Husky Homestead in Healy, Alaska offers an unforgettable experience for dog lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can cuddle with adorable sled dog puppies and gain insight into the fascinating world of mushing. The town of Healy provides a laid-back atmosphere with souvenir shops, outdoor outfitters, and local cafes to explore. Additionally, it serves as a starting point for thrilling whitewater rafting expeditions through Nenana Canyon.
Highlight of our entire trip. The staff is so friendly and they handed us puppies right as we exited our car. The whole thing was so well done I can’t say enough good things about it. I hope to come back someday!
Jeanette Guntle — Google review
Any activity that begins with a puppy in my hands is guaranteed to be an Amazing experience. Jeff King’s home, The Husky Homestead was beautiful, the dogs were the cutest, and Mr. King & his staff were first class all the way!
This experience was informative, exciting, a great use of visuals to help the crowd learn and understand. Mr. King having run the Iditarod dogsled race for 30 years and championing it 4 times has a lot of experience and great stories to share. Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to gain some knowledge of this great Alaskan sport or anyone who just wants to hold some cute pups and have a great family event.
David J. — Google review
Very educational. The entire staff are passionate in what they do and love raising and training the Alaskan Huskies. You will come to appreciate the sport and the history behind the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. It is one of Alaska's iconic winter events, and an exciting tradition.
Myra Alcoran — Google review
Great brief educational experience for sled dog race, from a training house that won the Iditarod race 4 times. It really piqued my interest in sled dog race, as i previously didn't care at all about it. Mr. King might strike some as someone with a little ego occasionally, but he's won Iditarod 4 times, so obviously he could walk the walk, not just empty words. Would certainly recommend for all ages.
Mario Christianto — Google review
Jeff King and his employees were wonderful. They really worked to show you how amazing the dogs were and how impressive the sport of sled dog racing is. I would suggest everyone comes to watch. The dogs are very well taken care of and all look happy and healthy. The grounds are immaculate and tour itself is full of great laughs and wonderful knowledge.
Heather Platt — Google review
What an amazing experience! Fifteen steps off the bus and I’ve got an adorable bundle of puppy joy in my hands, nibbling my fingers and licking my face. Warm welcome from Jeff, then an informative and entertaining presentation from Stephanie. We watched a sled dog team pull an ATV, then shuffled inside for an engaging, humorous, and enthusiastic presentation from four-time Iditarod champion Jeff King, whose passion still shines through after more than three decades in the sport.
Truly worth the time and money. I left the Husky Homestead with a newfound appreciation for this amazing breed of athlete, and a deep respect for the humans that care for them. With a full and happy heart, I give Jeff King’s Husky Homestead my most enthusiastic recommendation!
Ty Fredriks — Google review
We visited mid august 2023 and were so well impressed and learned so much from Jeff King and his team. I have now finished reading the book (Cold hands warm heart), relived that visit, enjoyed the additional information and tales, appreciated even more having met such a great and passionate human being. Thanks for sharing Jeff!
Marco Riccetti — Google review
Amazing place with staff who are both incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. The dogs were clearly so happy and well taken care of and the love for the animals from staff was clear. The talks about sleds, races, and dogs were the perfect balance of informative and entertaining, with some great humour that kept everyone's attention. The fact you can cuddle with the puppies is reason alone to visit, but it was fantastic to support such a passionate and professional business. Would absolutely recommend a visit here, it was the highlight of my visit to Alaska.
They even gave me a professional photo they took of me holding a puppy for free as it was my birthday! (visit was in July)
Sophie H — Google review
This was one of our planned highlights of our trip, and it did not disappoint! So much fun. As soon as we arrived, staff were waiting with puppies for us to hold. My kids instantly fell in love and had the time of their lives. We then listened outside to a presentation on hooking up the dogs and how they run. Then went inside the lodge for a presentation on the Iditarod and dog sledding. Amanda and staff were great. We had an amazing time and appreciate these dogs (and mushers!) more than ever. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Nathan Wadman — Google review
Interesting to see how they breed and train dogs for sledding in the winter. Also an informative session on the training, timing, supplies, and grit that are needed to drive a shed and to compete finally in the Iditarod. But it was also a little touristy as well. Cool to see those dogs run and how much equipment is needed to participate in one of these races.
Millie Kwan — Google review
Jeff and his staff are a great bunch! When you arrive, we got to visit with some of the husky puppies. Jeff is a multiple Iditarod winner!! His staff goes through a demo of the dogs pulling a sled on wheels along with lots of interesting facts of what it takes to participate in the Iditarod which is so interesting! This should definitely be on your list of places to visit!!
Billman — Google review
The tour was definitely worth every penny we spent. Jeff and his staff were super informative and entertaining. After the tour I now have an understanding what goes into the dog sled races, the amount of preparation, training, dog selection, clothes, and everything else. Jeff explained absolutely everything what goes on behind the scenes of dog sled races and he was so entertaining that I kept listening with the utmost attentiveness. That is an amazing feat, because I am an adult with ADHD and attention span of a fish. My kids and my wife really enjoyed the show and the lecture. The place has great energy. Kids loved holding the puppy too! We got pictures. Now we got there as they were about to start a 6 pm tour, but it was pure luck on our part. I definitely recommend not being like us but book yourself tour in advance. Loved it! Jeff got us convinced that we need to be in Anchorage first week of March to watch the opening of sled races. We got both of his books and delicious chocolates featuring Jeff and his dog sled team. Highly recommend!
Hawaii Ski — Google review
We were hesitant about how dogs would entertain adults for 90 minutes but we booked this at the request of our 6 kids. We were wrong!! What a fun experience! The crew is so friendly and knowledgeable. Jeff is incredibly honest, passionate and entertaining all at the same time. We bought copies of his book and will be Iditarod fans for life. 90 minutes went by in a flash. Amazing demonstration, presentation and of course holding the baby husky puppies! Kids or no kids… this is awesome!
Jennifer Cusano — Google review
This activity is an absolute MUST! Jeff King is a living legend as it is, but once we saw how well organized and conscientious the whole process was we soon realized this whole setup to be nothing short of genius.
A motivation speech that outlines all the key questions and answers you could ever hope to have about sled dogs, preparation, treatment, incredible,surreal, and mind blowing stories/experiences from a grade A+ pro. On top of all this there is a professional photographer on site to capture this most memorable experience with your loved ones.
Appropriate for guests of ALL AGES!
Denali is the highest mountain peak in North America and is located in Denali National Park, Alaska. It stands at a height of 20,310 feet and offers breathtaking views. Planning is essential for visitors to experience the top attractions in Alaska during a seven-day road trip from Mount Denali to Kenai fjords. The journey from Anchorage to Denali takes around a day due to numerous stops along the way.
We flew a helicopter here from San Diego and it’s definitely helped put everything in perspective. Everyone deserves to experience this place while we can.
Devin Chatterjie — Google review
The entire Denali Highway, Cantwell to Paxson, is definitely one of the most overwhelmingly beautiful stretches of road I've ever driven. Campsites galore, the entire stretch is one big postcard. Take your time, soak it up.
Todd Cameron H — Google review
Definitely recommend it and definitely will come back to visit again
Adham Salman — Google review
One of the greatest experiences of my life. Denali wasn't just the national park or the mountain it was a journey. Travelling from the UK, arriving in Anchorage then the railway to Talkeetna then all the way to the summit. Whatever way to decide to take this journey you will not be disappointed!
Ryan Whitlock — Google review
I am so thankful to experience this crowned jewel of Mother Earth. I took nothing but pictures, as is the way...
KS Faccio — Google review
Imposing boi. Can be seen on the horizon from Anchorage. This mountain is unbelievably huge up close. On my flight out of Anchorage, I could still see it on the horizon 1 HOUR after takeoff.
Jonathan Sefcik — Google review
The rangers throughout the park were knowledgable and friendly. They were able to offer multiple trails based on your preference for intensity and what you want to see. I stayed at the Teklanika camp ground for 3 nights which was an amazing experience right off of the river. During our stay we were able to see moose, caribou, porcupine, and bear. The restrooms at this site are clean and well stocked. There are multiple different trails to hike with entrances from the camp site. If you prefer a nice afternoon walk, there is a gravel road you can use leading further into the park.
Acer — Google review
Wonderful place for a photo shoot! The backdrop looks magical even without filters. In contrast to normal green screen studios, there is a completely oversized white screen on the mountain. This ensures particularly good lighting when the sun is shining. When choosing a photo studio, you should always make sure that there are several photographers on site, as it is more common than in most photo studios for one or other photographer to be blinded by snow or unable to press the shutter button with a frozen finger. It is also helpful to take some provisions and clothing with you before the trip. Supermarkets and clothing stores do not have too many branches near the summit, despite the significantly higher willingness to pay of hungry and freezing customers. If you are traveling with grandma or small children, you should set off early in the morning as the walk is a bit long.
Johannes — Google review
Absolutely incredible. My wife and I spent a few days in Denali on a trip to Alaska on our 20 year anniversary. It’s an amazing place. The views and wildlife are incredible. We saw a large herd of caribou on a bus ride through the park. We also did a plane tour on a prop plane and landed on a glacier.
Ryan Bibler — Google review
Amazing. Highly recommend. Go climb it if you’re even considering it!
Jacob D — Google review
During my 10day trip to Alaska I covered over 2000 miles of Interior Alaska, a number of villages and cities with my tour group. Some to include Anchorage, Denali, Valdez, Fairbanks, Seward, talkeetna, etc we traveled by bus, boat rides to fjords and glaciers, stoped at national parks and saw monuments and cultural recreations and museums. We ate at different restaurants, hiked the Denali mountain trails, had close encounters with the Alaskan wildlife and ended up 200 miles from the Arctic circle. We panned for gold and saw mammoth bones learned about the natives and their culture and had a blast. Please visit Alaska pictures are my own and some
Courtesy of our tour driver taken during our trip.
The Denali Visitor Center provides ranger programs, exhibits and displays of park wildlife, as well as a free film. It's possible to book a bus or reserve a ranger-guided hike at the center, which is located 3 miles inside the park. Additionally, visitors can gather information about the park or check out the sled dog kennels - Denali is the only national Park with working sled dogs.
While the visitors center had been closed due to Covid, when open, it’s very cool. Big glass windows all the way around to see the beauty of the park. There are many quilt displays too! The bathrooms are very clean. Staff are very helpful and there’s a gift shop inside too. We love coming here!
Gayle V — Google review
What else can I possibly add to the Denali experience? This is my first visit and it has completely taken my breath away. The visitor center is a great place to learn about Denali and as you can see from the pictures the beauty is everywhere. Pretty busy place with lots of buses coming and going, but once you wander the trails, you feel pretty much alone. Trails are pretty easy but just so much nature to ponder. We didn't see wildlife other than birds and squirrels. Great way to start our Denali adventure!
Dan Costello — Google review
The rangers are outside the visitor's center trying to answer any questions about the park. You can only drive as far as 15 miles in the park but if you want to go farther you need to get a bus ride reservation online only. We tried to get tickets for the remaining days we have in Denali but it's all fully booked so my advice is to make reservations 3 to 6 weeks in advance prior to your visit to Denali. Don't forget to stop by at the gift shop.
Grace Palmer — Google review
Wow, very informative and friendly staff. Our experience was fantastic. Could hike some of the trails due to being snow covered or slop from snow melt, but that still didn't deter us from trying them. Moose everywhere! Seasonal birds arriving. Fantastic views of the mountains. Definitely going back!
Thomas Fick — Google review
Beautiful park. There is a wide variety of places to see and things to do. You can hike a trail, take a bus tour, visit the sled dogs, or watch a movie about the park. Mountain range is gorgeous, but I wish I had planned an activity to get closer to Denali itself. I didn't realize just how far the park was from the mountain.
Jay Welch — Google review
Just getting here, was definitely a check mark on my Bucket List.
Much like the Grand Canyon, it's difficult to absorb the magnificent beauty of the incredible landmark.
The Visitor Center does an amazing job educating and giving you a glimpse of what is out there. The displays, videos and park personnel were very willing to educate and share their knowledge.
We were fortunate to come on a day when the sun shining and the clouds provided a beautiful accent canopy over the vast landscape before us.
We met people from many countries and we were all in accord regarding the breath taking beauty of this place. So glad we came!
Edwin Beltran — Google review
The rangers were very helpful in answering questions as well as giving tips on moose rutting locations (for wildlife spotting). We didn't spend much time at the visitor center once we got the info we needed and bought the pass!
We got to see many "meese", jk.. many moose (in correct English).
Nari Soundarrajan — Google review
The two gentlemen were welcoming and very informative. One of them (I am so sorry I forgot your name) patiently described all the trails. I was very please with his show of patience and knowledge. We were visiting from NY/NJ, so we started to discuss the mannerism between New Yorkers and Alaskans. There is no charge to hike the trail, and the trails are clearly marked and well kept. Beautiful views. We enjoyed the trails. You are in for a treat. It's a high possibility that you'll see moose and black bears. We didn't see the black bears, but there were reports that there was a black bear with cubs along one of the trails, from other hikers. Hence we avoided that trail (call us wimps 🤣🤣). Even though hiking the trails is free. Be prepared to pay for parking, and you should also put a few dollars in the donation box.
Pauline Patterson-Whilby — Google review
This is a superb visitor center and well worth your time. The entire facility is very modern and the exhibits are excellent. I think most visitors spend between 45 minutes and an hour if they want to see all the displays, but you could spend even more time. They also have two films that are about 20 minutes each, so plan another hour for that. There are rangers available to answer questions and help with trip planning. You can also pick up maps, brochures, and the Junior Ranger books. I've seen a lot of National Park visitor centers and this is one of the best. [Note: This visitor center is NOT open in the winter. The Murie Science and Learning Center is the winter visitor center.]
Nick Guarino — Google review
I'm going to address both the visitor center and the park as a whole. I have traveled to many national parks. This one is a unique and wonderful experience. The visitor center has 2 films and multiple exhibits that are great, but are really only a teaser of coming attractions of what you will find as you explore this park. The mountains are breathtaking. The wildlife is spectacular. The park service has done a fantastic job of balancing preservation with access. You must check out the sled dogs. And please hike some of the trails. It is very unlikely that you will actually get a clear view of the Denali peaks, but you will see a significant portion of the Alaska Range. Even without a clear view of Denali, views of the range are incredible.
Frank Fitzpatrick — Google review
Everything about this place was amazing trails were beautiful well kept lots of information.. many a bus going all kinds of places.. train station bus depot restaurants gift shops gifts are extremely expensive but you can find some cute little things for cheap most of the staff is fairly helpful.. there's a few in the baggage claim that should transfer to a different spot with less people not very friendly tad bit rude.. and Tom you should be a Karen.. other than that everything was amazing...
AK Erika Johensen — Google review
They use the honor system for park entrance fees. We paid $15 per person and it goes towards the park, so please pay when you are there. Such beautiful magical wilderness that they do their best to maintain. Appreciate all the rangers, Alaskan Husky dogs and trainers, and all park employees for making it a fabulous meaningful park to visit.
Bessie Lou Brew — Google review
Wonderful center with animal and history display, two good videos including one in the park's sled dogs. Also the starting point for some good trails. I did a ranger-led walk called McKinley Station and we saw a moose who seemed to be reading a sign!
Lydeana Martin — Google review
Winter season closure from Sept 26, 2023 - May 14, 2024.
During open season. This is your starting point for all activities. Several Park Rangers are here to give you the latest conditions of accessible trails that don't require a back country pass. You can watch "heartbeats of Denali" in their little theater. It plays in repeat every 20 minutes. Many ranger led activities are posted and happening right at the site. Large day use parking lot(s), and a separate RV lot. This is a shuttle stop too. Many folks come from the train station or nearby lodges. So you don't need to visit by car necessarily.
Adjacent amenities (during open season) is Morino Grill to get a meal in your belly. And a gift shop to buy Denali merch.
Myra Alcoran — Google review
This is the first place you need to stop when going to Denali National Park. The ranges are super helpful and can tell you all about the free programs, the tour bus schedules, and the closures where hiking is prohibited due to wildlife activity in the area. The strangest thing they will tell you is to run away from moose and stand your ground (do not run!) from a bear. Opposite of what you would think, but there is a good reason for it and the rangers will tell you all about it. This is one of the greatest national parks in America. I highly recommend a visit.
The Eielson Visitor Center is a tundra complex that offers ranger-led hikes, an art gallery, and stunning views of the snow-capped Denali mountain. Located along the road to Savage River, this center provides visitors with a chance to see North America's highest peak on clear weather days. Accessible only via shuttle or tour bus, Eielson offers exceptional vistas most days and an opportunity to hike at Alpine Trailhead across the road.
The visitor center is the last western-most stop of Denali National Park with restroom & drinking water facities (no food available here). Great place to enjoy scenic views of Mt Denali and short trails close to the center.
Vignesh Sridhar — Google review
Our bus driver allowed us 45 mins here. It definitely wasn't enough time for a quick lunch and to look around - and believe me, you'll wanna look around. The sights are gorgeous! The air is fresh and clear. There are plenty of trails that I wish we could have taken a hike on. For our first time out there, the view really was breathtaking. I'm glad we were able to see the peak clearly. The only thing to be aware of if you give yourself the opportunity to see these sights is that the breaks at the other stops are really short(10 mins) and that is because the bus ride is 8 hrs round trip. Other than that, seeing the wildlife was a great added bonus and we thoroughly enjoyed our day!
Shannon Ruccello — Google review
Long ride but definitely worth it!! It looks like ice land!!!! So breathtaking! We saw 3 grizzlies, several caribou, and 1 bald eagle. I booked transit bus in advance and definitely worth it, all the buses will stop for wildlife watching!
L. M. — Google review
The only way (at the moment) to visit Eielson is via shuttle bus or tour bus. Very good vistas most days and if you are lucky (approx 25% of the time), you will see Denali. Alpine Trail head is across the road and the views are also quite exceptional.
Brent Brown — Google review
Excellent views and a great place to eat and relax.
The Eielson Visitor Center is a sight for sore eyes. Plenty of restrooms here. There is a small area with chairs and tables that come in handy for lunch. No cafeteria here, so bring your own food. There is water, so refill while you're here. There is an answer desk with employees that know everything about Denali.
Parking is the major issue here. Just not enough spaces. Drop off your family and wait for a spot to open up. The parking lot is 100% dirt, so if it rains you need boots. The mud will stick to everything and the mud is slippery wearing street shoes.
Ryan Stafford — Google review
We took the 4-hour transit bus tour here, and it was definitely worth it. The day we went was sunny and clear, so we got stellar views of the mountain and valley. There are plenty of picnic tables in front, we sat for lunch and took in the landscape. Inside, there are many bathrooms that are very clean and well-kept. Note that masks are currently required in the building and on the bus (good to keep everyone safe!). There's also trails that go both above and below the level of the visitor's center. We even stayed for an extra 2 hours and caught a different bus back. Overall, it was one of the main highlights of our trip.
Sneha Mohan — Google review
Short loop and Outlook hikes from visitor center you can do and get back on bus in 45 minutes, or stay a while and explore 2 other short hikes: 1 to the river valley, 1 mile, 600 ft drop in elevation, or 2 a ridge hike, 1 mile and 1000 ft elevation gain. No shade. Lots of little critters at visitor center and good bathrooms.
Cheryl Kaufman — Google review
The ride to here was a little long, but we saw lots of animals. I don't think doing a longer excursion into the park would have been better. This was just about the perfect distance. Denali was obscured with clouds (as it usually is) but that did not mean the trip was not good. The quilt in the building was awesome.
I think our bus driver helped make the ride/trip more enjoyable.
Park Rd is a 92-mile route that runs through the heart of Denali National Park. It passes by notable attractions such as Eielson Visitor Center and five backcountry campgrounds, including the picturesque Wonder Lake Campground where visitors can witness stunning reflections of Denali on clear days. The road culminates at Kantishna, an old mining settlement transformed into a hub for wilderness lodges.
The Horseshoe Lake Trail is a popular 2-mile hiking trail that surrounds the picturesque Horseshoe Lake. The trail boasts steep inclines offering stunning views of the Nenana River and surrounding mountains. It's a well-maintained path that allows for easy hiking, making it a great introductory hike to explore Denali Park. Along the way, hikers can enjoy natural sights such as beaver dams and reflective lake views which make for great photo opportunities.
Loved this easy 2 mile hike with our kids. We even saw a mama moose and two babies. We started at the railroad tracks, parked at a small side lot, and picked up the trail to head to the lake. It was beautiful! Definitely a must see for the park but we say, early is better. All the people we saw were very respectful of the moose and other people.
Erika LaPean (Party of 5 Adventures) — Google review
Excellent day!
The guide new the area well and pointed out mountains and areas with history. I loved that she explained to everyone how to ride the horse going up hill and down, the kids really enjoyed the experience knowing the tidbits of how to ride and what to expect.
Breezy beautiful day!
Highly recommend! Don’t forget to tip you guide!
Charlette Price — Google review
Very beautiful area for a fairly short hike. Nice trail, but you do have a bit of incline and decline. Not handicap friendly tho. We walked it in an hour with stops. It's about 3.2 miles or so around. Possible to see moose and beavers.
Brian Elston — Google review
Beautiful views of the lake. Not too long of a trail and very light to complete; it took us about an hour to walk and has little to no changes in elevation. We also got to see beaver dams and unexpectedly saw a mountain lion! Great short trail with wonderful sights.
Gabriella — Google review
Decided to go on the Horseshoe Lake Trail as it was very close and was not strenuous at all. There is a decent descent down to the like but it was a nice path with great views of the mountains and lake. The lake was very reflective and allowed for great photographs. Along the trail there was a nice beaver dam at the lake. With many stops for pictures and along the river and lake, the total hike was still only about 1.5 hours. The ascent back to the street level may be a little tiring at the end, but it's a nice path and plenty of room to pull over and rest.
Great introductory way to see Denali Park.
LeWayne Ballard — Google review
It's about ~2 mile hike/loop trails.. very relaxing ..you could see reflection in the lake on a calm day.. its suitable for all ages.. just make note that some.part of the trails has stairs.. overall worth it..
Shreenidhi — Google review
Beautiful walking trail around horseshoe lake, we were lucky to see both beavers and a moose. The views were spectacular, the air clean, and the tourists spaced out enough that it’s enjoyable.
Sarah Hartman — Google review
Great trail that is good for all experience levels as long as you can comfortably walk 3 miles and go up and down stairs. The stairs were icy at parts but nothing that couldn't be crossed. The scenery once you get down to the lake is stunning. I didn't see any wildlife except birds unfortunately, but it was still worth it for sure! The beaver dam was very interesting to see. This trail was a perfect stop as the rest of the road to Denali was closed after mile 3 due to snowfall.
Kristen Fernandez — Google review
Easy 1 hr hike. A few steps to climb. I started the hike by the railroad tracks near the visitor center. The trail is clearly marked. No need for special shoes, I did it in crocs. Nice lake, river view and the handy work by beavers.
Jerry Kung — Google review
Nice little trail if you're short on time. Not super exciting, but the lake is pretty. I did it in an hour and a half with lots of stops for photos. If you can climb up 2 flights of stairs, you should be able to do this trail.
The shuttle from the resorts stops here every half hour. The shuttle from the visitor's center doesn't appear to drop off on the way back, however. It's not a long walk from the visitor's center though.
It does have that slightly wilted look that many popular trails have from being trodden on. Lots of social trails that have signage discouraging use of.
The chalets on the hill are visible for most of the time.
Lots of biting flies by the river.
Beaver dam with some informative signage. Lots of chewed up trees as well. No animals this time though.
I would have rather done a more exciting hike, but this felt very comfortable and safe to do with the limited time I had.
The Mount Healy Overlook Trail is a challenging 2.7-mile out and back route that winds through a spruce forest with a steep ascent of 1,700-ft elevation. Though some may find it tough, the hike is manageable for those who are moderately fit and take breaks when needed. It's recommended to wear light clothing due to sweating during the climb and bring ample water and food along the way. The top offers breathtaking views that cannot be captured by pictures alone.
Great hike! Me and my friend went up to the summit, past the overlook, which was about 2500 feet of elevation gain and 7 miles round trip, but it was well worth it! We were on the trail by 7:30, and it seemed we were the first people that day, despite the somewhat late start. We made it to the overlook in less than 2 hours and made it to the summit in another hour. About half a mile up the ridge past the overlook, Denali came into view! It is crazy how many people miss a great view of it just because they don't want to hike a half mile further. As we were heading back down from the summit, an Arctic ground squirrel attempted to nibble on my shoe! They are not afraid of people at all, so please don't feed them and make it worse. We were back to the trailhead by noon. Great views, trail not mobbed, and definitely not very "strenuous," like the NPS puts it, but hey, I am a Coloradan, don't take me seriously.
William Higgins — Google review
I started from the Denali Princess Lodge at 7:05am and made it to the top of the Mt. Healy Overlook at 8:40am. On this day I hiked fast and made only brief stops. From the trailhead, you can make it in 1 hour if you're quick.
The trail is very well-travelled. There is an ok incline most of the way, and the final 20 minutes were more strenuous.
I saw people of all ages hiking on this trail. The view from the top is amazing!
Kevin Michalski — Google review
Climbing this peak is easy and the route is a short path. I recommend being a little careful when going down. When you reach the peak you can go to other routes to explore.
Alejandra Saetama — Google review
WOW! This hike is certainly strenuous — the elevation climb is around 1700 feet. With that being said, it’s spectacular. There are fabulous vista points, and the hike is fun and rewarding. Bear spray is recommended, and I would certainly get it if I were in a small group.
Total hiking time is around three hours, so snacks and water are a good idea.
Sabahat Rahman — Google review
It was an awesome hike. We were a group of four and loved every bit of this hike. I was quite a steep hike. We are moderate fit, took few breaks in between, and reached there just fine. It took us around 2 hours to go up and around 1.5 hours to get back. Other reviews mentioned this as quite tough hike, but it was totally doable. We recommend wearing light clothes as it gets quite sweaty when you are climbing. Carry lots of water and some food to get you going. The view at the top was breathtaking and worth every step. Pictures can't do justice to the beauty of this place. Coming back was too tiring for the knees and I wish I had carried poles.
Manoj Kumar — Google review
Amazing hike! It’s Challenging, rewarding, very scenic and memorable with each step of the journey. Thru the passes you can expect the fresh smells of pine, the chatters of squirrels and at the top, picas will greet. Grizzly bear sighting is a possibility.
Breathtaking, wide eyed opening views make for a wonderful experience. Thankful for yet another piece of Alaska beauty.
Kristy Miller — Google review
There are so many beautiful hikes ranging from 1-5 hours in Denali National Park straight from the visitor center, and this is one of the best. If you are in Denali for more than one day, maybe do this on your driving day or do it on the day you're not on the bus (as it can be done when cloudy too). We lucked out in August and had a clear day with views of Denali! You need to go a little bit past the sign in order to see it.
Even our friends that are not big hikers enjoyed the trek. The trails are VERY well maintained, and there are benches for stops along the way. Due to the high traffic, we were not concerned about bears. If we went early morning before people got up, we would have had spray with us. If you only have one day, you could add on a drive 15 miles into the park (longest you can go before buses only) or a tour of the dog kennels if you have kids.
Note: The trail starts out really flat and you're crossing a lot of roads, but it gets better! Just hang in there. Past the first bridge it's nature and great views.
Leah Ranta — Google review
My Healy was so cool, I was a little scared at the very top bc the trail gets narrow and there is no barrier but it's not as bad as Angel's Landing at Mt Zion. The view is soo nice and the hike is not that bad. It's actually a nice steady pace and gain in elevation, there'sberry picking along the way. Just watch out for bears and for the most part, keep an eye out for wild life. I saw lots of really big rabbits out there!
R. Castro — Google review
Quick, easy hike. Great trail. Beautiful views. The funnel cloud pick was just north of the park.
Savage River Loop Trailhead is a 1.7-mile easy hike in Denali, Alaska, offering stunning mountain views and a serene escape into nature. The picturesque scenery and accessibility make it suitable for all levels of hikers. The trail loops around, providing varied landscapes and wildlife sightings such as elk, ground squirrels, birds, grouse with chicks, and small prairie dog-like animals.
Here you will find one of the most beautiful views you could ever see in your whole life. It is so beautiful, the trail next to the river its just a must hike!!!! I just cannot describe how wonderful this place is, pictures make no justice.
Paul Son — Google review
Easy trail with good path. Don't miss it. 1 mile loop with optional extra half mile mountain hike during 2nd half. Lot of good spots to take pictures. Trail will be along with river between mountains. Very close to savage river campground. Free shuttle is available from campgrounds.
Sasikumar Subramanian — Google review
We loved this peaceful hike. We arrived early and we're the only ones in the parking lot. You do suggest carrying bear spray. The walk to the bridge is fairly easy and very picturesque. You walk along a creek, go over a bridge and return along the other side of the creek. Hiking sticks can be helpful.
Bill Soucie — Google review
Highly, highly recommend this hike. We saw a Lynx near the summit and heard reports of a second larger one as well. Stunning scenery, just make sure to bring some snacks, water, and a good jacket for the cold winds up top
Kyle Rutledge — Google review
Good hike with great views. The youngest of our group was only 5 and he managed the full trail. Did not see any wild life on our hike, but the sweeping views made up for it. We ascended the southern side which seemed less intense than the approach descending on the other side.
jfrieck — Google review
I loved this hike! I would have loved to check out more trails but I was with a group of people that don't like to do a lot of hiking unfortunately.
Tina Fletcher — Google review
This is super easy. Just over a 2 mile loop. It is 13 miles into Denali National Park. I took the whole family. It runs right along the river with amazing mountains going up either side. Lots of Arctic Ground Squirrels!
The parking lot can fill up fast and there are bathrooms at the trailhead.
Joe Troyer — Google review
A short and easy hike from the parking lot. Highly recommended for people who have limited time to further explore the park. The savage river valley is the gate to the wilderness and you feel quite exclusive when you reached the end of the trail.
Yuezhou Wang — Google review
Beautiful location. Last drivable spot before a special permit is required. From here, one can walk down the road or hike up into the mountains. There is a nice picnic area as well. Can be very busy at times. Great viewpoints that are easy to hike to.
Jack McCaslin — Google review
Nice trail that does a loop! Mostly flat and a peaceful walk. Good way to pump the blood a little while breathing in the Alaska air! Toilets on both ends of trail.
Jodee Watters — Google review
The easy trail loop at Denali with its stunning mountain views is an absolute gem for nature enthusiasts. The picturesque scenery unfolds at every turn, providing a breathtaking glimpse of Denali's majesty. The trail's accessibility makes it suitable for all levels of hikers, making it a must-visit spot in Alaska. It's a serene escape into the heart of nature, with the towering mountains as your constant companions. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience when visiting Denali!
Bhuvana B — Google review
Easy 2 mile hike that loops around so you don't cover the same ground twice. You basically follow the creek down, cross over, and come back up the opposite side. It is located in a pretty wide valley with nice views throughout the hike. Saw a resting elk, ground squirrels, and a few birds, but wildlife was fairly scarce. It was also a very popular (busy) place. This was probably the busiest hiking trail we went on while on vacation. Easy to get by one another, but if you are looking for solitude, you might pick a different trail. Even other trails within Denali Park were much less busy. This trail is located at the turnaround for private vehicles in the park, coupled with the easy walk, making it very popular.
Jay Welch — Google review
A truly enjoyable short hike suited for most people. Be sure to do the small circle hike midway thru. You might see grouse with baby chick's. Also you'll see small prairie dog like animals which happily pose for photos.
Ok parking, we took the bus.
I went a high route partway thru the hike then joined back up to the main trail near the far end.
S Davis — Google review
It’s a spectacular trail in the Denali national park! We walked from Savage Alpine trailhead to Savage River Loop trailhead, about 4 miles and 1.6k feet elevation. The scenery was so breathtaking that our two 7-year-olds finished the 3-hour hiking without any complaints. Saw several ground squirrels along the way. We parked our cars at both trailheads, so we hiked one way without reclimbing the mountain. Enjoy every minute on the trail! Thank National Park Service for making it available to the public!
Chang Yang — Google review
Nice 2 miles round trip hike. Even during hot climate the place was cool. This is the point where you can ride yourself. There are free shuttles running to this point as well.
Sathish Jayapal — Google review
Part of my annual trip north from Anchorage is to come drive along the road around the north side of Denali. The last time I went, I got the opportunity to stop at a spot I hadn't actually pulled over to explore. That was right here!
It's a great spot to stop, walk around, and do a short little walk after being in a car or bus for hours on end. You get some cool views, and if you are here in the fall like I was, you get some amazing colors. There are no issues with this spot at all. Only think I had to say about when I was here is that it was suuuper windy.
Savage Alpine Trailhead offers a challenging 4-mile hike with an elevation gain of about 1500 feet, making it moderate to hard. The trail is well-maintained and connects the Savage River area with a campground. Limited parking is available at the trailhead, so taking the Savage River shuttle is recommended. Starting from the East end provides a less aggressive ascent, and there are spots along the way to take breaks out of the wind.
It's a point to point ~4 mile hike with about 1500 feet elevation gain.. I would consider it's moderate to hard.. trails are very well maintained.. it connects the savage river area with a savage campground..I started it from a mountain visa stop. There is limited parking available to trail head ..taking the savage river shuttle is preferred (to avoid the wait time for parking).. if you have time you can also do savage river loop hike/walk as well ...it's worth doing Savage Alpine hike, views won't disappoint you.. one of the must do..
Shreenidhi — Google review
Once you hit the highpoint of this trail, you get absolutely breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valley below. Make sure you pack a raincoat, two heavy downpours came through during our hike. Definitely worth the time and effort.👍🏽🌄
Eric Gaby — Google review
I caught some good weather and the views were awesome. I would recommend starting from the East end of the trail as the ascent is much less agressive than the West end. There are several good spots to take a break and get out of wind if you need it. I would recommend this trail to anyone who likes to hike and can hadle a short section of steep switch backs.
Brandon Rupp — Google review
Incredible hike. Great views of the Alaskan range. Dress warmly though 40+ mph winds at the top
Gwanny Tjoa — Google review
Nice and well maintained trail that is pretty flat, short and family friendly. The views of the Alaska Range paired with the river make for magnificent views. When we hiked on this trail in August, we saw a grizzly bear sleeping right outside of the trail, so definitely beware!
Gabriella — Google review
Great 4+ mile hike. Great views. Recommend starting at the bridge to tackle the steeper part of the hike. Going up the steep part of this hike, is better for your knees.
Mid June to end of June, Great flowers.
Marc Hummel — Google review
Great hike! Good elevation - challenging but not too bad. Beautiful views and fun to walk along the ridge.
Lex Rosenberg — Google review
By far one of my favorite established trails in Denali National Park. The trail is a little over 4 miles, but unless you can take a shuttle back, it's another 2-miles to walk back to the parking area along the road. The trail is typically accessible as early as February, whenever the road opens to Mountain Vista, mile-12 on the Park Road. I frequently see moose, arctic ground squirrels, golden eagles, and spruce grouse on this trail. A few times I've seen Dall sheep and caribou and grizzly bears. Great view of the Savage River Valley and Denali when it's clear. Awesome and steep trail!
Lee Petersen — Google review
If you’re looking for a Denali on-trail hike that you can drive yourself to, this is the best choice. Awesome views the whole way and mountain critters (ground squirrels, hoary marmot and red tailed hawk). Would say it’s on the tougher side of moderate. We went up and down from the savage camp parking lot and took about 4.5-5 hours. Check the forecast and try to time it for a clear day to see Denali.
Phil Johnston — Google review
If it’s a clear day you can get a perfect view of Denali from the top of this hike. You can do an out and back or end at a different place than you started and take a shuttle back to your car.
It’s very windy near the top. Bring a wind breaker.
This station is near by Denali visitor center. It is nice and very easy to find out. If you reach early you get enough time to checkin your luggage. Staff was very cooperative and answered all our queries. We booked our ticket in wilderness coach and there was a separate desk outside in patio for the wilderness passengers. Its a small open station with no food or drinks.
Anusree Suraj — Google review
A great experience! The railroad will rock you to sleep as you soak in the beauty of God's creation, breath in the peace, breath out all that ails you.
Julia Young — Google review
I took the luxury train ride from the Denali National park to Talkeetna, total about 6hours. The views are absolutely beautiful, the ride was long but worth it. I did had lunch on the train, food are not bad, price reasonable. Alaska must do list!
Yen Yuan — Google review
Great experience riding the train between Fairbanks and Denali while on vacation from Iowa. The staff at the depot was very friendly and helpful.
Dave Schneider — Google review
The train depot was very clean, the staff were very friendly and helpful even with the large amount of passengers checking in. The train ride to Anchorage was absolutely breathtaking and we happened to catch a partial glimpse of Denali as we traveled south. Truly beautiful train ride, this is a must if traveling in Alaska!
David J. — Google review
Joe was absolutely amazing. The staff was so friendly and helpful. Very clean and well organized. Thank you guys for such a great experience
Emily Banks — Google review
Enjoy the Fairbanks Model Railroad display while you wait! The whole train travel experience to Denali and back was great. All the staff members were pleasant and helpful. Be sure to enjoy the outdoor observation deck for fresh air and great views.
Barbara V. — Google review
This was a trip of a lifetime, Greatest place ever. Dream trip with grown grandson, his Gpa & Grams. The most beautiful place on earth.
The Denali Bus Depot serves as both a departure point and visitor center for the shuttle bus that tours through the national park. Tickets can be purchased at the on-site information desk. The wildlife bus tour, lasting around 8 hours, provides an opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat, as well as breathtaking views of Denali mountain. A knowledgeable tour guide shares insights about animal habits, park history, and personal experiences with Alaska and its national parks while driving through the park.
What a great experiences we had with the wildlife bus tour! Our tour guide Jean is so passionate that infectious, she can spot animals far away while driving and shared her knowledge on animals habits, history of the park, her personal stories with Alaska and national park, and pictures she took during the years, and ending with a poem that deeply touched me. Really amazing experiences!
Geng Tan — Google review
We took the transit bus tour and had Kate for a driver. She was excellent and I felt we got our money's worth. I considered the narrated tour that cost more, but they travel the same route. There is a good chance of seeing busses stopped along the route, so you start looking for what they see. Kate had all of us looking for animals and letting her know if we saw some so she could stop. She identified the animals, shared some facts and gave us ample opportunity to take a picture. She was very knowledgeable about the parks history, points of interest, and wildlife facts. We didn't get to see Denali because of clouds, but we had a great time. I recommend taking the transit tour, so you can spend more money on souvenirs. :-)
Christy Honaker — Google review
worked here for a hot second. tundra wilderness tour, Scott’s or Cyndie’s bus (they are the kindest and kindness matters). awesome national park. get there in this life time. great reservation agents (assist managers is psychotic, but there is a little psycho everywhere these days 🤣
KS Faccio — Google review
The depot itself has a great gift shop and snack bar, but the real to visit is for a bus tour of the park. Darren was our driver and he was great! He is not a local but has worked in the park for 5 years and has a keen eye for wildlife. We saw 2 bears, 5 caribou, dal sheep, and moose. Highly recommend!
liz churchville — Google review
My wife, daughter, sister and I took the tundra wilderness tour which was 7 hours. We all loved it, first of all the views are just unbelievable. The Alaskan TV shows don't do the view any justice. we were able to see moose, caribou, sheep, and grizzly bears all on many occasions. I would highly suggest that if you are visiting Denali you do this bus tour.
Joseph Fydenkevez — Google review
In regards to the bus depot itself, it is a little slow moving, so I would recommend buying your tickets online to make sure that you have the time that you want, but to check in at the bus depot early so that they can print your tickets out. In regards to the transit bus experience, since the bus is the only way into the park past mile 15, it is a good way to get to see the rest of the park. Our bus driver, Omar, narrated the whole time and showed us lots of wildlife.
Gabriella — Google review
The ride is so cool. They are on time. Every 30 min. You can hike and ride the bus. (1 of them). You can see bears and other animals if you are lucky.
Joel ALF — Google review
Best way to get further into the park. If you are going to Denali national park you need to be ready to buy the bus ride because you will only be able to drive about 15 miles in before having to turn around. However with the road closure you can only get to mile marker 42 I believe. So if you want to go all the way to Wonder lake it'll be a couple of years before the road is fixed. If you want to see grizzly bears you really should take the bus.
Lloyd Studer jr. — Google review
Loved this 8 hour tan bus tour, our bus driver was super knowledgeable and we saw great views of Denali mountain and animals in the park.
Kimberly Hartman — Google review
Well designed to reduce congestion around the visitor center. Includes a small gift shop and coffee. Bus ticketing staff is excellent and very helpful. Looking forward to returning when the whole 92 miles of the park road is open. Right now you can drive 15 miles, take the natural history tour to 17 miles or the transit bus out to almost 40 miles.
John Angevine — Google review
This is a necessity when you visit Denali National Park! There was great coffee in the bus depot and the driver was friendly and informative. We highly recommend riding the transit bus as far as possible into the park.
Christine Gale — Google review
It is recommended to take the hop-on/hop-off bus tour in order to have a better visit Denali. The fare is 32.5 USD/day. You can do small hikes along the parkway, it is safe and having nice views.
Shu Yao — Google review
Took the non narrated tour but Barr gave us great narration anyway. Spectacular scenery, super friendly staff. Very accommodating and helpful.
Amber Stivers — Google review
Don't be like me -- overly concerned about money! The $35 Green Bus ticket is a wonderful experience. Personally, my driver was from Montana and genuinely friendly; we were gone 4 1/2 hours, with toilet breaks.
Marcel Longe — Google review
The tour was part of my trip available part of the package, so I don't have any idea on the price.
I enjoyed the time traveling thru Denali. We spotted a few moose, including a cow with twins. Two grizzlies, caribou, Dall sheep, and a nest of ravens on the side of a bridge were spotted. I found it interesting going from the tree line up into the tundra. Unfortunately, the permafrost melting has caused a slide that has created a blockage to a large part of the park.
The people working here were very friendly and helpful.
Jenni FC — Google review
We took the East Fork bus tour, approximately 4.5 hours. Excellent experience. It was a non-narrative tour, but the bus driver gave us so much information just like a narrative tour. We saw two grizzly bears, two moose, a caribou, and beautiful scenery. All staff at the station are super friendly and helpful. Highly recommended.
Triple Lakes, a collection of three mountain lakes nestled in a national park, are surrounded by spruce forest and offer visitors a picturesque 9.5-mile trail. For those visiting towards the end of July or beginning of August, the trail is abundant with blueberries and some raspberries. As you climb through tundra on a well-maintained track, expect to encounter mosquitos near the lakes but they become less prevalent as you rise up to the top of the mountain.
Very challenging well maintained trail within Denali National Park. Average hike will be 5 hours so pack some lunch. Dued to the wildlife and distance it is suggested to take a friend with you. Warning, you will take many photos. Start your journey outside the park and head towards the Denali Visitors center dude to the step incline within the park by the Alaskan Railroad bridge built by Phoenixville, Pa in 1921 and still in service today.
Artie Bender — Google review
If you go at the end of July/beginning of August you'll find tons of blueberries and some raspberries along the trail. Pack lots of water and dress in light layers, the trail has a lot of mosquitos near the lakes, but you rise up to the top of the mountain and they clear out for the most part.
You'll be climbing through tundra on a well-maintained track, starting in spruce forest that'll become primarily Aspen as you gain elevation.
I'd recommend starting from the south end of the trail (just north of the bridge by Grizzly Bear Resort) and have a vehicle or a friend waiting to pick you up at the park visitor center.
DogGoneIt Tours offers a 90-minute narrated tour into the world of sled dogs and rural Alaska life, hosted by Mike Santos. The experience includes holding sled dog puppies in training and a 90-minute multimedia presentation featuring race footage. Visitors can learn about the challenges and triumphs of mushers while interacting with the passionate hosts. Guests praise the passion of Caitlin and Mike for their dogs, as well as their love, care, and resilience in harsh conditions.
Very friendly loving people! An up close experience of living in Alaska with their wonderful Alaskan athlete huskies. Excellent lively presentation of preparing and competing in Iditarod race to keep love for nature alive. Highly recommend the Dog Gone It tour with Katelyn and Mike’s lovely place with their huskies. Kids just loved to play with the puppies!! You’ll also get your printed picture with the puppies while on the tour 🐶
Weso 2020 — Google review
Absolutely wonderful experience at the home of a 3 time Iditerod finisher, his family and his large contingent of dogs. His wife drives the bus and delivers wonderful commentary both to and from their home. Highlight for us do lovers we holding these energetic puppies! These people clearly love each every one of their dog sled team members and it shows. Highly recommend this excursion!
Roger Z — Google review
Loved this tour of the sled dogs and their family. Such great presentation and loved petting the pups! Highly recommend!
Cindy Shelberg — Google review
If I could give it six stars I would. Visited with my family inn August 2022 and we all came away beyond amazed. The passion that Caitlin and Mike have for their dogs, the dogs and puppies, the love, care, hardship of living in these harsh conditions, the inner strength of this family and their relationship, the training and racing for the biggest dogsledding race in the world, the things they built with their own hands. So of this together to us represented the biggest discovery in Alaska. So glad this quality of people exist in the world. It has been such an honor to be guests in their kennel.
Roman Kharkovski — Google review
Amazing tour of the sled dogs from this family. Loved seeing how they take care of them and get them ready to run. You can tell they love what they do, and we thoroughly enjoyed this visit. Holding the puppies was a bonus💕. Thanks for the tons of information and your home and family is amazing!!
Lynn Ladd — Google review
A great, inspirational experience detailing the Iditarod race and the raising of the dogs for the race. Mike and Caitlin were amazing hosts and really told us the real story about living and working in Alaska.
Jason Vanick — Google review
Great, slick presentation; friendly people - it wasn't what we expected but we were very happy with the result! We got to play with the puppies, and watch a really nice presentation on the Iditarod and raising a sled dog team
Jeff Anderson — Google review
Husband-wife team. Wife drives the bus and does presentation on Alaskan huskies and the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. She’s an energetic and fascinating speaker with a great voice. The dogs are fascinating and had 6-8 week old puppies to hold as we arrived.
Garrick Larson — Google review
A great tour of an actual Alaskan sled dog breeder. The owners are wonderful, and you get to hold and pet the puppies! Great stop for kids. One of the owners participated and completed the Iditarod, so there are a lot of interesting details about how they prepare and compete in the race. Very inexpensive excursion for the value.
Tonglen Lake Lodge offers a wonderful experience just outside Denali National Park. Guests can choose between the comfortable Cottonwood Cabin and the guest house for their stay. The lodge's location is beautiful, especially during the fall when the leaves change around the lake. The Artisan cafe on site provides a delightful place to relax, while the fire pit surrounded by swing benches is perfect for evening gatherings and making s'mores.
We stayed for a few nights in the Blueberry cabin and loved it! It’s the best place to stay if you’re visiting Denali National Park because it is actually off the main highway and has awesome extras - hiking trails, friendly dogs, fresh breakfast, and o-go lunches, happy hour, the BEST brownies, incredible staff, fire pit with s’mores, the list goes on… We had our favorite breakfast of our two week trip to Alaska here (frittata) and saw the northern lights (bucket list!). This is a little slice of heaven right near Denali and is worth the cost.
Kristi Doan — Google review
Expensive but unique, well-maintained, and comfortable setting that served as our luxury “base-camp” while day hiking for 3 days in Denali. Food is good to great, location can’t be beat, and staff is extremely friendly and accommodating.
We were fortunate to be there on a night when Jimmie Hendricks was giving a talk on his experience climbing Denali which was fascinating.
When we return to this area we will surely stay here again.
GSC — Google review
The cabin was clean, roomy and comfortable- especially the bed! There’s a nice hiking trail, yoga and an excellent cafe. The baked goods we tried were all delicious but the frittata was too salty and watery. There is a small gallery of local artwork. I bought a lovely scratch board landscape of the area as a remembrance of our trip.
It is a short distance to the park entrance which was convenient for our 13 hour bus tour of Denali.
Nancy Delman — Google review
We are spending our third night here in this magical place. Everything about Tonglen Lake Lodge is fantastic. It’s tucked away but so close to Denali Park. A family owned business with the friendliest staff. The food is five stars and it surprises us every time. The use of the lake and the mountains changes constantly as the weather shifts. The rooms clean and comfortable. The grounds gorgeous. I can go on and on….
Shirly Gilad — Google review
This place is awesome! It’s the perfect distance from Denali. The Artisan cafe on site was a delightful place to hang out at. The fire pit surrounded by swing benches made for an excellent hangout spot during the evenings and a place to have s’mores 😋 .The cabins themselves were clean and the beds were super comfortable. The staff was very helpful and nice. They also let us borrow binoculars and bear spray. I would love to come back here for à longer stay someday.
Elena Woiciechowska — Google review
This was a wonderful three night experience right outside Denali. We split our time between the Cottonwood Cabin and the guest house, both accommodations were very comfortable. Everyone was attentive, the food was excellent, staff could not have been more welcoming, and the location is beautiful—we were lucky enough to catch the end of fall and the leaves changing around the lake. Donna and her team are gracious hosts and offered their knowledge of the area to make sure we made the most of our stay. We will definitely be staying here again in the future.
Cyrus Moshiri — Google review
We had a fabulous time at Tonglen lake. The food was incredible - especially the baked oatmeal for breakfast and the short rib for dinner. The to-go wraps that we took on hikes were delish too. Staff were so friendly, and Donna, the owner, gave a great presentation on sled dogs. Would highly, highly recommend staying here!
Kyler M. — Google review
We enjoyed our stay here very much. The view was beautiful, complete with mountains, trees and also a beautiful lake.
The all-inclusivity of the lodge was outstanding as well. There were free to use kayaks and paddle boats for the lake, and there were yoga and nature hikes and tours available as well (all for free!)
The dinner, breakfast, lunch and bakery items were delicious too! Everything is included and for lunch, they give you the option to order sandwiches that they will prepare and pack for you to bring with if visiting other places.
The rooms were very cute too. There are no TVs, microwaves, or fridges but that was fine. When we came in, there were little chocolates as a welcome gift, and overall the service is wonderful.
Iris Wu — Google review
This amazing lodge perfectly reflects the lifestyle and beauty of Denali and makes this a perfect place for a stay in the area. We loved that it was close to the park and the Denali Highway (a must do!) but it was perfectly tucked away and nestled next to a beautiful lake and not in the midst of the busier hotel area near the park. We stayed in one of the very private cabins. It was clean perfect for settling into the mountain vibe we wanted while in the area. There is no TV, refrigerator, or microwave but we didn't miss them and anything we needed was within a short walk to the lodge. And the food! They fed us three very big and extremely delicious meals each day. They were some of the best meals we had during our entire three week trip! Be sure to get the morning scones-- the very best. The lodge even provided something that was over and above our expectations- an opportunity to attend a vibrant presentation by a man who had climbed Denali. His experience deepened our understanding of the mountain we came to see, and gave us perspective that only someone who knows the mountain intimately can provide. Our stay at this lovely lodge was one of the best places we stayed and we felt that the value exceeded the cost. We wished we had more time there and would definitely return. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Lisa Forward — Google review
We loved our 3 night stay at the Tonglen Lake Lodge. Great location (beautiful property that is close to Denali, but quiet and far from the more tourist-y hotels), outstanding food (great coffee, breakfast, pastries and 5-star restaurant quality dinners, all of which are included in the room price), very comfortable accommodations (we stayed in both the cabins and the guesthouse and both were great), and wonderful hospitality (everyone was so kind and helpful throughout our stay, and they were kind enough to ship me an item that I left behind). We hope to return soon!
Jane Reilley — Google review
Had the most amazing stay here! We basically had the lodge to ourselves and the staff made us feel like family. The cabins are gorgeous and comfy, the cafe has great pastries and delicious coffee drinks. The staff is super helpful and kind. Can’t recommend this place enough!