Alaska has a short summer season, and as the 'last frontier' it is a popular destination. Whether you arrive by ship, plane or car in Alaska, venturing into the back country of Denali National Park is sure to be one of the highlights of a summer trip. Marvel at the spectacular landscape not seen anywhere else, catch sight of the wildlife as you take a nature walk, pan for gold in the lakes and streams, and capture it all in photographs to share when you go home. Denali has six million acres but there are only about 100 miles of roads, of which only 15 miles are unrestricted.
From June, with twenty-four hour days of light and spectacular wildflowers; to Septembe, whose fall colors and northern lights encourages one to stay awhile; those who adventure deep into Denali have the opportunity to see the famed wildlife; Griszzlies, Caribou, Moose, Dall Sheep, Wolves and Eagles. With the right weather conditions maybe a sighting of Mt. McKinley the centerpiece of the 600 mile long Alaska Range and the highest point in North America - 20,320 feet.
While most park visitors stay near the developed and crowded 'park entrance' going deeper into the park allows one to have a more adventurous experience. Just 92 miles inside the National Park at the end of the Denali Park road, in an enclave in the park known as Kantishna, is "Denali Backcountry Lodge".
The Lodge has 42 comfortable cedar cabins each heated and with a private bathroom, a 2-story Lodge with dining facilities, two outdoor gazebos and a suspended foot bridge leading to hiking trails. Day explorations includes trips in their private vehicles to explore the park with experienced drivers who share, not only, the history of the adjacent Boreal Forest and Tundra but try to find that rare, one-of-a-kind sighting of a grizzly nursing her first cubs, a band of bull Caribou browsing along the tundra, or frolicking Dall Sheep high on the mountain ridges.
The Lodge is open from June 4 through Sept. 12 and for those who stay a few days there is the opportunity to go mountain biking, flight seeing, gold panning and trips throughout the area. Visit the website for rates and reservations.
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