I'll be going to Fairbanks for a business trip the week after next. So I'd be a fool if I didn't try to stay over the weekend and get in a hike in one of the most spectacular NPs. I'd probably arrive Thursday late afternoon, and need to exit by Sat evening (early flight home on Sun). Where should I go?

Also since its mid-Sept should I use this as my insulation system?
Cap 2 top and bottom
mid weight running tights
mid-weight poly half zip top
300 wt Fleece jacket or Marmot orig Dri clime jacket
LW Land's End Down vest
Target C9 hiking pants
SD Hurrican shell
Rain pants
Thorlo Hiking socks

Footwear? Vasque Blur runners or Full leather Dunham waffle stompers (6lb+)?

Shelter: SwissGear Hiker 2-man double wall tent (great lil tent actually, but 6lbs), HS TT Rainshadow 2, or silnyl tarp (setup in backyard 3x but never used in woods)

Stove: Fancee Feast alchy, or Brunton Crux lite canister (there supposedly hiker box at the entrance w/ fuel)?

What date were you planning on being in the park? The last day buses will be running is September 17. If there's a significant snowfall before that date, the road will close for the season.

If you can sneak in before that date:

• Highs 30s-50s
• Lows 10s-30s
• Very high chance of significant snow

Go in 17th, out 19th.

Denali NP+P Visitor Transportation System schedule for the time you'll be there.

There'd be buses to take you out but none to bring you back, so you'd need to plan a trip that would have you hiking all the way back to the entrance.

Edited by milesbarger on 09/05/2009 14:01:15 MDT.