Kantishna Wilderness Trails

The Bus Photo #1 of 6 Ask about our Bus/Fly option. Ride the bus to Kantishna for lunch and activities, and then return to the Park entrance via an exciting 35-minute scenic flight. Photo copyright Kantishna Wilderness Trails.

Hiking Wonder Lake, Denali National Park

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Overview

We invite you to take the ride. Hop on board our private bus and experience 92 miles of breath-taking Alaskan beauty and adventure. Travel the entire length of the Park road with our knowledgeable Guide/Drivers as they share the biology, geology, and history of the region with you. Have your cameras ready to capture majestic Mt. McKinley and other pristine landscapes. View bears, caribou, fox, moose, wolves, and birds in their natural habitat.

Tour Highlights
Fully narrated exploration of the entire length of the Park road with knowledgeable driver/guides.
Extended opportunity for viewing Mt. McKinley, Wonder Lake, and Alaskan wildlife in pristine settings.
Journey into the historic Kantishna area, which most Denali visitors never see.
Lunch at the exclusive Kantishna Roadhouse. Snacks and drinks in route.
Choice of a fun, interpretive activity at the Roadhouse, such as gold panning or our Alaskan dog sled demonstration.

What to Wear/Bring
Denali's weather can be changeable. Dressing in layers that will keep you warm and dry is advised. A camera with lots of memory, sunglasses, and binoculars are also recommended. En-route snacks and drinks are provided. Guests are encouraged to bring bottled water for their convenience.

Mt. McKinley, otherwise known as Denali (an Athabascan Indian name meaning "The High One"), is at the heart of Denali National Park. As you journey along the thin thread of roadway that is the Park Road you will be transported deep through the wilderness backcountry to the historic Kantishna mining district. The Savage River checkpoint at Mile 14 on the road is as far as private vehicles can go without a permit. However, your adventure will continue on over four mountain passes, through landscapes of taiga, tundra, braided glacial rivers, and the massive mountain peaks of the Alaska Range. Frequent stops are made along the way for guests to enjoy the panoramas, snap photos of wildlife or just take a break at one of the convenient rest/interpretive stops. Our experienced Driver/Guides are expert wildlife spotters and will stop the bus whenever an animal comes into range. Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready as you travel the pristine wilderness to your backcountry destination.

The original roadhouse at Kantishna was built in the early 1900s and is still available for viewing today. In those early years, the roadhouse provided meals and lodging, served as the post office, and was a meeting place for the local population of miners, trappers, and explorers. You'll experience the longstanding tradition of Alaskan hospitality in the more modern, comfortable surroundings of today's Roadhouse as you enjoy a scrumptious lunch.

Served in one of the beautiful dining areas at the Kantishna Roadhouse consists of a choice of soups (there is a vegetarian option), a signature sandwich, or wrap, side, fresh baked goods and drinks. Dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated with advance notice. You can savor one of our Alaskan brews with a visit to "Little Johnnie's" Saloon (alcohol not included in price). After lunch you're free to choose a fun filled activity or just lounge.

The Kantishna district was the sight of a gold rush in the early 1900s. You'll tour the original Assayers Cabin where staked claims were recorded. And then you'll have a chance to slip on a pair of rubber boots, grab a pan and head for Moose Creek with a guide to try your hand at panning for a little "color" like the prospectors of old. Any gold you find is yours to keep and we are happy to create a complimentary "Gold Card" for you at the front desk.

One of our most unique activities is our dog team presentation on historic, and current day use of sled dogs in Alaska. After which you will be taken to meet our team of Alaskan sled dogs as they are harnessed up and taken for a run. The presentation is educational as well as entertaining.

If you prefer you can stretch your legs on the nature hike around the property, or just relax on the deck of the lodge and immerse yourself in the scenery until it is time to make the journey back through the pristine wilderness to the Entrance area. You will arrive back at your hotel between 7 pm and 8 pm.