million acres. The towering peak is also known as Mount McKinley, but native peoples and locals call it Denali, meaning “the high one” in the native Athabaskan language. At 20,237 feet high, Denali is considered the third most prominent peak in the world after Everest and Aconcagua. It was first summited in 1913, and since then has become a coveted goal of high-altitude climbers all over the world

The park itself receives more than 400,000 visitors each year, primarily in the summer months between June and September. Wildlife and photographic opportunities are abundant within the park, and visitors are often rewarded with glimpses of grizzlies, caribou, moose, and golden eagles. Hiking trails include short, scenic jaunts, day hikes, and extensive backpacking routes.The park is quite accessible to all travelers, including senior citizens, and many visitors prefer to sightsee from a tourist bus, or even an airplane.

Making it Happen

You can fly into Anchorage or Fairbanks to begin your Denali expedition. From either of these cities, you will find it fairly easy to rent a car or board a train to the park. A car will be cheaper and faster, but the train offers a luxurious ride, unspoiled views, and delicious food. Once you are inside the park, your car will not be allowed past the 14-mile marker unless you have a camping permit. From here, you will have to board a tour bus, embark on a bicycle tour, or walk to get around.

There are six campgrounds within the park and a handful of privately owned lodges, but many visitors choose to stay outside of the park, where accommodations are more plentiful. In addition backpacking and remote camping is allowed throughout the park, as long as the trekking party has obtained a permit.

Things you should know

Most of the 92-mile park road is restricted to bus traffic only. Shuttle buses and tour busses travel the road on a regular basis.

A mountaineering booklet is available to climbers and trekkers hoping to summit the elusive Denali.

Grizzly bears are solitary animals and quite shy, but they can be quite dangerous when surprised or provoked.

Denali National Park is truly one of the most spectacular natural environments on earth. You may seek and find adventure here, but you will also find solitude, tranquility, and beauty beyond compare.

Mt. Fuji

Revered by the Japanese people since ancient times, Mount Fuji has long been featured in poems, songs, and paintings. The mountain sits on the island of Honshu, and at 12,389 feet tall, is Japan’s highest point. Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano that last erupted more than 300 years ago. Its steep sides create an almost perfectly symmetrical cone towering above the surrounding landscape.

On a clear day, the mountain can be seen from 100 miles away, but mostly it is elusive, playing hide and seek behind the clouds that cloak its shoulders. Mount Fuji sees more than 400,000 visitors each year, and it has become a pilgrimage of sorts for both Japanese and international tourists alike. Despite the crowds that flock to the mountain during the summer season, Mount Fuji is a unique and beautiful climb that is not be missed.

Getting to Mount Fuji

The easiest way to get to Mount Fuji is to fly into Tokyo and take a bus from there, which takes about two hours. Buy your ticket (cash only) and board at Shinjuku Station. The bus will take you directly to the trailhead at Kawaguchiko Fifth Station, which is located at 8,120 feet up the side of the mountain.

Bullet Train option?

Climbing Mount Fuji

The climbing season lasts only two months on Mount Fuji - July and August. It is possible for experienced climbers to summit the mountain out of season, but no amenities are available. Plan on sharing the trail with a sizable crowd, especially if you opt to climb on a weekend. Many climbers choose to hike at night, so as to be atop the summit just as the sun is rising.

No climbing experience is necessary to hike up the mountain during the open season, but you will need to wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for inclement weather. Even during the summer, when all of Tokyo is sweltering, temperatures on the top Mount Fuji can drop below freezing. Depending on your pace, the climb will take between four and six hours. There are several primitive huts along the trail, selling food, drinks, souvenirs, and even some providing simple futons for overnight guests. The descent is significantly quicker, taking most hikers about three hours.

Whether you're viewing and photographing Mount Fuji from a distance, or trekking up its well worn trails, it’s a sure bet that you’ll get more than a taste of Japan’s astounding beauty and fascinating culture here.