Frequently Asked Questions

The Denali Backcountry Adventure travels the entire 92-mile stretch of the Denali Park Road to the Denali Backcountry Lodge.

This tour also includes a full soup, salad, and sandwich lunch buffet, plus activities at the exclusive Denali Backcountry Lodge before making the return journey to the Park Entrance. 

Though you may catch glimpses of the popular peak, only 30% of visitors to Denali National Park will see Mount Denali in full view while they visit.

Mount Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) is not visible from the popular Denali Canyon resort area, so the only way to see it in full is with a trip into the Park. The Denali Backcountry Adventure travels the entire length of the Denali Park Road, and offers the most opportunities to see Denali.

The Denali Backcountry Adventure bus can accommodate a folding wheelchair, however, the guest must be able to step onto the bus. 

Guests on the Denali Backcountry Adventure can catch the bus from the Denali Cabins before it departs to pick up locations at other area hotels. We do offer complimentary pick-up service at four specific lodges in the Denali Park Entrance area:

Tour departs from Denali Cabins: 6 AM
Grizzly Bear: 6:15 AM
Denali Park Village: 6:15 AM
McKinley Chalets: 6:30 AM

We will need to know where you need to be picked up when you make your reservation, which you can do by letting your tour consultant know, or by putting it in the "special requests" box on an online reservation. PLEASE request pick-up in advance if you are not departing from Denali Cabins. If you book online within 24 hours, you must call Denali Cabins at 907.683.2643 to schedule a pick-up. 

The bus ride to Kantishna is approximately 6.5 to 7 hours, and the entire tour duration is approximately 14 hours roundtrip.

The Denali Backcountry Adventure makes three scheduled stops before arriving at the Denali Backcountry Lodge for lunch where guests are free to take photos.

Guests are free to take photos from the bus at wildlife stops and scenic views, but are not allowed to disembark the bus to ensure safety of the animals and guests.

You will have opportunities to see Denali's "Big 5" which include: bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. In addition to the Big 5, guests may also spot a myriad of other species in the Park including birds.

Yes, the Denali Backcountry Adventure makes three scheduled stops each way in Teklanika, Toklat, and the Eielson Visitor Center so guests can stretch their legs and take in the incredible views.

Lunch is served in the Day Lodge at Denali Backcountry Lodge and features a selection of house-made hot soups, fresh salads, a build-your-own sandwich bar, and house-made dessert.