I will be camping at the wonder lake campground in Denali in late August. I read somewhere that the reflecting pond for the peak is about 2.5 miles away from the campground. I would really appreciate any advice on how to find the reflecting pond for that iconic shot of Denali - sure, it's been done to death...but if I'm coming all the way from the lower 48, I sure want the iconic postcard in addition to more original takes :-)
You want to walk or take the bus from the campground back to the main Park road. When you hit the junction for the Park road, go left (North) towards Kantishna, the pond is on the left about a half mile from the junction right along the road.
And I sure hope the weather improves for you between now and then.
Posted by Skip Martin on July 30, 2008 at 12:03 AM
The pond has a sign, so you'll have a hard time missing it. Don't get locked into that one pond, there are literally dozens on ponds within a few miles of the campground that you can get the reflection shot
I like shooting from a slightly different area that is close to that pond. Take the social trail that leaves from the pond and goes towards the lake, follow it a ways and you'll get to a great overlook of Wonder Lake. On a calm day, I like the reflection from there a lot better.
Kartik Venkataraman or anyone else heading up to Denali this fall:
I am currently working for ARAMARK as a Nurse for Denali Resorts. I have been here all summer. If anyone wants any info or to get together to shot some, send me an e-mail and we'll see what we can do.
Nurse Bob in Denali
akfishinrn at yahoo dot com
Posted by Dave Smaldone on August 3, 2008 at 7:35 PM
Just got back from my first visit to Denali & camping at Wonder Lake--the reflecting pond is about 1.5 miles (one-way) from the campground. It is an easy walk, and easy to find--signs are on the road. I did not bother trying to go to the pond, as it rained pretty much the whole time I was there! So sad--everything else was great. Plan on at least 2 or 3 nights, or else you'll likely never see the mountain(s).
Discussion
5 repliesI like shooting from a slightly different area that is close to that pond. Take the social trail that leaves from the pond and goes towards the lake, follow it a ways and you'll get to a great overlook of Wonder Lake. On a calm day, I like the reflection from there a lot better.
Relfection
(sorry about the link instead of a pic, the internet just outsmarted me)
I am currently working for ARAMARK as a Nurse for Denali Resorts. I have been here all summer. If anyone wants any info or to get together to shot some, send me an e-mail and we'll see what we can do.
Nurse Bob in Denali
akfishinrn at yahoo dot com