Discover Denali’s untouched wilderness
Denali is a huge and scenic national park, encompassing 24,281 square kilometres. Its untouched wilderness harbours a vast array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolves and many species of raptor. It is also home to Mt Denali (formerly Mt McKinley), the highest peak in North America.
There is only one public road leading into Denali and access is regulated by the National Park Service. Only a few lodges are located within the park; the majority of accommodation is at the park gate. With private vehicles not allowed, visitors must take either the park shuttle or one of the tour buses that travel along the single road stopping en route for photographs and wildlife, before returning to the park entrance before the gates close on the same day.
If you would like a longer and more intimate wilderness experience away from the crowds, then we recommend incorporating a stay at one of the backcountry lodges within Denali into your Alaskan itinerary. Backcountry lodges offer comfortable, cosy accommodation in a picture-postcard setting. North Face Lodge and Camp Denali for instance, boast unparalleled views of Alaska’s highest mountain, Mt Denali, while Denali Backcountry Lodge and Kantishna Roadhouse offer unrivalled seclusion deep within the national park. Your days at these rustic properties can be spent embarking on naturalist-guided activities that may include hiking through fields of colourful wildflowers, canoeing, mountain biking or fishing.
If you are approaching Denali from the south, Talkeetna is the best gateway into the preserve. An easy train journey from Anchorage deposits you in this quaint town, considered the centre of flightseeing tours over Mount Denali. Optional excursions out of Talkeetna include jetboating, nature trails and rafting, while accommodation can be enjoyed at the rustic Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, constructed out of wood and stone, with guest rooms facing majestic mountains and ancient forests.
Please note: Denali is closed from mid-Sep to mid-May due to adverse weather conditions.
Highlights
- Denali, Alaska’s largest wilderness reserve
- Teeming with wildlife, birdlife and wildflowers
- Home to the “Denali Slam”: grizzly bear, wolf, moose, caribou and Dall sheep
- Talkeetna, centre of flightseeing over Mt Denali
- Perfectly situated for fishing, jetboating and hiking
Activities
- Wildlife viewing
- Hiking
- Canoeing / rafting
- Fishing
- Flightseeing (from Talkeetna)
* Some activities at extra cost
Getting there
Both Denali National Park and Talkeetna are easily accessible by rail from Anchorage.
Accommodation in Denali National Park
Below are some of our recommended lodge accommodation options in the Denali National Park region and in Talkeetna. They have been carefully selected for their superior location, incredible wilderness experiences as well as consistently high levels of service and comfort.
Camp Denali
Situated at the centre of the park, Camp Denali offers sweeping views of Mt Denali. Accommodation is in 19 cosy log cabins, each with an immaculate outhouse, woodstove for heat, and propane lighting. Hot showers are available in a separate building close to the main area. Activities at this beautifully sited property include guided hikes, canoeing, fishing and biking.
North Face Lodge
North Face Lodge is the only other lodge at the centre of the park with an outlook over Mt Denali. Expect 15 well-appointed guest rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Accommodation is linked by a shared walkway to a central sitting room, dining area and library, warmed by a crackling fire. A spacious outdoor patio faces out to the spectacular Alaska Range.
Denali Backcountry Lodge
Set in a picturesque, rugged valley deep within Denali National Park, Denali Backcountry Lodge has 42 comfortable, heated cedar cabins with private bathrooms, whilst common areas are found in a spacious two-storey building. A wide range of activities are offered from this unique, secluded property include naturalist-guided hiking, mountain biking and gold panning.
Kantishna Roadhouse
Kantishna Roadhouse offers authentic Alaskan hospitality in a basic but perfectly comfortable setting. There are 32 warm, inviting guest cabins with private facilities, a large dining area and a resource library. Enjoy guided hiking, mountain biking and fishing excursions during your stay.
Denali Bluffs Hotel
Nestled amid evergreen trees on the gentle slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain, this popular hotel has 176 welcoming guestrooms spread across 12 buildings. The great main lodge has a large stone fireplace, while other facilities include a viewing deck, restaurant, cafe and bar.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
The 4-star Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers panoramic views of Mt Denali and the majestic Alaska Range. Built out of wood and stone, the lodge has 212 deluxe rooms with mountain or forest views, a stunning three storey high river rock fireplace in the lobby, a restaurant and lounge.
