Denali Backcountry Lodge
Mile 92 Denali National Park Road, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
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About
#1 of 11 hotels in Denali National Park and Preserve
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.5
Value
3.8
Travelers' Choice
Exclusive helicopter access. Private cabins. Stunning views. Warm hospitality and unmatched adventures. This is Denali Backcountry Lodge, where guests experience the best creature comforts in one of the world’s wildest landscapes. Located at the historic settlement of Kantishna, the lodge is a perfect base for exploring the ruggedly beautiful backcountry of Denali National Park. Return each evening to fresh and seasonal cuisine, a cozy fire and a serene sense of wonder.
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Property amenities
Free private parking nearby
Free breakfast
Bicycles available
Game room
Airport transportation
Massage
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Special diet menus
Hiking
Evening entertainment
Fishing
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun terrace
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Room features
Desk
Housekeeping
Seating area
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
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HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Languages Spoken
English
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Mile 92 Denali National Park Road, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
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We live in Anchorage, Alaska and try to get out to visit all the great things the State has to offer. We have been camping in Denali National Park before and have attended great seminars there through Alaska Geographic. We have also taken the park's Wilderness Tour Bus from the park entrance to Eielson Visitors Center and back, prior to the current road closure at Polychrome Pass. Nothing quite prepared us, however, for our stay at Denali Back Country Lodge through Pursuit, which we did to celebrate our 29th Wedding Anniversary a few months early. This year the landslide in Denali created a unique opportunity. First, we were flown on a helicopter via TEMSCO helicopter service - very professional and safe team. Our first day's flight was cancelled due to high winds, and our last day's flight was cancelled due to low cloud/fog coverage. All in all we got a full 4 nights of stay at a slightly reduced rate for the last night's stay because of weather delay. Upon arrival, the staff (all great women and men) came out to greet us, waving us in as the helicopter landed - it almost felt like Fantasy Island in the middle of the park. As lifelong military folk, my wife and I went to grab our gear -- and the staff said don't worry we got it -- it is your time to enjoy. And enjoy we did! They brought us in for a personal orientation and a little lunch -- needless to say with the fantastic cooking of Thomas we gained a few pounds (even after some exhilarating hikes) over our four days at the lodge. The naturalist guides (Sebastian, Buie, and Caylin) not only helped us and other couples pick appropriate hikes but at times went with us. One of us having just overcome being very ill, we opted for some of the easier to moderate hikes - but others grabbed available bikes, went on challenging hikes, and/or stayed in their rooms/the community area. Additionally, the lodge provided on-loan superior backpacks, water bottles, head nets, binoculars, and compasses. The lodge itself had plenty of cabin space, as the normal day traffic was reduced due to the landslide. Hence we had a very small group during our stay - where we saw grizzly bear (at a close range - 30 feet - but safely indoors); caribou (AKA reindeer); porcupine; trumpeter swan; sandhill cranes, loons, and songbirds. During our early morning hikes we were able to see Denali without clouds, enjoy the tundra walks, pick fresh blueberries, see some nature up close, and even go kayaking on Wonder Lake. All in all it was a magic time of the season, as fall was starting and we had wonderful fall color. Our cabin was a superior creekside - with the amenities we enjoy - an indoor bathroom with shower and tub (other company sites in the local area offer outhouses and a communal shower area) . Ralf (our German transplant room keeper) - left us adorable towel animals much like you find on cruise ships with a kicker from the on staff baker (delicious dessert bite treats) and a lovely message from the staff each night! Prior to Dinner (6:15 PM) there were Naturalist talks (show and tell on animals, a history of the area, Denali Summits with slides and history, and a Muldrow Glacier surge talk) available. On site, they had a wonderful masseuse, Stephanie, who had great hands. Massage services are an additional cost, but we both enjoyed our respective massages and found them well worth the price. She also taught Yoga and Stretching in the morning. We were able to use the outside barrel saunas, and some folks went into the creek between sauna sessions (at 36 degrees it was a little too cold for us). The property's Miners Lodge had a pool table, board games, and foosball. In the main lodge, there was WIFI, espresso coffees, fresh cookies and snacks, board games, books to read, beautiful art work and naturalist collections. What is hard to capture is the beauty of the people on site. Almost instantly, we felt connected to the staff. They listened to our needs and concerns, they really felt like great family. As Nova the manager said as we were leaving - it is always sad as we feel like we are losing some family when the guests depart. On a personal note, we were able to connect with many of the staff and learn about their exciting histories and future goals - which include working in Montana at Glacier National Park, going to the South Pole (Antarctica) for a year, going back to school, continuing to work in the local area, and even relocating to Anchorage, and for those folks we resolved to get together for lunch! We highly recommend Denali Backcountry Lodge--especially during these times of road closure. Staying there is definitely worth the price; a once in a lifetime experience is truly priceless.…
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Date of stay: September 2022
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Room Tip: Superior Cabins on the Creekside are larger and have a better view. The rooms cost a bit more...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Christopher Hudson, General Manager at Denali Backcountry Lodge
Responded Oct 7, 2022
jamesbI6228FO. Thank you for the detailed review. It certainly helps future guests have a clear picture of the experience at the Denali Backcountry Lodge and we appreciate you taking the time to be so descriptive. Thank you for the positive feedback!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Where to start?, so many great memories. First of all, the staff made you feel like a million dollars, Nova, Cailyn, Buie, Sebastian, Kimberly, Antoinette (Toni!), Chris the GM and the rest of the STAFF provided us with first class services. The chefs’ meals were delicious (the soups!), the hiking trips with the naturalists, Cailyn, Buie and Sebastian were a great learning experience in one of the most beautiful parts of the planet. The evening lectures provided by them were one of my favorite activities during our stay. Kudos to Stephanie the massage therapist who treated a calf injury I sustained earlier in our vacation, that allowed me to keep hiking. The cabins were very nice and had great views of Moose Creek and the mountains. The highlight of the trip was seeing Mount Denali as we were blessed with clear blue skies during our stay. Thanks Nova, you and your staff worked very hard to make this a wonderful vacation that we will never forget! Micki and Gerry xxx…
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Christopher Hudson, General Manager at Denali Backcountry Lodge
Responded Oct 7, 2022
E1173TGgeraldd, Micki and Gerry, you were both such fun guests! Our staff really enjoyed you both! We are elated that we met your expectations on so many levels. We appreciate our staff was so memorable that you were able to list so many names in this review. Thank you for the positive review.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed at Backcountry on Aug 2022. Great experience! The price was steep (which I get given that they have to fly in all supplies this year), but the location is INCREDIBLE. Thanks to the park road closure, there’s NO ONE in the back part of Denali which makes the guided hikes back here just amazing. 2023 might be the last year the roads closed so short lived opportunity.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Christopher Hudson, General Manager at Denali Backcountry Lodge
Responded Oct 7, 2022
Guy L, We are so glad you and your family loved our location! We are proud of being in the heart of Denali National Park. NPS estimates the road will re-open in 2025. Thank you for choosing the Denali Backcountry Lodge!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DBL was a wonderful experience. Gorgeous place to be. Cabins were cozy and comfortable and very clean. Beds were extremely comfortable. Had many outdoor activities to enjoy and explore. The lodge is by Moose Creek, very beautiful. Guided hiking trips by knowledgeable staff. Great place just for solitude.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2022
Value
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Cleanliness
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Christopher Hudson, General Manager at Denali Backcountry Lodge
Responded Oct 7, 2022
travelgal672022, We appreciate all your positive feedback from your visit at the Denali Backcountry Lodge! We truly enjoyed the Arkansas connection with you and a couple members of our staff! Thank you for spending part of your summer in Denali and making us your destination choice!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
First, the positives. The staff at DBL are fantastic. Everyone was friendly, knowledgeable and would go out of their way to make your experience enjoyable. This is a very expensive trip and you are at the mercy of the weather. If you luck out and have clear weather, I can imagine the Denali views and the helicopter ride are amazing. But this is relatively rare. If you aren’t lucky, this isn’t worth it at all. Wildlife sightings were also minimal on our trip. Again, luck of the draw. Despite the road being closed, it didn’t feel as exclusive as advertised as there are two other lodges nearby. Unfortunately and despite the staff’s best efforts, this trip felt extremely overpriced and disappointing.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Christopher Hudson, General Manager at Denali Backcountry Lodge
Responded Oct 7, 2022
mn415435, Thank you for the compliments on our staff. It is always our goal to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. So sorry the weather and wildlife did not meet your expectations. We appreciate your feedback.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We loved our stay at Denali Backcountry Lodge. The staff are competent, enthusiastic, and very knowledgeable. The scenery is breathtaking, and the opportunities to explore the Denali wilderness are wonderful. We enjoyed hiking and bicycling, relaxing in the wood-fired sauna, and eating scrumptious food for every meal. The helicopter ride in and the views of the Alaska range and surrounding mountains — simply spectacular!!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Christopher Hudson, General Manager at Denali Backcountry Lodge
Responded Oct 7, 2022
Climber 797476385, Thank you for the delightful review! We are so glad you took advantage of so many of our amenities and enjoyed the Denali Backcountry Lodge experience and location!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What a spectacular Lodge. Easily the best we have ever visited. From arrival by helicopter to the finest detail everyone on staff works to make your experience best possible. It is simply not possible to oversell this place.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We went to the Denali Backcountry lodge hoping to have a "not to be missed" type of experience. While the Backcountry lodge and experience are nice it turned out to be very average and not worth the money. The dining was "fine" - average at best. The activities we did - hiking and biking could all have been done at the entrance area of Denali and just as challenging with great views. Overall the experience was fine but in our opinion not worth the money. We were also part of the unfortunately group who were impacted by the road closure which delayed exiting the park so much so we missed the last shuttle to Fairbanks. We were totally on our own to find alternative lodging on our own dime. It also caused us to need to rebook flights. The total cost was about $600 and pursuit did not offer any compensation even though the lodging and transportation were all booked through them. Very disappointed! I do not recommend Pursuit.…
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
4 Helpful votes
Helpful
We spent three nights at the Denali Backcountry Lodge. Since the ride in from the park entrance to the lodge takes over 6 hours it make total sense to spend the night and not try and do a 13 hour turnaround trip. While it is a long drive, the DBL driver provided lots of opportunities for animal sighings, picture taking and learning more about the park. Two full days at the lodge gave us time to do multiple hikes while also being able to relax and enjoy the facilities, the outdoor activities and the other guests. I would highly recommend a 3 night minimum stay. The cabins were very comfortable, thought you will likely spend little time there. We had the great pleasure of meeting Tom Choate, who was a guest speaker at the lodge for two evenings, and who is the oldest person to hike Mt Denali, his last of five times at the age of 76 (WOW!). He was a wealth of knowledge about the park, the mountain and most everything related to the history of Alaska. Overall I highly recommend the DBL for part of your Alaska visit. Also, we were blessed with a blue-sky day the morning we were leaving the lodge and had incredible views of Mt. Denali and the whole Alaska range. I guess that puts us as one of the 30% who get to see the mountain.…
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
First time in Denali but lots of visits to Alaska on cruises. We're both 73 yrs old and read about this lodge online. Thought it would be a great opportunity to get away from the crowds and see the "real" Alaska (it was). Took the 3 hr train from Fairbanks and DBL's shuttle bus picked us up at the train depot (warning: this is NOT a train station. There are NO facilities or food there! It's just a sheltered area). We didn't know that and thought we'd buy a quick sandwich at the "train station". Should have eaten on the train! The bus took 6 hours to get to Denali Backcountry Lodge, but they stop along the way for bathrooms (most are pit toilets) and to take pictures of the animals in the wild. We saw lots of Grizzly bears, Caribou, a red tailed Fox, a Porcupine, a Moose and a Golden Eagle from the bus. The driver was very patient and informative. She was also in command the whole time. Got there around 7 pm and had dinner at 8. There are guided hikes or you can go on your own. They have bicycles, boots for the deep puddles, trekking poles and even rain coats to borrow. Be sure to ask for the printed info describing the hikes and ask a lot of questions! They assume you know stuff! So glad we borrowed boots and poles from them for the hikes. The food (3 meals/day) was great with lots of choices. The cabins are separate from the lodge. No daily maid service, but can ask for more towels or whatever. Very small shower but comfortable bed! There's a lounge upstairs in the lodge with a separate bar if you just want to hang out. Also, a covered porch with rocking chairs. We purposely ate with different people each night so we could interact and socialize. Tom Choate, the oldest guy to scale Denali at 78 was there as a guest lecturer and he had lots of stories, interacting with guests freely. It's pretty expensive, overall and I do wish they would be more forthright in telling people what to expect, both on the website and in person. You're really on your own in deciding what to do, but there is posted info. Weather in Alaska changes fast and you need to be prepared for anything. Were there Aug. 22-25. 2021 (3 nts) It was cold and rainy most of the time. Never saw the mountain, due to clouds and fog. It snowed after we left. Be sure to bring waterproof hiking boots (we didn't) and lots of layers (that we did). Some had to leave big suitcases at Denali cabins as they limit what to bring in to 40 lbs. An experience of a lifetime, but be prepared…
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
ALSO KNOWN AS
denali backcountry hotel denali national park and preserve, hotel denali backcountry
LOCATION
United StatesAlaskaDenali National Park and Preserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
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Claim Your ListingDENALI BACKCOUNTRY LODGE - Prices & Hotel Reviews (Denali National Park and Preserve, AK)
Frequently Asked Questions about Denali Backcountry Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Denali Backcountry Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Denali Backcountry Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Denali Backcountry Lodge?
Yes, free private parking nearby is available to guests.
Does Denali Backcountry Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Denali Backcountry Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Denali Backcountry Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.
Is Denali Backcountry Lodge accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.