Category Archives: Denali National Park Hotels

Denali National Park lodging can be categorized into lodging inside the park and lodging outside the park. We own and operate Denali Backcountry Lodge deep inside Denali National Park in the Kantishna region, and we also own and operate Denali Cabins at the park entrance.

3 to 4 Day Getaways before or after your Alaska Cruise

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If you are taking a Southbound cruise from Alaska, you are most probably flying into Alaska, and either planning to land in Anchorage or Fairbanks. Most of the time, since there is a higher frequency of flights to Anchorage than Fairbanks, either your cruise company, or your travel agent would recommend you to fly to Anchorage. Similarly, if you are taking Northbound cruise to Alaska, you are probably flying back to your home from either Anchorage or Fairbanks.

In either of the two above scenarios, it is always good to Continue reading →

Denali Backcountry Lodge Reviews

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Just thought I’d share a few reviews from guests at the Denali Backountry Lodge.  If you aren’t familiar with the lodge, it lies at the very end of the restricted 92 mile Park Road, nestled in a snug valley carved by Moose Creek as it winds its way to the Yukon. Denali Backcountry Lodge offers more than a beautiful location. Accommodations consist of 42 cozy, heated cabins, each with its own private bath – quite a luxury for such a remote location. Two outdoor gazebos near Moose Creek provide great places to relax, and a Continue reading →

Alaska – Season Ending?

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It is not the end it is only the beginning! Saving all year to come to Alaska, it’s been a dream for a long time to visit this last frontier. Don’t wait any longer, you can start your planning now, Alaska Denali Tours is ready for you.
Take a cruise to Alaska through the inside passage with a few exciting stops in remote locations – but not so remote like Juneau, our capital city, only reachable buy Ship or Air. How about a flight to Fairbanks a tour your way down to Anchorage, staying at all the best locations, such as Denali Backcountry Lodge deep inside Denali, or tour the town next to Denali Cabins. Next, stop in the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and grab the Alaska Railroad for a fun filled train ride to Anchorage where you can visit the Alaska Zoo or our unique Museums -best shopping by the way! Then again, you can continue on to Seward and visit the Alaska Sealife center and also go dog sledding all in the same day.
How about going backwards and end your cruise to Alaska in Whittier or Seward. Stage yourself on the train to Anchorage – shop a little – catch the Anchorage Denali Express to one of the remote Denali Lodges. Jump on the train bound for Fairbanks to do some gold panning in an active gold mine – the Eldorado, ride the Riverboat Discovery before catching your plane home or a flight further north to the Arctic. I see no end to the choices,
what are you waiting for!

Spotting the difference in Alaska Birds

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Alaska is home to a wide variety of birds and with 471 species positively identified, Alaska is a popular destination for birders the world over.

Let’s start with the Gulls. Quick differences in Arctic Terns (the longest flight migratory bird) and Bonaparte’s Gulls – The Gulls have black heads and bills, whereas Arctic Terns have black heads and orange bills. The distinguishing plumage between the Herring Gull is black primary feathers (the wing tips), whereas the Glaucous-winged Gull has gray to white primaries. It is important to keep in mind that these two species interbreed and hybridize in Alaska
Mew Gulls are common on the Kenai Peninsula and in Denali National Park. They can be easily distinguished from other gulls by their small size and their yellow to yellow – green legs.

Let’s move on to the Eagles. Golden Eagles are typically seen in mountainous areas, whereas, the Bald Eagle remain along coasts, rivers, and lakes. Rarely, if ever, are Bald Eagles spotted in Denali. The younglings of the two are a little more challenging. In Golden Eagles, look for two distinct, small white patches on the underside of the wing. An immature Bald Eagle has a mottled white and dark underside on its breast and wings.

Ptarmigans are often spotted while visiting Alaska. The Willow (the Alaska state bird)  and the Rock Ptarmigan are found in lower elevations of tundra, especially in shrubby areas of Denali National Park. The male Rock Ptarmigan does not possess the reddish colors to its summer plumage like the male Willow Ptarmigan. The White-tailed ptarmigan is usually found in the tundra above tree line, and often on high, rocky slopes. It can be distinguished from other Ptarmigan species by its white tail, which remains white in all seasons.

I hope I have stirred your curiosity to learn more and to visit Alaska’s birds….Only 461 to go!

Being in Alaska

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I’ve been all over the world. The beautiful hills of Southern China, the packed cities of Japan, the eloquent landscape of France, the thrill of Australia. None of these places can compare with Alaska. I know some of you may be skeptical, but please, bear with me. I’m the sort of person who loves to travel. I like to really get into what the locals are doing. In Tokyo, it was walking …everywhere. In France I ate, and I mean I really ate, not the sudden scarfing down of food we do in America. When I was in Ireland, I drank and I shopped, while those may not be as local as you think, you’d be surprised. Of course, I did all those landmark things too. Zip-lines in Australia, castles in Germany, lots of museums, and most obviously, I made funny faces at the guards standing at Buckingham Palace. Continue reading →