Denali

Denali National Park is host to the highest mountain in North America. Formerly called Mount McKinley, Denali stands 20,310 feet. It is snow covered year-round and usually shrouded in clouds. Park officials state that only about 25% of visitors to the park ever see the mountain. We were blessed to see the mountain on 2 different days. Here is an awesome view of "the high one," the meaning of Denali. Notice the snow that is being blown off the top of the mountain.

Denali is part of a large range of mountains in Alaska. Here is a wider view of a portion of the range.

Denali National Park is also host to numerous species of wildlife. The park has a shuttle service that takes visitors into the park. Except for 4 days per year when cars are allowed, visitors can only access the park beyond mile 15 (of 90) via the shuttle service. This controls access to the park and keeps it nearly pristine. Shuttle drivers are on the lookout for wildlife and will stop and let riders view animals from the bus. Here are a few that we saw on the trip.

Caribou

Grizzly eating blueberries

Dall Sheep - approximately 2 miles away. Shot with a 500mm lens

Northern Hawk Owl - a new life bird for me

Willow Ptarmigan

The Willow Ptarmigan, like the spruce grouse below, blends in well with its surroundings, doesn't it? 

Beaver - not seen in Denali

Red Squirrel

The prize from the trip, at least for me, was the bull moose we saw late one evening. I've been trying for years to photograph a bull moose with a full rack. This year I accomplished that goal. He's a looker!

Those white antlers are visible a mile away yet moose manage to remain hidden most of the time. This male was quite impressive. Jeff and I, along with another park visitor, estimated his rack to be 60" wide.