Denali Backcountry Lodge

Named one of 2017’s top ten adventure lodges in Alaska by National Geographic, the remote Denali Backcountry Lodge offers a complete Denali Park vacation experience in surprising comfort. With hearty meals prepared in house on a daily basis, 42 individual and well-appointed cabins and expert natural guides leading daily activities that range from casaul to challenging, the Denali Backcountry Lodge in Kantishna is an overall stunning experience.

Denali Backcountry Lodge Review

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Denali Backcountry Lodge review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our adventure travel experts have firsthand knowledge about where to stay in Denali National Park, and can help compare the Denali Backcountry Lodge with other adventure lodging and Alaska land tours.

Choose the Denali Backcountry Lodge for its all-inclusive private cabins, stunning views, warm hospitality and unmatched adventures. Located at the historic settlement of Kantishna, the lodge is a perfect base for exploring the ruggedly wondrous backcountry of Denali National Park. Return each evening to fresh and seasonal cuisine, a cozy fire and a serene sense of wonder.

Getting to Denali Backcountry Lodge

Only the more adventurous visitors to Denali take one of the grandest drives on earth and stay inside the park. Winding through the Alaska Range, deep into the heart of the Denali park, the 95-mile Park Road offers opportunities to see Denali’s famed wildlife: grizzlies, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolves, eagles and more. Should the weather be fair, get a glimpse of the towering Mt. Denali, the highest point in North America at 20,320 feet. At the very end of the Denali Park Road, past Wonder Lake, is the unique enclave in the park known as Kantishna, home to Denali Backcountry Lodge.

Amenities at Denali Backcountry Lodge

Downstairs in the spacious two-story Main Lodge is the dining room, while upstairs are comfortable sofas, chairs and a full-service bar. After-dinner talks on rotating topics about Denali National Park take place around the indoor and outdoor fireplaces. The Nest Spa & Wellness Center offers onsite therapists to help with relaxation, blending the art of massage with a celebration of the human spirit. The natural history library offers a diverse collection of books and videos. And astounding scenery, hikes and opportunities for self-guided and expert-guided explorations surround the lodge.

Activities at Denali Backcountry Lodge

Activities at Denali Backcountry Lodge include naturalist-led programs; guided and self-guided hikes that range from casual, moderate to challenging; botanical walks; gold panning; fly fishing; evening presentations; mountain biking; photo opportunities; and optional flightseeing tours. When Mt. Denali is visible in good weather, hike or take a shuttle to various spectacular viewing areas, where even novice photographers return with truly stunning shots.

Dining at Denali Backcountry Lodge

In the Main Lodge, chefs and hospitality staff serve delicious meals prepared in-house on a daily basis to include the freshest seasonal ingredients and flavors. Breakfast is buffet style with a variety of fresh fruits, cereals, baked pastries, hot eggs, bacon, sausages, French toasts or waffles, coffee and juices. Lunch is hearty buffet-style with a selection of house-made hot soups, sandwiches and fresh salads, topped off with tasty dessert and juices, or guests can pack a lunch for their day’s explorations. In the evening, gourmet appetizers complement a daily recap led by naturalist guides. Dinners are fresh, hearty, wholesome and family style. All meals are made with fresh and seasonal cuisine. The full-service bar features draft and bottled beer, wine and cordials. Juices and sodas are available from the lounge cooler. Dietary considerations, special requests and celebrations can be arranged with advanced notice.

Accommodations at Denali Backcountry Lodge

42 individual, comfortably appointed cedar cabins onsite are heated and appointed with individual private baths, electricity and blackout curtains for a peaceful night’s sleep. Each cabin features a king-size pillowtop bed or two full XL pillowtop beds.