What do you provide?
All meals, cabin with private bath, Denali Wildlife drive through the park, transportation from the railroad depot to the lodge and return on our private bus, park entrance fees, all guided activities (except flightseeing), naturalist presentations, and mountain bikes are included in each Lodge package. Borough tax, gratuities to staff, fishing licenses, beer and wine are not included in package price.

What are the accommodations like?
Denali Backcountry Lodge has 38 cozy cedar cabins at the lodge. Each cabin has two beds (most have two comfortable double beds, a few have a king bed and a couch/folding bed) and they are booked on a first-come first-serve basis. All have electricity, flush toilets, running hot water, a sink and shower - surprising luxuries in the middle of the wilderness! Linens are provided and all rooms, lodge facilities, and vehicles are smoke-free.

Will I see wildlife?
Denali National Park is home to a variety of wildlife: moose, bears, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, foxes, golden eagles, beavers, and a multitude of migratory birds and waterfowl. Your well-versed and experienced bus driver will interpret the natural and cultural history of the park as well as point out wildlife along the way. The bus trip to the lodge alone is a highlight for many people. Once you've learned how to look for signs and habitat of wildlife, you'll be more able to spot and get quality photos of the wildlife in the park. At the lodge, on hikes and while relaxing on the lodge deck or in the gazebos, guests have seen black bears, wolves, sandhill cranes, moose and grizzlies.

Will I see Mount McKinley?
The more time you spend inside the park, the better your chances of seeing "the mountain" known as "Denali" or "the high one." The entire mountain is visible only a few days each summer, however you may be fortunate to get a view of Denali or some of the other mountains and glaciers of the Alaska range during your stay. Even when the clouds obscure your view of the mountain from ground level, you can frequently see it while on a hike that gains elevation, or on a flightseeing trip (see information below).

What's the bus ride like?
While on the private bus, your driver will introduce you to the park, its wildlife and the wildlands in Denali. You'll learn about Denali's history, geology, and so much more. The leisurely bus trip to the lodge takes about 6 hours. Your bus driver will stop along the way for wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities. Be sure to stock up on film and extra batteries long before you get on the bus! There are scheduled rest stops along the road where you can get off the bus to stretch your legs, use the restroom facilities, and smell the tundra flowers. Your driver will provide delicious snacks and beverages during the breaks to tide you over before you eat a hearty dinner at the lodge.

What kind of food is served at the lodge?
Fine dining is an important part of experiencing Alaska that we don't overlook. Denali Backcountry Lodge serve a hearty and healthy variety of expertly prepared dishes. Dinners are served family-style and lunches are your choice of a hot or cold buffet or sandwiches that you'll pack the morning before your day's hike. We can accommodate most special dietary requests if we know of them far enough in advance. Each night we do offer a "vegetarian option" for dinner. If you have a special dietary requirement, please mention it at the time of booking and on your Guest Information form.

Are there activities for children at the lodge?
Denali Backcountry Lodge offers the ultimate family experience for those who want to share virtually every moment of their vacation with their children or grandchildren (ages 6 and older). Each day offers guided hikes and walks, gold panning or other afternoon activities, naturalist presentations, mountain bike sign-outs and slide shows. Parents and children will find many games to play in the lodge and many places to explore just outside their cabin door. Please note that there are no childcare services at the lodge.

What about bears and bugs?
Denali Backcountry Lodge have both in fair supply, and we co-exist using our knowledge of their habits. Preparation and attitude is everything when encountering either species. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will be given a bear safety talk where you'll learn about being a visitor in bear country. Regarding bugs, we provide mosquito headnets, and recommend that you wear tightly woven, light clothing for maximum comfort.

Is there flightseeing at the lodge?
Backcountry Safaris works Kantishna Air Taxi, a local air charter company. For more information and for rates for a one-hour scenic flight circling Mt. McKinley and traversing the surrounding glaciers see our flightseeing web page.

Do you have a Laundromat?
Laundry services are not available at the lodge. Please follow our packing list closely (see Packing List section) and be sure to bring enough clothing for the duration of your stay. We do, however, have a drying room, which will refresh your soggy boots and socks should you be hiking in the wet tundra.

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When should I call to book a lodge package?
We start taking reservations one year in advance, so as soon as you have an idea of your travel dates, please contact our reservationist to see if your requested dates are available. Many travelers make their airline reservations first only to find that there is no lodging available anywhere in Alaska during their chosen vacation dates. It's always a good idea to research your flights, your lodging, and all other components of your Alaska trip before you commit to one portion of the trip and have to face cancellation penalties and settle for whatever is available at that time. When planning your stay at the lodge, please have 2 or 3 sets of dates in mind in case we are booked during your first choice dates. We will be happy to put your name on a "courtesy hold" for 24 hours while you research your flights or other travel plans.

What time does your bus leave the railroad depot?
All packages begin and end at the railroad depot. Please arrive at the Denali Park railroad depot at 1:00 p.m. Our private bus departs promptly from the depot at 1:30 p.m. At the end or your stay, you will return to the depot at approximately 11:30 a.m.

How do I get to the railroad depot?
There are a variety of transportation options between Anchorage or Fairbanks and the Denali Park Entrance: railroad, motorcoach or personal vehicle. (see the Denali Transportation page)

Could you recommend some accommodations near the Denali Park entrance?
We highly recommend a stay at Denali Cabins before or after your lodge visit. Located just south of the Park entrance, Denali Cabins offers an excellent location, comfortable accommodations, courtesy shuttles to and from the train depot, outdoor hot tubs, and friendly staff.

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Can I drive my personal vehicle to Denali Backcountry Lodge?
Park Service regulations restrict private traffic on the Denali Park Road. The lodge is located at the very end of the restricted 95-mile road inside Denali National Park. We are firm supporters of the restricted road and believe that by limiting the amount of traffic on the road, there is less impact on the resident wildlife and natural habitat in the park. You can, however, drive your personal vehicle to the park entrance and to the railroad depot where all our lodge packages begin.

How do I book a bus transportation?
Backcountry Safaris operates a daily coach service between Anchoage and Denali Park. Denali Bus departs Anchorage at 7:00 a.m. and arrives at Denali National park at 1:00 p.m. and departs for Denali at 2 p.m. and arrive back in Anchorage at 8:00 p.m. Use our online reservation form or call to make reservation.

An alternative that works well for our guests traveling round-trip between Anchorage and Denali National Park, is to take Backcounty Safaris' Denali Bus northbound to the Park, stay at Denali Backcountry Lodge, then return to Anchorage via the Alaska Railroad. At the end of your lodge stay, you will return to the Park Entrance in time to connect with the southbound train to Anchorage, the northbound train to Fairbanks, or Backcounty Safaris' Denali Bus service. (see the Denali Transportation page)

How do I book a trip on the Alaska Railroad?
Backcountry Safaris will be happy to help you with your Alaska Railroad reservation. (see the Denali Star Train page)

* Please note: If you are traveling from Fairbanks to Denali, the Alaska Railroad makes timely connections with our lodge bus. However, guests traveling northbound from Anchorage by train will require a stay at the Denali National Park entrance the night before coming to the lodge. (See Trip Planning section for some Park entrance accommodations information)

Can I rent a car at the Park entrance?
At this time, there are no car rental agencies at the Park entrance. Cars can be rented at most major cities and large towns in Alaska. For more information on car rental, please call these car rental agencies directly:

If I'm driving, how long does it take to get to Denali and where do I park my vehicle?
The entrance of Denali National Park is at Milepost 237.3 on the George Parks Highway #3. The driving distance from Anchorage is 240 miles, and the usual driving time is approximately 5 hours. The distance from Fairbanks is 120 miles, and the trip takes approximately 2 1/2 hours. You will also want to allow time for photo stops, lunch, and construction delays that can occur throughout the summer.

When you arrive at Denali National Park, park your vehicle at the Riley Creek Campground parking area. This will be the first road on your left after you enter Denali National Park. Follow the road straight ahead to the gravel parking area and park and lock your vehicle. Then, with your luggage, take the courtesy shuttle from Riley Creek Campground to the Denali Railroad Depot, where you will see the Denali Backcountry Lodge bus and be met by our staff for your trip into the lodge. The shuttle bus leaves the Riley Creek Campground kiosk on the hour and half hour, and takes about 15 minutes to make the trip to the Denali Railroad Depot. To meet the Denali Backcountry Lodge staff at the Depot by 1:15 p.m., please take the 1:00 p.m. shuttle bus from the Riley Creek Campground. (If you have the luxury of time, you may want to drop off your luggage and the rest of your party at the Denali Railroad Depot ahead of time. Then only the driver would need to park the vehicle and catch the shuttle bus.)

Can I book a flight to or from the lodge?
Airplane Charter. This option is not for someone on a tight budget, but if your time in Alaska is limited this is an option you may want to consider. Gives us a call or drop us an email and we would be happy to discuss this option with you. There maybe some savings if your dates happen to coincide with others wanting the same service and if you're willing to share the plane with other folks. The cost of the charter is for the plane and not seat-fare so splitting this cost with others would bring the cost down per-person for everyone

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(Please note that laundry facilities are not available at the lodge.)

RAIN GEAR: A good quality two-piece rainsuit with a hood is a must. It should be made of coated nylon, with factory-sealed seams. The expensive "Gore-tex" variety is not really necessary; however, you may opt for this if you think you may have use for it again. Please do not bring a plastic poncho or vinyl rainsuit because this type tears too easily and quickly becomes non-functional.

HIKING BOOTS: Comfortable, lightweight, and water repellent. Nike, Vasque, Hi-Tec and Merrell all make lightweight hiking boots that are moderately priced.

PANTS: Comfortable and durable. Include a pair of shorts, just in case.

SHIRTS: T-shirts, flannel shirts, lightweight long sleeve shirts, and turtlenecks are all good options.

WARM JACKET / SWEATERS: A fleece or pile jacket and/or a wool sweater offer great layers for extra warmth.

LONG UNDERWEAR: Non-cotton preferred, uppers and lowers.

SOCKS: Wool socks and synthetic liners are a good combination for hiking.

GLOVES: Lightweight wool or pile gloves are best.

WOOL KNIT CAP: You won't be sorry you brought this!

BRIMMED HAT: For sun protection.

DAY PACK or HIP PACK: This will come in handy for day hiking and bus travel.

QUART WATER BOTTLE: Great for day hikes.

INSECT REPELLENT: The higher the percentage of DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta- toluamide), the more effective it is against mosquitoes. Natural repellents containing Citronella are less effective, but are gentler on your skin. Creams and pumps are more environmentally friendly than aerosols.

OPTIONAL: BINOCULARS, CAMERA (extra film and batteries), TRAVEL ALARM CLOCK, SUNSCREEN, SUNGLASSES, FIELD GUIDES TO LOCAL FLORA AND FAUNA, FLASHLIGHT (August and September)

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Denali: The Complete Guide (book)
Denali Guidebook to Hiking, Photography, and Camping in Denali National Park, Alaska (book)
Wildflowers of Denali National Park (books)