Denali Backcountry Lodge Reviews

We live in Anchorage, Alaska and try to get out to visit all the great things the State has to offer. We have been camping in Denali National Park before and have attended great seminars there through Alaska Geographic. We have also taken the park's Wilderness Tour Bus from the park entrance to Eielson Visitors Center and back, prior to the current road closure at Polychrome Pass. Nothing quite prepared us, however, for our stay at Denali Back Country Lodge through Pursuit, which we did to celebrate our 29th Wedding Anniversary a few months early. This year the landslide in Denali created a unique opportunity. First, we were flown on a helicopter via TEMSCO helicopter service - very professional and safe team. Our first day's flight was cancelled due to high winds, and our last day's flight was cancelled due to low cloud/fog coverage. All in all we got a full 4 nights of stay at a slightly reduced rate for the last night's stay because of weather delay. Upon arrival, the staff (all great women and men) came out to greet us, waving us in as the helicopter landed - it almost felt like Fantasy Island in the middle of the park. As lifelong military folk, my wife and I went to grab our gear -- and the staff said don't worry we got it -- it is your time to enjoy. And enjoy we did! They brought us in for a personal orientation and a little lunch -- needless to say with the fantastic cooking of Thomas we gained a few pounds (even after some exhilarating hikes) over our four days at the lodge. The naturalist guides (Sebastian, Buie, and Caylin) not only helped us and other couples pick appropriate hikes but at times went with us. One of us having just overcome being very ill, we opted for some of the easier to moderate hikes - but others grabbed available bikes, went on challenging hikes, and/or stayed in their rooms/the community area. Additionally, the lodge provided on-loan superior backpacks, water bottles, head nets, binoculars, and compasses. The lodge itself had plenty of cabin space, as the normal day traffic was reduced due to the landslide. Hence we had a very small group during our stay - where we saw grizzly bear (at a close range - 30 feet - but safely indoors); caribou (AKA reindeer); porcupine; trumpeter swan; sandhill cranes, loons, and songbirds. During our early morning hikes we were able to see Denali without clouds, enjoy the tundra walks, pick fresh blueberries, see some nature up close, and even go kayaking on Wonder Lake. All in all it was a magic time of the season, as fall was starting and we had wonderful fall color. Our cabin was a superior creekside - with the amenities we enjoy - an indoor bathroom with shower and tub (other company sites in the local area offer outhouses and a communal shower area) . Ralf (our German transplant room keeper) - left us adorable towel animals much like you find on cruise ships with a kicker from the on staff baker (delicious dessert bite treats) and a lovely messag

The All inclusive and Remote location of this property made for an exceptional trip! We hiked with naturalists and learned so much! The food was wonderful and the staff so attentive! We only wish we had stayed more than just 2 days!

If you want to see the real Denali, try these guys. Located at the end of the Park Road, access is presently available only by air, which means no buses, no crowds and real natural beauty and experiences. Good food and a friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating staff make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We had a great experience at the Denali Backcountry Lodge. The food was excellent, the rooms were nice and clean and the activities were top notch. Hiking was awesome and the views of Denali were glorious. My only complaint would be the cost...it was a bit expensive for only 2 nights

Our family of four lives the Backcountry Lodge! The remoteness and beauty of the surroundings was breathtaking! The naturalists who led out hikes were super knowledgeable and friendly. Thomas was amazing. The food and beverages were great, and although it’s a pricey endeavor it’s well worth it!

DBL staff and property exceeded our expectations for being so remote. Comfortable sleeping / showers and the staff is extremely knowledgeable and will do anything you ask to make your stay your own experience! Naturalist Kenneth was a pleasure to hike with. The lodge staff so pleasant. Dave the bartender was aces !! Food and deserts fantastic !!! If you are looking to get away from the crowds this is the 5 star place

basically a hiking camp. Great location and liked the remote nature of the camp. I liked the fact that the road was closed. I would like to recommend the camp for anyone who likes to hike and be remote.

I really wish no one would find out about this gem, but I want the lodge and staff to be wildly successful. Our trip was incredible start to finish. The helicopter ride in is breathtaking we saw sheep and a moose. We picked wild blueberries on our first hike and the staff made me a special drink with them every night when I returned from our adventures. The guides were personable and engaging and knowledgeable. How can you go wrong, at one point there was a total with all staff and guests at all lodges of 60 people in the back half of the Denali National Park. We made lifelong friends with the guests. I cannot say enough about this experience.

The location is exceptional; the food was amazing; the guides for our hikes were incredibly knowledgeable without a trace of condescension; and everyone who works at DBL is helpful and attentive. Just be prepared for mosquitoes, fickle weather, and the possibility that you may not actually see Denali or any large animals (they're both fickle as well).

Fantastic experience, from the helicopter ride to the hikes and kayaking, the delicious meals, the staff talks in the lodge, and the lovely cabin. And the beauty of the setting and the outstanding staff!

Helicoptered in to great family vacation at cozy cabins! Delicious food, hiking for all levels, biking on beautiful road, kayaking, spa services available, happy hour with naturalists presentations, fantastic staff! Stay as active as you want or relax in screened porch with rocking chairs. Hot tub and saunas available for sore legs! Staff is fun, attentive, well versed on history, animals, and plants in Alaska. Great trip with adult kids!

Highly recommend a stay at Denali Backcountry lodge. The experience of being flown into/out of Denali Park by helicopter, staying in a comfortable cabin by a river, eating exceptional gourmet meals with dietary restrictions observed, having genuinely enthusiastic/attentive staff for all asks, being provided with lots of equipment for a wide variety of outdoor pursuits, having daily educational evening talks - all in the midst of stunning Alaskan scenery and wildlife - can't be beat.

The entire experience from the moment we lifted off in the helicopter to returning via helicopter was extraordinary. The staff welcomed us with waves and concierge level service (by Thomas). After settling into our Alaska Rustic rooms, we were served a delicious lunch by Quinn, then Thomas took us on a special hike. The food by executive chef Joan, bartender David, Kimberly, Mindy, Rhodes, we are leaving some out they were fantastic. It didn’t hurt that we had fabulous weather and saw Denali in all her magnificent glory. We may not come back to Alaska but if we do we will come back here!

We took a bus into Denali and stopped for lunch at the lodge. It was so beautiful and quiet. If I ever get the chance I want to stay out there for several days and just hike and relax. In addition to several lodges there are many nooks to read by the fire or enjoy a nice hot chocolate.