Denali Backcountry Lodge

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  James blonde
8 months ago
We had an amazing trip. the lodge is in the backcountry of denali and is only accessible by helicopter so it felt like we had the park all to ourselves. when we got there we were met with welcoming staff, great service, clean rooms and great food. everyone here was so nice and welcoming and made the experience feel very personal. there were many activities to choose from including bike rides, hikes, kayaks, etc. there s also a great private sauna. it was an amazing way to experience denali national park. It was an unforgettable trip that i would absolutely recommend.

  Fakeaorta
2 years ago
The place was beautiful. All the people working there were friendly, informative, and fun. The food was fresh, plentiful, and very good. There is a huge lodge area with a lot of warm sitting areas. Many easy and casual trails to very challenging ones. We met a lot of great people from all parts of the USA. The bus trip is a little long, but we saw several Bears, Moose, Sheep, and even a fox with a little Denali critter burrito.

  Karen Hildreth
a year ago
This was the best vacation experience I have ever had. From the helicopter ride out to the lodge, to Nova's excellent management and communication with us, to the guided hikes by our knowledgeable on-site naturalists who also provided nightly educational programs about the flora and fauna, park history, and the landslide which closed the park road. The food was amazing. The scenery was unmatched. Every detail of every need was exceeded beyond our expectations. This was the best part of Alaska!!

  Jodi See
2 years ago
Great place to enjoy nature. Quiet, serene, beautiful scenery and wonderful staff. I took hikes with Sebastian, Valerie and Daniel and all were articulate, knowledgeable, interesting and made the journey fun and educational. The evening talks were presented very well and I learned a lot. We saw a lot of wildlife going in and out of the 92.5 mile road including bears, moose, beaver, eagles, caribou, Dall sheep, and ptarmigan. The food was very good and the staff was attentive for anything we needed.

  Tami Kempe
4 years ago
The staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The bus ride in offered plenty of wildlife from bears to elk. The hikes were accurately rated with something for everyone. The food was buffet for breakfast and lunch with a lot of healthy options to keep you fueled all day. The dinner options had plenty of tasty options including a vegetarian option. I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking to get outdoors or just relax by the river. There really was something for everyone and the visual beauty was amazing.

  Heide Alexander
3 years ago
Our 2 night trip to Denali Backcountry Lodge was magical! We were there over Labor Day weekend, a week before the end of the season, and the fall colors were gorgeous! The resort location is beautiful, set on a creek, with a casual/comfortable vibe. All the staff were relaxed and took great care of the guests. Everything is inclusive (except the bar). The cabins were comfortable, but we didn't spend much time in ours. There were so many options for activities and relaxation our day was full! Hiking, mountain biking, local history tours, ranger talks, new saunas, panning for gold, board games in the lodge, beautiful views from the deck were just some of the activities we experienced during our 36 hours at the resort. The staff went out of their way to ensure all the guests had a chance to shuttle to a nearby lake to see the alpenglow on Denali at sunset. We were very fortunate to see Denali "out" one afternoon/evening and the next morning. Food is good too, including good options for vegetarians. The bus ride in and out is long (5+ hours each way) but we saw bears, moose, caribou, Dahl sheep, and stunning views both ways. The bus drivers were very knowledgeable and accommodating to the guests, and stop every 1.5 hours. You definitely need a minimum of 2 nights which only gives you 1 full day to enjoy the resort. We definitely would stay longer next time. Thanks to all the staff for an amazing experience!

  Lynn Gilbert
4 years ago
This lodge earns its high ratings. The facilities are well maintained and, despite abundant mud, quite clean. The ride in seems long, but is punctuated by interesting historical facts, stories, and wildlife sightings.The meals were fresh and of good variety for varied diets. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style; dinner offers three options. Nightly desserts are as large as they are delicious.There is no shortage of things to do for many tastes and ability levels. The staff are cheerful, energetic, and very helpful. Bring a full set of rain gear and no day will be spoiled.

  Katie Davis
a year ago
Magical place! Top notch service, delicious food, and majestic views of Denali. Our time at the Denali Backcountry Lodge was truly special and a trip I ll never forget. 1,000/10 would recommend.

  Eloisa Ortega
2 years ago
Best back country experience you could get for the price. The guide was knowledgeable,Patient, kind, overall a generous person. She gave us expectations of seeing wildlife and she backed up the vehicle whenever we spotted any animal we saw. The only thing we didn't see was the bears but I am ok with that. It was a long ride but very educational. The flight back would have been better if there hadn't been so many clouds. The ride was great till we hit a little turbulenceAnd that just couldn't be helped. We panned for gold but didn't find any.The food was different, but in a good way. We tried to cram in all the choices we could and enjoyed the trip so much, I will tell everyone how hospitable all the Alaskans we met were.No complaints hete.

  Jodie White
3 years ago
This is a wonderful destination! The staff is top notch! The activities they offer hit everything from a very technical hike to fly fishing off the dock. The food was delicious with large servings. The bus ride in and out are an extra opportunity to see Denali park and all of the amazing wildlife.

  Mini Rag
2 years ago
An experience you'll take about for a long long time. The six hour bus ride (to cover just 92 miles!) itself is beyond incredible with bears, caribou, eagles, sheep and so much more (be sure to take in the Eielson Visitor Center). Add to that the surroundings of the lodge, and the lodge itself, and you have something truly memorable.The rooms at the lodge are cosy, the bathroom is tight, but it is all comfortable. The staff is absolutely amazing. Most are long term employees, and know the area well.The lodge organized hikes that are wonderful. They rate the hike harder than they really are (we did two), don't let that deter you.They also do drop offs to, day wonder lake, but they don't give any helpful guidance, like the quick hike up Heather Hill (must do!) or that you need to be sure to take the bikes (they are free) to get to reflection lake.The food is just ok, especially for vegetarians (just crib the desserts from others). But you are not here to eat.Make sure you walk around the lodge area, and get a picture at the suspension bridge.Finally, bring lots of mosquito repellent AND a small net that goes around your head, you'll need it!

  Makayla Buckman
2 years ago
We had so much fun at the Denali Backcountry Lodge - it's cozy, there's a lot to do, and everyone is friendly! The bus ride into the park is stunning, with views every which way and lots of wildlife. We enjoyed the guided hikes and learned a great deal from our guides. There's also hikes nearby that you can do on your own (we'd suggest the Quigley Ridge if you're up for a tough one)! Don't forget bug spray and a mosquito net. The food is decent, but service is slow so be sure to give yourself enough time, especially for breakfast. And be sure to check out the saunas - you can reserve a time and it's very relaxing! Thanks for making our honeymoon dreams come true, Backcountry Lodge! :-)

  Carol Matthews
2 years ago
The setting here is very nice but it is unbelievably over-priced for what it is. The bus ride in ( and it is a bus!!! not even a comfortable coach) is long and uncomfortable. Everything is done at the convenience of the lodge.They don't want you to fly in because they don't want you to arrive too early. It seems that they cannot accommodate everyone at dinner at one time so they make the new arrivals come in at 8pm - and leave at 6am so if you are only there for 2 nights you are really only there for one day.The only rooms worth having are the Creekside rooms - the others are glorified huts - which for the price is unforgiveable.If you decide to go anyway - and i wouldn't recommend it for the price - then make sure you fly out.

  Frank Trotter
5 years ago
We had an excellent experience at the Backcountry Lodge. Three nights gave us the chance to have two complete days of hiking and exploring. Everyone on the staff was enthusiastic and professional and more than willing to go the extra mile. The ride in and out is an America Safari of wildlife. It's a special place.

  Mike G
5 years ago
Amazing goes without saying! Killer food. Outstanding staff. Highly recommend the Hedges Mountain Red wine. Great hikes. Maybe some unguided hiking options would ve been nice. Moderate hike sign up fills up quick. The absolute best bus operator/guides in the park. Special thanks to Ashley, Missy, and Steve! And bring the DEET.

  Carl Johnson
7 years ago
I have had the pleasure of staying at the Denali Backcountry Lodge on several occasions since 2001, and the lodge has continued to grow and improve during that time.The setting is idyllic, nestled in the valley near the old town site of Kantishna on the banks of a crystal clear mountain creek. There are great opportunities to simply relax and enjoy the scenery or go out and explore the nearby country through their guided programs. The food has always been fantastic, with a delightful family-style meal setting for dinner, and buffet style for breakfast and lunch. The service is exceptional. The whole experience creates a marvelous atmosphere to both enjoy the wilderness of Denali and meet and interact with people from all over.While taking the day trip where you view wildlife along the way and have lunch at the lodge is a great experience, you don't get a chance to really appreciate all that the lodge has to offer. The best way to experience the lodge is with a 3-night stay, at a minimum.

  Andrew Fry
6 years ago
The tour out to Lodge was amazing Sherri our guide was excellent. However at lodge activities weren't laid out very well. The restaurant had good food for dinner. Breakfast buffet was subpar at best. Coffee wasn't very good. Staff was friendly and helpful on places to go.

  Ryan Glossop (Ryan G.)
7 years ago
We went for a bus tour, and stopped by the lodge for lunch. It was a fantastic buffet! The food was well done, fantastic presentation, and delicious deserts to finish things off. The views at and around the lodge are absolutely fantastic, with an abundance of wildlife on the bus tour in.

  Matt Furnari
2 years ago
The guides were top notch, informative, interactive, flexible, and helpful. Bring mosquito face nets... They were swarming. We opted for a later checkout and bus.. Seemed they weren't really prepared for that but it worked out ok. Views were amazing!

  Richard Elliott
5 years ago
Our guide Earl was fantastic, he made sure we took advantage of all possible opportunities to view and photograph wildlife, and we had plenty to see, Grizzlies, Caribou, moose, fox, eagle, all in multiples except the eagle. It was a great day to see the the majestic Denali mountain. Can't say enough about this experience. Understand your experience may be different due to weather and time of year.

  JaneyLeeper Gray
6 years ago
I will leave a part of my heart here! What a great place to visit! The staff was excellent and have been always to please in any way possible! The food was great and the peace here was incredible! All the people were friendly and created a little piece of heaven!Will never forget it being on our Bucket list and will hope to return! Thanks to all who are serving here and making our trip so incredible

  Kaitlyn Heichel
5 years ago
Pros and cons:Pros:-Along the river so it s pretty-Front desk is nice-Starbucks coffee-Has cute shops in the area such as a general store and burger shack within walking distance-Nice lobby and seating area-Surroundinf area is pretty with a few short trailsCons:-15 minutes from town and the shuttle system is confusing. In the morning if you would like to go to town which is 15 minutes away, you switch shuttles 2 times and will be about a 3 hour trip there and back-Hotel rooms are old, wallpaper is peeling from the walls, no elevator and the upstairs creeks so bad when you walk you wake up the whole floor.-Rooms smell musty and aren t very clean. You can tell when you look in the corners of the room-The gold rush diner which is about your only food option is expensive and isn t very good. Not to mention the service is AWFUL. We waited over an hour for a cup of soup. You can tell the staff is seasonal and is ready to leave.Overall, it s decent. It s not the worst hotel I have stayed in, but it s not the best. It s hard getting anywhere, I would rexcomend the McKinley where the town with shops and more food options are across the street

  Deanna Sharpe
a year ago
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  Chris Hsu
7 years ago
We went to the Backcountry Lodge through the Backcountry bus tour and loved the experience. Saw an incredible amount of wildlife and the peak of Denali. Capped off the ride with a gold panning experience. Overall, would recommend.

  Peter W Miller
8 months ago
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  Lisa Niemeyer
5 years ago
What an amazing day!!! The park is breathtaking and we saw soo many animals. Thank you Anna for an amazing day and all the info!I highly recommend this 92 mile trip into the back country, you will not be disappointed!

  Chad McCaughey
7 years ago
One of the last places where you can see the back country of Alaska and leave the small details to the Lodge staff. I have been lucky to visit this site three times from 2013-2016 and still find it to be one of the most relaxing places I know of. Sitting on the decks at the lodge and looking at the mountains and stream is so refreshing. I would recommend this location to anyone looking to get out of the big city!!

  Bill Bowling
2 years ago
I would recommend this excursion to see Denali National Park. Driver very knowledgeable. Long day 13 hours. They included lunch and many rest stops. Hiking and panning for gold included.

  Nancy Hall
5 years ago
This is a bucket list treasure. Every staff member is there for you. They supply everything needed, walking sticks, bear spray, etc. If you want to do something, they see how they can do it for you. Linx walked by. Cabins are directly on the river. Pan for gold. Spectacular time.

  aidan marts
6 years ago
Pros: beautiful views, tasty food, free wifi, and informative tour guides. Cons: overpriced and almost no time to enjoy the activities if you are on the bus tour.