Denali Backcountry Lodge offers an exclusive and intimate experience in Denali National Park. With a maximum capacity of 24 guests and over 17 staff members, it provides a near-people-free way to explore the park’s backcountry. Pursuit Alaska Collection oversees the lodge, ensuring a smooth transportation experience to and from their sister property, Denali Cabins.
When guests arrive, friendly staff welcomes them and directs them to their comfortable and roomy rooms. The rooms are equipped with hiking backpacks, bug nets, and reusable water bottles for the duration of the stay. The main lodge offers amenities such as a spa, a game room, and a screened-in fireplace room. Guests also have access to mountain bikes, paddleboards, and kayaks to explore the surrounding area. The staff schedules daily guided and self-guided activities, including hikes, historical tours, gold panning, and educational talks.
Meals at Denali Backcountry Lodge are hearty and delicious. Breakfast options include omelets with salmon, avocado toast, and brioche French toast. Lunch is served buffet-style with wraps, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. The lodge provides an espresso machine and a variety of milks for coffee drinks. Dinner includes options like Alaskan salmon or halibut, along with desserts like Baked Alaska. The upstairs bar offers a selection of Alaskan beers, wines, and cocktails.
After dinner, guests can enjoy the stunning Alaskan wilderness up close. The staff runs a shuttle to Reflection Pond for golden hour, where guests can witness the beauty of Denali reflected in the still waters. Exploring the surrounding tundra is encouraged, with off-trail exploration being a unique feature of Denali National Park. Guests can also enjoy activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, and hiking. The naturalists at the lodge provide guided hikes, offering deeper insights into the Alaskan wilderness and its flora and fauna.
The knowledge that the naturalists impart is a clear indication of the lodge’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Guests can learn about wildlife and hiking safety, as well as information about the native flora and fauna. On the final morning, guests can opt for an early guided hike on the McKinley Barr Trail, which offers unobstructed views of Denali and the Alaskan range. This trail also provides a chance to spot wildlife footprints in the mud, such as those of moose, wolves, and bears.
To reach Denali Backcountry Lodge, guests must fly in by helicopter from Denali Cabins, located about a two-hour drive from Fairbanks. The lodge is situated in Kantishna at Mile 92 of the currently closed Denali Park Road. This exclusivity adds to the overall experience of staying at Denali Backcountry Lodge, allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the beauty and solitude of Denali National Park.
