The following came in the other day from ARAMARK, the lodging concessionaire at Denali National Park and Preserve. While the timing and the price might work well for you, remember that this is the early season in Denali and activities are limited; the park really doesn't start greening up until late May.

Still, as I noted last fall, if the park's main road is open to Mile 30, you can expect to spy moose, caribou, wolves, bighorn sheep and perhaps even a bear along that stretch. And if you're into cycling, in May a good number of folks typically peddle beyond Mile 30 (before the road is officially opened to vehicles) to get further into Denali.

With that background, here's ARAMARK's offer:

As grizzly bears come out of their winter hibernation and Denali Park Resorts prepares for its 2008 season opening, May is the perfect time to explore the wildlife of Alaska! Denali National Park and Preserve, which spans six million acres and includes Mt. McKinley, is the home of moose, Dall sheep, wolves, caribou and many other wildlife creatures. A sub-arctic ecosystem, Denali also features rare taiga and tundra plant life that make for an exhilarating adventure in one of Mother Nature’s finest creations.

For early bird travelers that want to visit in May before the summer crowds arrive, Denali Park Resorts is offering significant savings with an “Early Bird” package. At just $189 plus tax per night, guests will receive a one-night stay at one of the Resorts’ four properties: McKinley Chalet Resort, McKinley Village Lodge, Grande Denali Lodge or Denali Bluffs Hotel. This offer is available on most nights, depending on vacancy.

Set along the Nenana River just outside the park entrance, the recently renovated McKinley Chalet Resort offers 345 upscale, two-room mini-suites in cedar lodges and serves as the embarking point for the park’s whitewater rafting trips. It also hosts the “Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theater” show, a popular outing for locals as well as visitors new to Denali! New guestrooms and luxury amenities are also featured this year at the McKinley Village Lodge.

Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska contains acres of magnificent glaciated landscape, an assortment of wildlife and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Whether it’s hiking, river rafting, mountaineering or wildlife viewing, Denali Park Resorts offers a little something for guests of all ages. In addition, the most popular tours at Denali Park Resorts, including the Kantishna Experience Tour, the Tundra Wilderness Tour and the Explore Denali series, are back this season and better than ever!

For more information on the 2008 season opening of Denali Park Resorts, along with the activities and tours offered, please visit this site or call (800) 276-7234. Guests can book a stay at the discounted price by asking for the special Early Bird rate.