If you just want to drive up and stay overnight, there's a long list of options, although July and August are very busy. I checked on July 6 at the Denali Princess: $159 per night.

The drive from Anchorage to Denali is about 4 hours. The views between Anchorage and Wasilla are epic! We didn't see any moose on the drive but have seen huge bull moose nearby on prior trips.

Successful applicants can drive the 92-mile road from the park entrance to Wonder Lake on Sept. 16, 18, 19, 20 (Friday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday). Sept. 17 is Military Appreciation Day, dedicated ...