Mile 92 of Denali Park Road is as rugged as it is remarkable. This part of Alaska is largely untouched and untamed — and presents limitless opportunities to explore. But why adventure on your own when you can go with the pros?
The Denali Backcountry Lodge naturalists are a team of outdoor experts, passionate about leading guests on guided hikes, sharing their knowledge of the area's flora, fauna and history and ensuring everyone meets park safety guidelines. While you’re always close to creature comforts like fantastic seasonal food, spa services and cozy cabins, exploring off the beaten path with naturalists is an essential part of the Denali Backcountry Lodge experience.
Get to know the naturalists who make stays Denali Backcountry Lodge even more memorable below.
When Paddy was in high school, he discovered Bob Ross, the American artist and TV presenter known for his oil paintings of idyllic landscapes. Paddy was fascinated by Ross's far-reaching work — in particular, the paintings of Alaska landscapes Ross saw during his time spent outside Fairbanks while in the air force.
“I was like, ‘If that's what he saw every single day, I have got to see what he loved so much about this place,’” says Paddy. After volunteering in Yellowstone National Park's Lamar Valley, Paddy found his way to Denali in 2024. Right away, he saw why Alaska inspired so many of Ross' paintings.
“I love the area so much. There's always something new to see,” says Paddy.
Paddy says the most rewarding part of the job is witnessing guests' reactions to being in the backcountry.
“I remember how I felt the first time [I was in Denali National Park], seeing this massive landscape,” says Paddy, explaining that now he sees other hikers experience that same look of wonder.
“I get to see guests eat their first wild blueberries, see their first moose. I get to watch them learn. There's no substitute for that.”
Paddy's ideal day involves an early start, good coffee and breakfast at the lodge, followed by a rewarding challenge.
“Preferably it would be a sunny, blue day. I'd lead a group on our Eagle Point to Wickersham Dome hike,” says Paddy. The day would involve a tasty packed lunch prepared at the lodge, some animal sightings and not a single other hiker in sight. Then, he'd wrap up the evening relaxing by Wonder Lake, just down the road from the lodge.
Bridget loves being outside. For five years, she worked for the National Park Service, and was stationed in parks like Zion, Mount Rainier and Crater Lake. But she had never seen the tundra before. When an opportunity to work in the Alaska wilderness came up, she chased it.
“This environment blows my mind. It's unlike any other place that I've been in. It’s just pure wilderness,” says Bridget. “Vast is a word that I use out here all the time, because you do feel so small.”
For Bridget, working as a naturalist is a unique opportunity to connect with people who have a shared passion.
“I love connecting with people who are also excited about nature and giving them an understanding of where they are and how they fit into the natural history of the environment,” says Bridget. “A lot of people come out here because they are really stoked on being in this environment and want an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is the highest mountain peak in North America — but that doesn't make it easy to see. In fact, due to cloud cover, it's estimated that only 30 percent of visitors catch a full view. But that elusiveness can make the experience even more magical. That's why one of Bridget's favorite memories in the park was a Denali sighting with a returning guest, who visited the lodge a decade ago but hadn’t seen the mountain.
The guest came back to Denali Backcountry Lodge for a second chance. Together, they did an all-day hike and were rewarded with, what Bridget calls, “the most beautiful view of the mountain I'd ever seen.”
While Quinlan had always dreamed of working outdoors, their career began in the kitchen.
As a recent culinary school graduate, Quinlan was interested in finding a less-conventional setting to use their new skills. A friend recommended looking into job postings in Alaska. Before long, they found a posting at Denali Backcountry Lodge and applied immediately.
“I was attracted to how remote it was,” says Quinlan. “It looked so beautiful.”
After working as a lodge sous chef for a year, Quinlan’s desire to be outdoors led to a role switch. For them, being a naturalist means non-stop learning opportunities.
“I think my curiosity helps fuel the guests' curiosity. It feels like there's always something new to discover,” says Quinlan.
Plus, Quinlan is in awe of the park's constant change, different views and surprising encounters — like when they saw a bear chase a bull moose into Wonder Lake!
Quinlan's perfect day in Denali comes with surprises. The morning would be overcast and they'd begin a moderate hike. “Then, hour by hour, the clouds would open up and expose the Alaska Range,” says Quinlan. Ideally, the surprises would continue with caribou sightings and, of course, an incredible view of Denali.
You've read what the naturalists have to say — Denali National Park is a magical, powerful place. Take Quinlan's advice: “You should book a trip out to Denali Backcountry Lodge if you want to experience true wilderness. Photos just don’t do it justice.”
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