Frequently Asked Questions

All our lodging, attractions and sightseeing experiences will be open for the summer season with ongoing enhanced cleaning and social distancing protocols. Learn more by reading our Safety Promise.

We're excited to open for summer (June 12 to September 11, 2022) with a NEW AND EXCLUSIVE experience that has never happened before. Denali Park Road is closed from Mile 43, though you can still stay at Denali Backcountry Lodge with our unique and special heli-transfers. In addition, there are no buses, no traffic, and less people as we're only making twelve (out of 42) of our private cabins available to reserve so you can truly enjoy the wilderness.

Available stays are 3, 4 and 7 nights, so you can make the most of your time at Denali Backcountry Lodge. We recommend staying as long as possible so you can fully explore and appreciate the area and experience activities offered.

Your helicopter ride will depart from the Denali National Park entrance at Temsco Aviation Self-driving guests with vehicles must park at Denali Cabins where an included complimentary shuttle is available for transfers to/from the air base. Parking and luggage storage is available at Denali Cabins for all guests arriving via car, Park Connection and Alaska Railroad while they are staying at the Denali Backcountry Lodge. Please call the Denali Cabins front desk at 907.683.2643 to confirm your pick-up location 72 hours prior to arrival.

Denali Backcountry Lodge will be the ONLY lodge offering fly-in helicopter transfers and you will be one of the few that gets to experience this as part of the ultimate Alaska backcountry stay.

If your schedule and itinerary allow, we recommend a pre and post night at our partner property, Denali Cabins, or stays in Talkeetna (2.5 hour drive) or Fairbanks (2.5 hour drive). The transfer check-in time is 11 a.m. at the Denali Cabins and staying within driving distance or locally in Denali is recommended. Call our experts 800.808.8068 who will be able to help you make the most of your time in Denali.

Yes. We are currently not offering child rates, however, all family members are welcome at the lodge. Please note babysitting services or planned kids activities are not provided, though they are welcome to join and participate in all available activities.

The first helicopter flights depart at 11:45 a.m. at Temsco Aviation air base. Check-in at Temsco Aviation is 11:30 a.m. Plan to arrive and check-in at Denali Cabins from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. This will give you time to park your vehicle if you have one; and adjust your luggage down to 40 pounds per person for your stay.

The second round of flights will depart at 1:15 p.m. with a 1 p.m. check in

Flight times will be assigned 72 hours prior to departure so please check-in by calling the Denali Cabins at 907.683.2643 prior to arrival if you have not heard from us.

If you are using the Alaska Railroad or the Park Connection to arrive in Denali it will require a pre-night stay at the park entrance. Unfortunately, the schedule arrival and departure times do not coincide with every Alaska Railroad or Park Connection bus. You can depart on the afternoon train from Denali to Fairbanks after your stay or depart on the Park Connection bus to Anchorage after your stay.

Though we cannot guarantee it, the northern lights can be spotted in Denali National Park if you visit at the right time of year. The only opportunities to see the northern lights from the Denali Backcountry Lodge are in late August and September when summer days begin to lose light and give way to darker nights. The best conditions for northern lights viewing include darkness and clear skies.

All of your non-alcoholic beverages, meals, snacks and appetizers are included with your stay at the Denali Backcountry Lodge and are served in the Main Lodge. The Main Lodge bar is open daily for those that wish to purchase alcoholic beverages at an additional cost.

Based on Denali Backcountry Lodge's exclusive experience and personalized service, a suggested gratuity of 5% to 10% of the cost of your stay is recommended. If you have purchased alcohol at the lodge's bar during your stay, you can simply add a gratuity when you settle your tab.

Kantishna, the “end of the road” former gold mining community, is located at the end of the Denali Park Road at Mile 92 in the heart of Denali National Park.

Absolutely! We love exploring the backcountry, and our local staff can help you select a trail by sharing their favorite hiking locations. If you plan to go on a longer hike, we can also make sure you're prepared with a packed lunch. Bear spray is always available for all guests during their stay.

We offer a variety of day hikes ranging from casual to challenging, so everyone can be included. However, we also have set days for full-day hikes for all guests to participate and enjoy extended time in the wilderness. Keep in mind that we explore Denali rain or shine, so come prepared with rain gear, sturdy waterproof hiking boots and a healthy sense of adventure.

Yes. All available cabins include private bathrooms, electricity and heat.

Though we cannot guarantee it, it is always possible you may spot wildlife while exploring Denali National Park and in Denali's backcountry.

Equipment rentals at the Denali Backcountry Lodge are free and included with all length of stays. This includes:

• Mountain bikes
• Bear spray
• Fishing gear including rods, reels, chest waders, and fishing boots
• Mosquito head nets
• Trekking poles
• Gold panning equipment
• Paddles boards and kayaks