Healy, Alaska

Denali National Park is home to Mount McKinley and a vast world of tundra and taiga, glaciers, huge mountains, and abundant wildlife.

The only vehicles allowed on Denali's road are a few tour buses and green shuttle buses, which you should book well in advance (Tel:1-800/622-7275, Web: www.reservedenali.com ).

Shuttle buses run to either the Toklat River at Mile 53 ($23), where rangers lead one-hour tundra tours, or to Wonder Lake at Mile 84 ($40). You can also hop off at any point for a day-hike (no permits required), returning to the road to flag down the next bus back.

Back-country camping is the best way to appreciate Denali but don't expect it to be easy. The park is divided into 87 units and only a designated number of hikers are allowed into each section at a time. Free permits are available, one day in advance, from the Backcountry Information Center (daily 9am–6pm). Special camper buses reserved for those with campground or back-country permits cost $29.25.