Don’t Skip THIS on Your First Visit to Denali

[@debralisowe8308]

Agree with Kayln that you would need to step foot into a National Park to check it off. Beautiful footage in this episode! My husband and I loved it!

[@patsymartin3634]

Great movie clip! what a fun trip this has been. Alaska sure is Beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@michaelb6967]

Sorry Joe I absolutely agree with Kalyn that it's boots on the ground to qualify as being in a National Park . BTW GREAT video !!!!!

[@OpenRoading]

Ya'll are going to be the death of me. Just you wait till I go to our next national park, walk past the sign and back to my car and tell ya'll that I crossed it off because I'm following your rules. 😂😂😂😂 -J

[@rickkeller105]

@@OpenRoading😂

[@sharlamccall]

With all the horrible weather you have endured, you deserved this beautiful day.

[@tech-test-break-fix]

I love that Trin rides the slide.

[@OpenRoading]

We don't know why but if she's not on the couch when we start it she runs to the couch immediately and jumps on. 😂 But she refuses to ride the bedroom slide in. 🤷🏼 -J

[@RachelAmbler]

Oh my, the joy in Kalyn’s face on seeing Denali from the ground was just so infectious!

[@OpenRoading]

It was real too! She thought the entire day there was no chance of seeing it. -J

[@brucegustafson6943]

When you fly in the way you did, I think you can count it as you really experienced the beauty and grandeur!

[@OpenRoading]

YAY! Another for team Joe!! Our numbers are small but our opinion is right. 😁 Many wonderful people keep lumping this plane ride in with flying over something at 30,000 feet. Totally not the same thing! 😆 -J

[@RachelAmbler]

Wow, the weather certainly came through for you this time! Those views of Denali were simply breathtaking!

[@OpenRoading]

It was awesome! Required some patience but man... so so worth it! -J

[@turner120995]

Kalyn is right. 'High' 5s aren't enough. It's like driving by without going into the park. That said, I haven't been yet. In 98 we went to Soldotna for a family reunion. A friend of a friend was working on instrument license and flew us towards Denali. Clouds came. So we dropped down into a glacier valley in the 8k 'foothills '! We flew low over the ice, meeting a plane going out the valley. Then we did a u-turn in the valley and flew towards the exit, but a rainstorm blocked our route. We then went up and over the ridge to the next glacier valley and found our way out. We flew back to Anchorage at 1000 feet, flying over a moose in a lake and combat fishermen. We stopped at Talkeetna briefly. If I said 'What's that?', our pilot would go check it out. My wife was in her 1st trimester with our oldest child. We weren't telling anyone yet. She doesn't remember that flight quite as fondly as myself. :-)

[@OpenRoading]

The high five is just our way of "crossing it off" But apparently I was too quick with the cross off. LOL That flight sounds spectacular with a side of anxiety! -J

[@EuniceCoughlin]

Agree with Kalyn, you’ve got to step foot in the park for it to count! Denali is beautiful 🤩 and makes a fitting finale to your trip.

[@OpenRoading]

Sigh....ya'll.... -J

[@amandamccoy1165]

We did the bus tour in Denali Park. Was great. We saw brown bear right next to the bus, we stopped and watched him. He didn't care we were there watching..also saw sheep, foxes, more bears further away with cubs. We also saw the sled dogs and heard the presentation. Then a big bull moose came up during the presentation. Was so exciting.

[@tomskitv]

Having the road still closed at Polychrome basin shortens the trip greatly.

[@OpenRoading]

Very cool! It seems like the bus tour is hit or miss as well since sometimes the wildlife is right there - and others have said there wasn't any wildlife to see unless you had a long lens. Wildlife is so fickle that way. LOL -J

[@carolpreston8781]

We took a train from Anchorage to Denali a few years ago in early August. We were so blessed with beautiful blue skies and amazing views of Denali. And the 30% stat is correct; so much so that the cooks on the train came out of their car to see it and take photos. We also went on the bus tour to the end of the road in Denali. It was a very hard, long trip, but we did see grizzlies, fantastic views of Denali, and can boast that we went furthest into the park that you can go. Ugh! Now I want to go back and take a flight to see it from the air! (and sorry, Joe, but Kaylah's right. You have to step foot into the park, and you have to do it together. I went to Hawaii without my husband and can't count the national parks there because he wasn't with me~)

[@donnabryan5151]

We took our #1 bucket list trip which was a 7 day cruise to Alaska for our 40 th anniversary and had the best weather for the entire trip. We also did a 3 day land tour and just happened to be part of the 30% that saw the top of Denali through the clouds! It was priceless and beautiful. It was a trip we will never forget and tell everyone it is a once in a lifetime experience for us!!

[@OpenRoading]

That's awesome!! I'm so glad the weather played nice for you!!! I promised Kalyn a cruise for our 10th anniversary. Haven't gone on it yet....just hit year 17. Oooooopsie.... -J

[@cher9653]

THANKS. ABSOUTELY MAGICAL IMAGES. HAVE BEEN TO ALASKA SIX TIMES IN THE 90'S. YOUR PHOTOS BROUGHT BACK SWEET MEMORIES. MADE ME CRY. THANKS SO MUCH. Appreciate all your episodes.

[@OpenRoading]

I'm so glad we were able to bring you a moment of happy emotion. Thank you so much for sharing that. 🤗 It means a lot to know our videos make people happy if even for a moment. -J

[@lorettamonson5057]

We did do the bus tour and it was incredible. We got lucky and had a perfect, clear day where Denali was visible for most of the day. The tour guide had all kinds of great info. The flight looked awesome!

[@michellesenyeri8718]

For sure gotta touch the ground! Even if you didn’t, you got to see more than most people only dream about! So glad y’all got to experience

[@OpenRoading]

For me - I just believe you have to feel like you experienced the park in some way. That flight was one of the best all time experiences I have ever had within a national park so touching the ground seems so arbitrary to me. 😂 But ya'll have Kalyn on your side so I'm losing this one no matter what. LOL -J

[@MichelleA6232]

Thank you for sharing your amazing adventure with us!! It looked like everyone was having fun including Trinity! Watching her play with the @wildrvlife dogs was heartwarming!

[@OpenRoading]

She had a blast with Leland and Maverick! -J

[@TheNext7BChapter]

We were ahead of you by a few weeks. Perfect weather and it was amazing to sit on the tailgate, drink our morning coffee and take in Denali. Amazing amazing. So blessed

[@Fam4Moore]

I keep thinking Alaska is so beautiful and this episode just solidified that! The views from the plane of Denali was spectacular! I would definately want to do that. So glad that the weather cooperated! I think you guys really got Victoria and Craig they didn't show what happened, just mentioned it - might not have been recording, but I got a good laugh knowing that you guys had some fun with them.

[@OpenRoading]

Yeah! We couldn't figure out a way to encourage them to record checking in without making it obvious. But we got a good laugh out of it all. 😁 -J

[@2156cynthia]

Meeting the NP Sled was my favorite Alaska memory! We pet so many dogs.

[@OpenRoading]

They were all so adorable!

[@raoulroberts2024]

I think flying through it is even better - you actually get to see it in its entirety

[@OpenRoading]

RIGHT?! HOW DOES THAT NOT COUNT?!!?!??!?!?! 😂 Thank you for your vote. We're still gonna lose. -J

[@raoulroberts2024]

@@OpenRoading 😂Don't we know it!

[@ingridbond3432]

Mountains have a very real, profound, persona. It's deep and personal, the connection that's made when i go to visit one. Denali is awesome.

[@OpenRoading]

I didn't realize what an unforgiving mountain it is! -J

[@kayemoore]

Definitely flying through DOES count - for some people, and some seasons that’s the best way to access/enjoy a park. It’s was a Denali flight tour - all about Denali so it totally counts. Happy to see you both having sooo much fun! In my young adulthood I lived in Juneau and I’m enjoying the memory sparks.

[@OpenRoading]

After getting roasted in here 😂 my bar is this: “you have to experience the park in some way.” If someone can go to the visitors center then walk back to their car and leave and get to check it off…then I get to check it off by flying in and around (not 30,000 feet over) the namesake of the park. 😁😂 -J

[@PlanetEarth3141]

That was an awesome way to see one of the 🌎 highest peaks. Much safer than the people still on it too. 😮. Incredibly beautiful.

[@OpenRoading]

I believe climbing season is early in the year…so anyone on it now….may be the same temperature as the glaciers…-J

[@angelaklinger2951]

Beautiful video. I’m so happy you got to see Denali both in the air and hiking. By the way, I took the long bus trip I believe it was 12 hours. A nice bag lunch was provided and the driver was a Naturalist and he was absolutely amazing. We saw a moose swimming across a lake, a wolf swimming across a wide creek and wolves feeding on a caribou carcass.

[@OpenRoading]

That is so cool! I think Kalyn and I are both averse to long bus rides...which puts us in the boat of seeing that method of tour and giving it a pass. BUT - more room on the bus for those who love that style of adventure! -J

[@thx4nutin]

What an amazing day you had! And I agree, you have to physically “BE” in the park to count it as a visit but OH MY, what an experience it was seeing it from the air. Definitely will be doing it too when we go. We have been living vicariously through you two since Alaska is probably many years away for us. We also want to say thank you for sharing this trip with us and, even more, for keeping us abreast of the costs of making this epic journey. We can’t wait to see where you go next. Safe travels!

[@Lonnwriting]

I feel you two. I love it when that happens. Thanks for the beautiful flight and your pleasant smiles. Lonn

[@lynnemarie7885]

Total side note, but watching Trinity sit in the same inclosure with Kody in the back seat (6:06) and give that rabbit a huge loving bath just warms my heart. You guys are such a wonderful little human/animal family!

[@Livin_inRVA]

You all are so cute. And the storytelling just keeps getting better and better! Can’t wait for you to use that experience in the “lower 48”. Great job, be safe!

[@OpenRoading]

Thank you so much! What an incredible compliment. -J

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

I said in one of the first videos I hope you take an airplane tour around Alaska. Because that's where you get to see true Alaska, the old saying is a mile of highway only takes you a mile down the road but one mile of runway takes you to the world. I've been flying for 30 years and have my own air strip at the house and literally park my plane right beside my truck there's no greater feeling then pulling back on the stick and seeing nothing but blue sky

[@OpenRoading]

So cool! Yeah, this was the tour I was going to be super disappointed on if we didn't get a chance to take it! -J

[@kapt.knerrslog]

When to check-off a park, is like asking "when to add a state sticker". Everyone has their own criteria. Personally, my husband and I do not check one off unless we actually enter the park and take the iconic picture of the park sign and an added bonus is getting our passport stamped. Enjoying ya'll's Alaska adventure.

[@OpenRoading]

Uh oh... I think Kalyn and I are at zero parks if the criteria is the sign photo. 👀😬 😂 I agree with you on everyone having their own criteria though! -J

[@johnspoentgen9489]

You have definitely convinced me that Alaska in the summertime should be added to my bucket list.

[@OpenRoading]

It is beautiful. I kinda wish I could spend a summer just in 1 or 2 spots (Like Valdez or Homer) to get a full alaska summer experience. -J

[@cherylmiller-day5932]

Gotta touch the ground of the national park👍. Beautiful flight!! Thank you

[@OpenRoading]

It's ok. We can still be friends even though you are wrong. 😂 😂 😂 I kid I kid. I'm certainly in the minority on this one. lol -J

[@lifeswhimsytutelage]

Another WOW!! What an amazing plane ride... so majestic....wow, wow, wow!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@OpenRoading]

Was such an incredible experience! -J

[@edgeveg]

This was like being on a vacation myself. Amazing

[@OpenRoading]

What an amazing compliment!!!! Glad you enjoyed it! -J

[@kathysteigleman5933]

My husband and I love camping at Riverside. We have a tradition and have ice cream at least one night while there. Hope you got to enjoy some ice cream.

[@OpenRoading]

Unfortunately dairy messes with Kalyn's stomach so we don't do Ice Cream out all that much. But we do enjoy some good ice cream made with milk alternatives whenever we can! Never need an excuse to eat ice cream! -J

[@lourdescintron4882]

I won't know if I'll ever be able to make it to Alaska and see Denali, but your videos sure helped see the beauty of the mountain. Thank you!

[@OpenRoading]

Glad we were able to give you a glimpse! It is a beautiful place to check out if you ever get the chance to go. -J

[@walterrafolski5662]

The beauty of that flight was amazing, Alaska is rough country but its beauty makes up for the roughness. Kalyn your description of it was spot on and no matter the cost it was worth it. Y’all’s excitement over the flight was infectious it’s now a must do trip for us. Being in the park makes it count definitely. Y’all got sunshine because you’re down to earth and good people thanks for taking us along!

[@laurataylor999]

My goodness, I teared up when Kalyn was explaining how it felt to see Denali from the airplane. So moving. BTW, I got my postcards and I’d be thrilled to support you on your next adventure. Thank you from your wonderful content. ❤

[@OpenRoading]

That's so incredibly kind of you! We have some ideas coming up for a way to support the channel so stay tuned. When Kalyn read what she wrote to me the first time I was moved as well and even while I was editing was getting choked up. 🥹 -J

[@KyleZeller-j1h]

I can't get enough of the two of you, sorry 4 of you. Hands down, all other parks would need feet on the ground. But you could never get that incredible perspective other than a plane, it would count in my book.

[@OpenRoading]

You catch my spirit! It’s about the fact that you experience the namesake of the park on that plane ride! Should count for something right?! 😂 Thanks so much for your kind encouragement. (And for agreeing with me 😉) -J

[@miscstuff7824]

I think Kalyn's right if y'all go by drone laws. FAA owns the air above Denali not the National Parks Service. Same reason you can't launch a drone from inside a national park because of NPS rules, but if you launch outside Denali, FAA allows you to fly in the airspace above national parks (or at least used to). I think you physically needed to step on the park grounds :) Fireweed's reached the tips a week or two or so ago here - I think we're just a couple of weeks behind until winter weather! You guys were super lucky to be able to see Denali twice in a single trip. We've yet to see it outside of photos haha. Great to hear you'll have great memories to reminisce about! 🎉

[@OpenRoading]

The FAA has no stipulations on whether or not you get to check off a park from a flight last I checked. 😂 😂 But they should weigh in!! -J

[@ChrisandDeb-6675]

Thank you for sharing the beautiful experience of Denali. Safe travels always! Glad you are getting out before the snow!

[@OpenRoading]

Where we are today in real time hit 90 degrees! I think we made it. lol -J

[@ChrisandDeb-6675]

@@OpenRoading It certainly was fun to watch the both of you and Wild RV Life. We hope to cross paths with you when we go fulltime next Spring/Summer. Travel Safe!

[@stevenM149]

So fantastic y'all were blessed with blue skies & sunshine to see the Big Mountain!! Weighing in on the flyover or feet on the ground debate, we collect state capitals - just 11 to go! We only consider it a visit if we photograph ourselves standing in front of the capital building.. Thanks for taking us along for the journeys!

[@OpenRoading]

That makes sense! And to be clear - I'm not willy nilly about my own criteria. I would never cross a park off if we walked in and out of the visitor center and that was it. My NP criteria is "experience" based. Do I feel like I "experienced" a good chunk of the park in some way. -J

[@roadstraveledphotography8440]

This video was phenomenal. Thank you so much for taking us on your journey. Flying over does not count you have to step foot in the park. It’s like visiting a lighthouse and not climbing to the top it’s just not the same

[@OpenRoading]

See...this is where I would say the flight through and around Denali was equivalent to climbing the lighthouse while seeing the mountain from miles away (but in the park) was like visiting the lighthouse. 😉 -J

[@danalbus7557]

Thanks for sharing!!!

[@flyingGrandpa]

As a pilot, I think it counts for sure when you fly over the park on a tour like that.

[@OpenRoading]

You got it!! The key to this is “a tour like that.” People keep comparing it to a commercial flight across the country and the two are not comparable. -J

[@flyingGrandpa]

@@OpenRoading last night I was showing my fiancee your videos. She agreed with my assessment about what wonderful people you both are. Her mom is 101 years old so she can't go live full time with me, but maybe in the future, if all goes well. I showed her how you double team the moves, etc. We both love the relationship you both have. You never talk over each other while making the videos, so watching them is stress free.

[@OpenRoading]

@@flyingGrandpa I wouldn't say never.... We don't like dead air so sometimes we think the other is done a few words before they actually are. 😂 But we're never competing for voice time. lol -J

[@joanwettlaufer3769]

ANOTHER great episode! I enjoyed it very much! We were just about two ships passing in Alaska! We were in Denali in mid August (on a land tour/cruise). We went to see the dog demonstrations as well. It was so cool watching you there in the video, knowing that we had just been there too! You know, we could have taken a dog sled excursion (where the dogs pull you on a trolley with 20 other people🙄) but it was over $500US (we're Canadian). We thought it was too expensive so we didn't. When we got into Denali, we found out that we could take the shuttle into the park and see the dogs and a demonstration FOR FREE! It was so much fun...and FREE! Sadly, we never saw Denali while IN Denali. We took the Wilderness Tundra tour (included in our land tour) and it was quite disappointing because it was so overcast (bless our tour guide; she tried!). The wildlife is so far away; hard to photograph unless you're a National Geographic photographer. The views were spectactular though! Later that week, on a short flight from Fairbanks to Dawson City, we saw Denali! It was a perfectly clear, beautiful day! I really regret not doing the flightseeing tour but I guess that means we'll have to go back again. Thanks for all of the hard work you guys do, not only in chronicling your adventures, but in putting them together for us (my husband works in video production, so I know how time-consuming it is). Looking forward to next week already 😊

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much for valuing our time. We always appreciate those who see the hard work that goes into these - it means a lot!! So glad you got to see Denali even if it wasn't on the day you explored the park! You're still part of the 30% now in my book! 😁 We considered doing a dog sled excursion somewhere else in Alaska but the reviews combined with the price tag scared us off a bit. We still would love to "mush" a team someday - but we want it to be a good experience. -J

[@debbiegordon7684]

Absolutely beautiful! If you don’t step in it,it doesn’t count 😂. Can’t wait for the next adventure, great video guys!

[@OpenRoading]

I’m going to make sure to follow ya’ll rules for park 50…just you wait!!! 😂 -J

[@mosbysmen]

THAT flight was worth the trip .

[@OpenRoading]

Pretty close for sure! -J

[@valthepoolgal4471]

Beautiful ❤

[@MJPH5]

I love your joy at crossing off bucket list items 🥰

[@OpenRoading]

Have to celebrate things! -J

[@MJPH5]

@@OpenRoading absolutely! 🎉

[@GiGiRenea]

I think both air and land makes it complete

[@denebrazzale]

I’m so happy for you that you guys were able to see some of God’s greatest creations on earth 🙏🏻😊🙌🏻

[@OpenRoading]

We are too! He must have waited a while to do Alaska after he practiced on the lower 48 and Canada. 😁 -J

[@TimRiker]

I think flying over on the way to someplace does not count, but a flight who's sole purpose to see the park should count. Visiting the park on the ground is also a Good Thing. 😎

[@OpenRoading]

My man!!!! 😁 Another lonely soul on the correct side of this debate. 😂 -J

[@ChristianCareerJoy]

I’m team Kalyn for you gotta have feet on ground for it to count. See the working husky dogs was so cool!

[@OpenRoading]

It's ok to be wrong every now and then. Don't worry too much about it. 😂😂😂😂😂 You and Kalyn can have that in common together. 😂 -J

[@debraisola9037]

The fly over Wow!!! God's creations Sooo Beautiful! Awesome video. Thank you for sharing 🙌 💚🌲

[@OpenRoading]

It was so amazing! -J

[@lallen4245]

Just to mention to your viewers, the park bus to the upper visitor center is about a 8 hour round trip, but it is worth seeing Denali and the mountain range much closer. Also, we stopped for caribou and grizzly bears. Yes, worth it, especially if you can’t afford a flight.

[@OpenRoading]

For sure something to consider if you don’t mind the bus ride! I believe the reason We (and others we talked to who had been on it) don’t really consider it is the 8 hour….bus… part of the equation. 😂 BUT - that leaves more room for people who WILL enjoy it because it’s their preferred method! -J

[@kennethjacobs4824]

Wow! This looked absolutely great, and pictures a.re never as good as the reality. God Bless

[@OpenRoading]

It's so hard to capture things like this adequately. It was amazing. -J

[@ronaldnielson8591]

Did they take you over Climbers' camp? We were so surprised that you could see individual people in the camp and a few more on the trail up the mountain,! Best viewing of any National Park in the USA. The bus tour to the end of the road is wonderful. Denali is vast and this tour highlights some of the best of the park. Most people can't hike and camp in the backcountry for that 60 mile distance and time, particularly with the wildlife that is ever present.

[@OpenRoading]

They did! No one there though. If I remember right climbing season is earlier in the year before the glaciers start becoming less predictable. -J

[@lorih4392]

Foot in for sure. Very beautiful place.

[@jonathandavis3312]

Campground prices make no sense to me. They're not that much cheaper than the hotel and you're providing the room! 😂

[@OpenRoading]

I've had my thoughts about that as well. That said - I still prefer to be in my own room on my own sheets for $80 a night than someone else's! -J

[@jonathandavis3312]

@@OpenRoading I agree with that. I just think they should be cheaper, especially ones that only provide a parking spot. The ones with full hookups should be more obviously, but not that much more. A single night of water and electricity costs them pennies.

[@jasonwitters7860]

Wow! Great weather. Thanks for sharing. Safe travels.

[@sherisherman1502]

You're a cinematography Capabilities are outstanding! Not to mention how you implement the music for a more dramatic appeal.

[@OpenRoading]

So incredibly kind. Thank you! -J

[@dalemarshall9736]

Denali was socked in when we took the Denali park bus tour back to Wonder Lake and couldn't see any of it, but then driving down towards Anchorage the next day was clear blue skies and we got a beautiful view of it. But of course nothing would compare to your flight over it!

[@ernestinebyrne9912]

Kaylin, you are right. Flying over is not being there. I have flown over a lot of places and never set foot there. Wow! This was gorgeous. And maybe my favorite video, I don’t know. I love all your videos. And you two just do such a great job of composing and editing your videos. It just amazes me. Travel mercies. 🙏💙

[@OpenRoading]

Ok Ernestine...I'm going to try just once to sway you to my side... 😂 Have any of your flights of "flying over" things been anything like that one? I see "flying over Texas" in a 747 for example as an entirely different category than flying through the Alaska range and around Denali. Denali was the destination of this flight - even though it never touched ground. Doesn't seem fair to me that someone could take their photo by the "Welcome to Denali" sign and get more National Park cred for visiting the park than someone who took that flight. (I know... I'm gonna die with just a few other friends on this hill...but I'm gonna keep making my case. LOL 😆 😆) I hope you know I make all these arguments in good fun. I have to because I'm married to someone who is on the other side. 😂 Thanks so much for watching every week! Hoping your second postcard arrives soon! -J

[@ernestinebyrne9912]

@@OpenRoading okay. You make good points. And I agree, taking a picture at the sign isn’t the same as really being there. And yes, you were specifically flying over Denali ONLY. Hmmm…Joe you are actually making me think here. And I might be changing my mind. Shhhh…don’t let my husband know. He thinks I never change my mind!!! 😂 And I never agree with him!! I look forward to your weekly videos. They just make me smile. You two are just perfect for each other. I love the way you feed off each other. Like my husband and me. And we do love laughing. Just like you guys. The postcard I received has its place of honor and I look forward to the last one. You guys are a joy to this old lady. I join so many living vicariously through your videos. Now I am anxiously waiting for the reveal on what your next location is. 🙏💙

[@OpenRoading]

​@@ernestinebyrne9912 Haha! Your secret is safe with me. 🤐 -J

[@badgerpa9]

Looked like a lot of fun. Trin sure had fun running with the boys. I hope your trip back is going well. You didn't pick up any 10,000 year old viruses in the "cave" did you? Stay safe and healthy.

[@peggydargan2584]

Haha! You are right. You need to step foot in the park to count! Alaska Airlines sometimes will circle the mountain on flights between Fairbanks and Anchorage but that definitely doesn't count. The park is so much more than the Mountain! And the Sled Dog Demo is my favorite! We were there in late August! So glad you got to see Denali!!!

[@OpenRoading]

Not another one! This wasn't even close to comparable to an Airline circling the mountain!! 😂😂😂 Ya'll are killing me in here. Next national park I'm gonna take my photo by the sign and walk back to my car and tell ya'll I followed your rules and checked it off my list. 😂 (just so you know...I still haven't convinced Kalyn either. This whole "Must set foot" thing has a strong grip on people!) -J

[@SLloyd-qb8kt]

What a fantastic episode!!! You guys are so fun!!!

[@shelribelin8144]

For me to cross off a National Park off my list, I need to go into the park and do some sort or activity within the park. My go to activity is usually a hike. I’m really enjoying your Alaska video series as well. Thanks for sharing & Safe Travels.

[@OpenRoading]

This aligns with our actual criteria. Kalyn would never cross off a park if she simply "set foot" in it. If we went to a visitor center and left - she wouldn't consider it done (and neither would I). I just am personally at a loss at how a flight like the one we went on isn't seen as an experience within the park. We were so up close and personal with the mountain that I was sure it counted. Turns out... it didn't. LOL 😂 -J

[@jimmbling]

Amazing video. I love how you guys explore your journeys and explain how much costs are involved. Thank you for sharing your experiences ❤❤❤❤❤

[@OpenRoading]

We try to be as open and honest as possible about the costs. We know not every excursion fits everyones budget but we both know that we are always super curious to the cost when we see someone go on an adventure that piques our interest! -J

[@wishyouwerehere2]

I'm on team 'physical contact required' to be able to claim you've been somewhere. I once put a foot in a great lake so I could check it off my list- just standing at the water's edge wasn't good enough. BTW, your narrations dubbed over your video footage (like in the plane) are really thoughtful and enhance the beauty of what we're seeing. Well done.

[@marychristie6194]

We only stay at KOA -We find them to be very reliable and consistent-great trip -We head to Alaska in June/July -We are going with an RV tour group of 23 Motorhomes No boondocking -hope we enjoy it all as much as you did 🎉

[@OpenRoading]

Ran into a couple of convoys like that this summer! Seems like an interesting way to do it. One of the groups we talked to had a mechanic with the group to help with any issues so I could see how that would be super helpful! -J

[@frontiermusings]

I live here in Alaska. Outside Anchorage before you get to the Valley. I’m so glad you did a flight seeing tour. You got to see the Permafrost tunnel in Fairbanks. Cool. It doesn’t start snowing until Halloween so you guys were fine in mid-August. Lol. It’s still nice temps in Anchorage (around 55), but rainy season is definitely here.

[@OpenRoading]

Highs of 55....are cold enough to start chasing us out. 😂 When the heater is running during the day too much we start burning propane hot and heavy. lol -J

[@roadstraveledphotography8440]

This video was phenomenal. Thank you so much for taking us on your journey.

[@OpenRoading]

So glad you enjoyed it! In the last year of videos this was one of our absolute favorites to put together. -J

[@bakedalaskan3815]

I was QC on the big culvert you walked over at 29:55. Took us two years put it in. Park rules state you can't shut the road down for more than 5 minutes and you can't stop the buses. So it takes a while to complete a job there. And I see you stopped at the permafrost tunnels.I'm actually doing some work on those projects also. New research facility and information center plus they're gonna add more to the tunnel.

[@OpenRoading]

That's awesome! And I can't imagine the logistics that go into a project that large while following those rules! -J

[@JP-ic1fi]

Joe, buddy. When you fly over Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, etc. etc. we don’t count those states as actually being in the state. Got to go with boots on the ground to count. Great trip, thanks for sharing.

[@OpenRoading]

Because this flight was exactly like a commercial flight over Nebraska, Iowa, or Kansas....... Your flights have looked far different from any Delta flight I've ever been on. 😂 -J

[@hank1527]

Kaylin is absolutely correct. It only counts when you have put your feet in the park…otherwise I would say I have been in 30 countries because my plane traveled over 30 countries! 🤣🤣

[@OpenRoading]

See…I think that’s too black and white. I agree with you - I’ve been in the Frankfort airport but I wouldn’t say I have really been to Germany. HOWEVER… 😂 This flight was Experiencing the namesake of the park in a way that we totally did not with boots on the ground. We weren’t flying over at 30,000 feet and saying we visited the park. We were flying inbetween the cliffs. Up the glaciers. I have trouble imagining 2 people going to Denali - one takes the flight - and the other walks to the visitor center then goes back to his car - and ya’ll (and Kalyn 😂) are fine with the second guy checking it off the list and the first guy still has more work to do. 😂😂 Maybe, just maybe, I’ll get someone else on my side here someday. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 -J

[@cheryledwards1054]

you guys have seen alot of Alaska but if you came back next year you would see a whole new part of Alaska, it's a Big state. Safe travels my friends.

[@OpenRoading]

For sure!!! We still have 4 national parks up there to hit! We just cruised the south east quadrant! -J

[@eddiehagler6127]

I lived in Fairbanks for 15 months

[@katrinaholton9816]

WOW BEAUTIFUL!

[@OpenRoading]

Right?! So amazing! -J

[@joythompson9096]

I think Kayln was correct, you need to step foot in the Park for it to count. Sorry Joe LOL! enjoy the rest of your trip. Love watching you guys.

[@OpenRoading]

Sigh. It's ok. You and Kalyn can be wrong together. 😁 -J

[@Lonnwriting]

Thank u

[@jjones5424]

Boots on the ground for sure! If you count flying over.....than on my trip to Europe I "visited" a lot of States, Provinces and Countries!

[@OpenRoading]

Let me ask you, from your flight over those states, provinces, and countries, were you flying withing a couple hundred yards from land the entire time? Seeing the keystone object of those locations from all angles? Did you pilot fly around famous landmarks in each location? 😂 I get the argument - but to me comparing this flight to a commercial flight makes me think you didn't watch the video (even though I know you did because you wouldn't know about the debate if you didn't watch it. lol) -J

[@jeremyj612]

Amazing video guys…so glad Denali worked out for you! I took it for granted when I lived there, but making such a once in a lifetime journey it would have been terrible to run into weather there. Can’t wait for next week! Thank you!

[@OpenRoading]

Thank you! We were soooo happy the weather played nice! 2 video in a row! -J

[@CheriBarnett-q1d]

Yes you need to step foot in the park to count it! 😂

[@OpenRoading]

So far I think the votes on this are 6,452,403 to 7. I'm losing. 😂 -J

[@SpaceForce2019]

Awesome Denali trip, air and land. I agree you have to step foot in it, not just fly over. :)

[@OpenRoading]

Ya’ll (lumping Kalyn in here) and your stinking arbitrary rules. 😂 -J

[@SpaceForce2019]

@@OpenRoading Ha ha ha ha

[@jennsadventures84]

We saw it when we were there.. Beautiful!

[@OpenRoading]

Another 30%-er! -J

[@ohioclassCcamper]

Glad you guys had good weather finally for one of you big adventures. You deserved it after all the other trips had suck rubbish weather. Safe travels

[@OpenRoading]

I hope you watched last weeks video! We had good weather for the bears too! In the end we went 50/50 on our most expensive excursions. 2 "busts" and 2 Awesome. -J

[@pupcamper58]

Totally agree with Kalyn you have to set foot into the national park before it counts. You all were so lucky to get to see Denali not once but twice. So many people they say go to Alaska and never get to see it because of the clouds. Loved the video thank you again for sharing your journey to Alaska with us.❤

[@OpenRoading]

The clouds were a huge concern, especially with us visiting in the rainiest month of Alaska. We are so grateful the weather panned out!!! And I love having so many people on my team for stepping foot in the park. 😂 -K

[@meganproctor2806]

Kalyn’s right! Can’t count it unless you step foot in it!! ❤

[@OpenRoading]

Haha-thank you!! 🙌🏻 -K

[@patgaston-zq9ul]

Love this. You 2 are excellent!!!!!

[@OpenRoading]

Thank you so much! -J

[@brucegustafson6943]

So excited for you!

[@chrisschiel6741]

Ok. Think about it. If you take a plane from NY to California, do you say you were at each state you passed over, NO. So I'm with Kalyn.

[@OpenRoading]

Get video on your next flight from NY to CA and compare it to this video and get back to me. 😂. -J

[@andreemorel2248]

We flew over a glacier from Juneau to a salmon fishing camp years ago, which was pretty special but your flight around Denali was amazing. I can see why it's your favorite excursion. Looking forward to next week's video.

[@patrickjohnson1629]

We saw the Grand Canyon from a plane once.... No not the same, I agree with Kalyn.

[@OpenRoading]

You flew a plane through the grand canyon!? How cool!! 😏 I have to chuckle with the comparisons of flying over things...we got such a better view of Denali from this flight than we did with our shoes on the ground and it's soooo evident by the video! Yet ya'll keep comparing this flight to a delta flight to LA from 30,000 feet. 😂 I don't know how it's even close to a fair comparison. lol. -J

[@patrickjohnson1629]

@@OpenRoading LOL 35,000 feet over it, it didn't look so Grand from that height lol

[@05MaryBeth]

I think you should do both. But I agree you have to step foot in the park.

[@OpenRoading]

Sigh.... ya'll are killing me. 😂 -J

[@jacksadler7653]

Stayed at that same park in Houston on our trip to AK 2 years ago. Great video!

[@OpenRoading]

Have a question for you....was the water yellow then too? 😂 I could not believe how yellow the water was. 👀 -J

[@carmancloud]

Team both of you on this one. I feel like flying over doesn’t count but I also would want to explore the park as well. For future trips if you get the tek pass you can drive your rig in to mile 29. You can stop along the way in and out while driving and the bus will pick you if you want to venture further in on the tour.

[@denebrazzale]

Love love love your channel ❤❤❤

[@OpenRoading]

So kind! Thank you!! -J

[@tracyreaume6451]

Great video, I’m SO happy you got to see Denali by air and foot! 🏔️

[@OpenRoading]

We couldn't believe we got to see it twice! -J

[@lig8817]

Absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for sharing, Lisa xxx