Explore the rugged beauty of Alaska at Camp Denali Lodge. This remote, family-owned retreat offers traditional accommodations with stunning views of Denali and the iconic Alaska Range. Camp Denali is the only lodge inside Denali National Park with direct views of Denali and the Alaska Range.
Guests start their adventure with a scenic flight over glaciers, mountains, and tundra lowlands, weather permitting. This unforgettable journey may even include a stunning fly-by of Denali and the Alaska Range. Once at the lodge, naturalist-led hikes and activities immerse you in the pristine beauty of the park, offering wildlife observations and expert-guided exploration.
Established in 1951, Camp Denali is Alaska’s original wilderness vacation lodge. Since 1975, it has been owned and operated by the Cole and Hamm families, offering an authentic Alaskan experience. The 19 rustic cabins, accommodating 1 to 6 guests, are appointed in traditional Alaskan style, complete with wood stoves, propane hot plates, handcrafted quilts, and locally crafted artwork. A short 2 to 7-minute uphill walk from the cabins leads to the dining hall and the historic log lodge by Nugget Pond, where guests can relax after a day of adventure. Hot showers are available in the nearby shower building, ensuring comfort in the wild.
A natural history resource center is open for guests, featuring a dissecting microscope, herbarium, library, and animal artifacts to deepen your understanding of the area's rich natural heritage. Daily activities focus on natural history, with skilled leaders guiding hikes and wildlife encounters.
Camp Denali Lodge offers an escape from the fast-paced world, ideal for those seeking solitude, adventure, and a sense of community with like-minded travelers. For those who crave an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience, this is a destination not to be missed.
Rooms
Standard Room or Cabin
Cabins are hand-crafted cabins that offer stunning Denali views, cozy quilts, wood stoves, and private outhouses. Enjoy the authentic wilderness experience with modern amenities like propane lamps and a short walk to the main lodge for dining and showers.
Lodge Excursions
Camp Denali specializes in immersive learning adventures and hiking vacations designed for active travelers. With a focus on natural history and education, Camp Denali offers three guided outings each day, led by knowledgeable staff naturalists and guest lecturers. Guests can explore the park's diverse wildlife, including wolves, moose, bears, sheep, caribou, nesting birds, and vibrant wildflowers.
Nightly Programs
Evenings at Camp Denali feature engaging programs that delve into the rich natural and cultural history of Denali. Topics include birds and mammals, wildflowers and tundra ecology, geology, and mountaineering, as well as wilderness and land management, providing guests with a comprehensive understanding of the area’s diverse ecosystems and heritage.
The Flight In:
Experience Denali from the skies with Denali Air, the original flightseeing company in Denali National Park. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of glaciers, mountains, and tundra lowlands during your 55-minute inbound flight, weather permitting, with a scenic fly-by of Denali and the Alaska Range. Denali Air also offers charter services throughout Alaska for those seeking more customized adventures.
Guided Outings:
Guided hikes and programs are conducted by knowledgeable staff naturalists and skilled leaders. Hike Denali’s tundra valleys and alpine ridges. Observe wildlife and deepen your understanding of the sub-arctic landscape while enjoying a learning-focused adventure. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, you’ll gain unique insights into Denali National Park's diverse ecosystem.
Guided group hikes each day, tailored by difficulty level and led by naturalist guides. From scaling 2,000-foot ridges to exploring tundra ponds, these hikes provide insights into Denali’s wildlife, landscape, and history.
Strenuous
Distance: 4-6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Duration: 5-7 hours
Experience Denali’s rugged beauty with “Stren” guided hike. Designed for adventurous guests, this option involves steady-paced hikes over longer distances and significant elevation gain. Expect stream crossings, steep climbs, exposed traverses, and loose rocky footing.
Moderate
Distance: 3-5 miles
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Duration: 4-6 hours
Experience the diverse terrain of Alaska on moderate guided hikes, where you’ll traverse trail-less tundra, navigate around tundra ponds rich with birds and wild berries, and climb alpine hills for expansive views. Expect over-the-ankle stream crossings, rocky footing, and unimproved trails.
Foray:
Distance: 1-3 sessions covering 0.25 - 0.5 miles each
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Duration: 3-5 hours
Guided forays provide a relaxed outdoor experience with a naturalist guide. Participants take short walks on park roads or trails, adapting to the group's abilities. The focus may include birding, plant identification, or geology based on interest and weather. Enjoy opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and botanical exploration.
In addition to guided activities, guests have access to trail and topographic maps, bikes, canoes, and fishing gear to enhance the experience. The resource center offers exhibits, collections, a resource library, and a microscope that brings learning opportunities indoors. Visit the greenhouse to explore the challenges and opportunities of Alaska’s growing season.
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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
