The tallest mountain in North America, Denali is surrounded by a spectacular and untouched natural landscape, breathtaking views and charming small towns. Named after some old white president for years, President Obama officially renamed the mountain Mount Denali In 2015.
Despite the battle for naming this majestic mountainous park, Denali is one of the most isolated places on the planet. Finding the right town to stay in can be a challenge, so I’ve put together this guide for where to stay in Denali.
This article was written with one purpose in mind – to help you find the best place to stay for your trip to Denali. Denali National Park is HUGE and the main surrounding towns are a couple of hours from each other. So I’ve organized the towns surrounding Denali by interest so you’ll know exactly where to stay based on your travel goals and needs.
Whether you’re looking to hike, relax or take stunning photos, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – and more! Denali National Park is home to some stunning remote wilderness and there are a variety of lodges and cabins to stay in while you’re here.
Let’s get into where to stay in Denali, Alaska.
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- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Denali?
- Denali Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Denali
- Denali’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Denali
- What To Pack For Denali
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Denali
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Denali
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are my highest recommendations for places to stay in Denali.
Susitna River Lodging | Best Hotel in Denali
This rustic hotel is my pick for the best hotel in Denali. It is located in quaint Talkeetna and provides comfortable accommodations with four charming rooms and a range of amenities. Guests can also enjoy features, like free wifi, luggage storage and an airport shuttle.
Aurora Denali Lodge | Best Lodge in Denali
This is the best option for budget accommodations in Healy, this cosy hotel has 28 comfortable rooms with a variety of great amenities. You’ll also enjoy free wifi, epic Aurora views, a ticket service and an on-site tour desk, making Denali Park entrance easy. Aurora Denali Lodge has a simple breakfast buffet too so you can head out on your big adventures fueled up.
Cozy Cabin in the Woods | Best Airbnb in Denali
This cute cabin in Alaska is affordable and charming and has the most wonderful amenities imaginable. There are bikes to use, a fire pit, chairs, and shovels if needed outside and the inside has great cookware and a fully stocked kitchen. If you stay in the summertime, the wildflowers around the house are vibrant and the surrounding woodland is green and lush.
Note this Airbnb is in Talkeetna, a couple of hours’ drive south of the Denali National Park Entrance.
Healy
Healy is a small town located at the northwestern edge of Denali. It is situated nearly 20 kilometres north of the park’s entrance and is the largest town in the region.
Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a small town located south of Denali National Park. It was founded in the early 20th century as a railroad town and is known for attracting miners, prospectors and adventurers from near and far.
Denali Park Village
McKinley Park is an area that stretches along the eastern edge of Denali National Park. It is tucked in the Nenana River Valley and is surrounded by incredible natural scenery and stunning views.
Trapper Creek
Trapper Creek is located south of Denali – and it’s our pick for the coolest town in the region. This small village is ideally located at the intersection of Petersville Road and is spread out along the Parks Highway.
Denali National Park is a massive and expansive national park located in the state of Alaska and a must-stop on any Alaskan road trip. It covers more than six million acres of land and includes the highest mountain in North America, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley).
A haven for hikers, climbers, and outdoor adventurers, Denali is an incredible wilderness area. Travellers from around the world visit to trek its network of trails, see its diverse wild landscapes, and attempt to climb the magnificent mountain. There are a few backcountry lodges to stay in within the park and the small towns and villages surrounding Denali are awash with lodging options.
Healy is located nearly 20 kilometres north of the Denali National Park entrance. It is the closest town to the park and caters to tourists – you’ll find restaurants, many hotels, tour guides, gift shops, and a golf course. Perfect if you know you’re going to be craving a pizza or Ice Cream after a big day of wildlife viewing in the park.
Travel south from here and you’ll arrive in Denali Park Village which has a few accommodation options and is close to the airport. Set in the valley of the Nenana River, Denali Park Village is an area on the eastern edge of Denali. It offers easy access to the main park entrance and visitor centre and is where you’ll find the best nightlife in the area.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Travel a couple of hundred miles south of Denali Park entrance (we’re covering six million acres here, remember), you’ll find the charming village of Trapper Creek. Surrounded by remote wilderness, Trapper Creek is the best place to stay if you’re a passionate or wannabe professional freelance photographer. A two-hour cruise around the park boundaries on the scenic Denali Park Road to get here is nothing if you’re looking to snap that perfect picture.
And finally, while you’re down these ways, across the river from Trapper Creek is Talkeetna. A small but lively village, Talkeetna is packed with tourist activities and attractions. It also boasts a good selection of restaurants, and a handful of bars, and is where you’ll find a variety of affordable accommodation options.
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Denali’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Now, I’m going to take you for a look at the best towns and villages to stay in near Denali. Each is a little different from the last, so be sure to pick the town that is right for you!
1. Healy – Where to Stay in Denali for Your First Time
Healy is a small town located at the northwestern edge of Denali. It is situated nearly 20 kilometres north of the park’s entrance and is the largest town in the region. Catering to tourists, Healy is where you’ll find a good selection of restaurants and hotels. There are also tuck shops and outposts where you can stock up for your excursions into Denali park.
This is my pick for where to stay if you’re visiting Denali for the first time while backpacking in the USA this far north. Not only is it in close proximity to the park, but from Healy, you can explore further into the Alaskan wilderness. It’s also set along the mighty Nenana River where you can enjoy a rousing day of whitewater rafting.
Aurora Denali Lodge | Best Lodge in Healy
This is the best option for budget accommodations in Healy, this cosy hotel has 28 comfortable rooms with a variety of great amenities. You’ll also enjoy free wifi, epic Aurora views, a ticket service and an on-site tour desk, making Denali Park entrance easy. Aurora Denali Lodge has a simple breakfast buffet too so you can head out on your big adventures fueled up.
Alaskan Spruce Cabins | Best Cabins in Healy
The Alaskan Spruce Cabins are my top pick for where to stay in Healy. They offer comfortable lodgings with private bathrooms and a kitchenette with complimentary tea and coffee supplies. This property offers free wifi, stunning views and a central location near cafes and bars.
Denali Primrose B&B | Best Bed and Breakfast in Healy
This charming and rustic bed and breakfast is ideally located in Healy. It is close to the river and the Alaskan countryside and is a short drive from 49th State Brewing. This property has two comfortable rooms with a variety of amenities and features including free wifi and incredible scenery.
Alaskan Adventure Aurora View Home | Best Airbnb in Healy
This home has won the hearts of many travellers, located in a great area, close to a grocery store and cafe, and all bases are covered. Activities like golf, hiking tracks and others are nearby too, as well as restaurants and pubs. The incredible national park is 10min from this Airbnb, it’s practically on your doorstep but you’re out of the madness of ‘glitter gulch’.
Things to See and Do in Healy
- Navigate the rapids as you twist, turn and raft down the Nenana River.
- Walk with an experienced local naturalist and witness the splendour of the Denali National Park.
- Visit picturesque Wonder Lake and take in the sweeping views of Denali.
- See glaciers, mountains, and abundant wildlife on a 100+ mile excursion through the Alaska wilderness in a Jeep.
- Raft the Nenana River to get a fresh perspective on Denali National Park.
- The Alaska State Railroad Museum and the Denali Train Depot are great stops for rail enthusiasts.
- Even if you’re not staying there, visit Aurora Denali Lodge. They offer fishing, canoeing, and hiking from there.
- Embark on a Treetop zipline adventure with the stunning Sugarloaf Mountain as a backdrop.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Talkeetna – Best Place to Stay in Denali on a Budget
Talkeetna is a small town located south of Denali National Park. It was founded in the early 20th century as a railroad town and is known for attracting miners, prospectors and adventurers from near and far.
Talkeetna is also my top pick for families to stay in Denali National Park, the town is located at the confluence of three rivers. It has a lively and vibrant atmosphere, and there’s plenty of fun to be had here. From parades and auctions to canoeing and beyond, Talkeetna is a town full of life.
It’s also where you’ll find the best budget accommodations in Denali. The town boasts a good variety of campgrounds, cabins and many hotels to choose from, offering comfortable and charming accommodations at a great price. This is where to stay if you’re travelling on a tight budget – check out the shuttle services to get to the park entrance.
Susitna River Lodging | Best Hotel in Talkeetna
This rustic hotel is my pick for where to stay in Talkeetna. It provides comfortable accommodations with four charming rooms and a range of great amenities. Guests can also enjoy features, like free wifi, luggage storage and an airport shuttle. There’s also a tour desk to help you plan the perfect holiday in Denali.
Talkeetna Roadhouse | Best Guesthouse in Talkeetna
This comfortable guesthouse is ideally located in Talkeetna. There is a good selection of bars and restaurants nearby, and it is in close proximity to nature. This guesthouse has eight comfortable rooms outfitted with a range of amenities. You’ll also enjoy free wifi, a library, and luggage storage.
Cozy Cabin in the Woods | Best Airbnb in Talkeetna
This cute cabin in Alaska is affordable and charming and has the most wonderful amenities imaginable. There are bikes to use, a fire pit, chairs, and shovels if needed outside and the inside has great cookware and a fully stocked kitchen. If you stay in the summertime, the wildflowers around the house are vibrant and the surrounding woodland is green and lush.
Family Log Cabin | Another Great Airbnb in Talkeetna
This log cabin is perfect for travelling families, fitting up to six people, you can be sure that there is enough space for everyone. The Airbnb is very close to the downtown attractions and great for letting children play outside since the area is so calm and peaceful. This cabin will give you the true Alaska experience without having to give up the connection to civilisation on your Alaskan Vacation.
Things to See and Do in Talkeetna
- Hire a canoe and go adventuring at Talkeetna Lakes. Or get yourself a Lightweight Kayak!
- See Denali National Park in the air from Talkeetna. Soar over gentle foothills in a window seat on a round-trip small aeroplane flight, seeing meandering glaciers, and the enormous peaks of the Alaska Range.
- AND THEN, add a glacier landing to your flight and experience the exhilaration of standing among the majestic peaks of the Alaska Range.
- Explore the Talkeetna Riverfront Park and enjoy epic views of the Alaska Range.
- Fly through the air with the greatest of ease on a Denali Zipline Tour.
- Take a river walk and learn all about Talkeetna’s waterways and fish at the Susitna Salmon Center.
- Dive deep into the history of Denali and learn all about early climbers at the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum.
- Rent bikes and explore the streets of Talkeetna on two-wheels.
- Visit Byers Lake and enjoy a scenic and serene nature stroll.
3. Denali Park Village – Best Area to Stay in Denali for Nightlife
McKinley Park is an area that stretches 25 miles south along the eastern edge of Denali National Park and is home to Denali Park Village. Tucked away in the Nenana River Valley and surrounded by incredible natural scenery and stunning views. The town is close to the park’s entrance and is just a short drive to the Denali National Park visitors centre and park entrance.
This small town is also where you’ll find the best nightlife options in Denali. Although you won’t find any nightclubs here, Denali Park Village does offer a handful of bars, pubs and dinner theatre options. Great if you want to unwind with a drink after a day roaming in the remote wilderness of Denali Park.
From salmon to yak to reindeer and wild berries to craft spirits, there are some pretty wild and wonderful dining options in Alaska. Denali Village Park is the perfect place to try some of these local gastronomic delights… while not exactly fine dining, many of the local joints offer tons of offers unexpected delights.
Carlo Creek Lodge | Best Hotel in Denali Park Village
Carlo Creek Lodge is my ultimate pick for where to stay in the McKinley Park area, just ten minutes from Denali Park Village. You can book a stand alone cabin or a room and rooms are outfitted with refrigerators, a kitchenette and free wifi. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities, including a tour desk and gift shops as well as an epic restaurant across the road.
Being less than a ten minute drive from the Denali Park entrance, it is also conveniently located for exploring Denali.
Denali Cabins | Best Cabin in Denali Park Village
Denali Cabins are in a fantastic location for enjoying the best that Denali has to offer. Book yourself a cozy cabin and enjoy all the extra’s like hot tub, sauna, shuttle service and fire pit! There’s also luggage storage, a tour desk and free wifi so you can smash out that admin too.
Guests can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant and a tasty breakfast is also offered.
King’s Deer Lodge at Denali | Best Airbnb in Denali Park Village
This is one of the best lodging options out there, you’ll feel like you’re tucked away in the remote wilderness nestled amongst a spruce forest. There are five lodge rooms making this the perfect stay for your Alaskan vacation with room for up to 16 guests! Snuggle up by the fireplace in one of the best Denali Wilderness Lodges and enjoy the natural wildlife viewing through the huge windows.
Things to See and Do in Denali Park Village
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Catch an entertaining show at Music of Denali Dinner Theatre.
- Don’t miss a night of food, festivity and fun at Alaska Cabin Night Dinner Theatre.
- Trek along the majestic Mt Healy Overlook Trail.
- Or push yourself a bit harder and hit Sugarloaf Mountain!
- Enjoy a three hour guided walk and immerse yourself in the wilderness and grandeur of Alaska’s incredible landscape.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Trapper Creek – Coolest Place to Stay in Denali
Trapper Creek is located south of Denali – and it’s my pick for the coolest town in the region. This small village is ideally located at the intersection of Petersville Road and is spread out along the Parks Highway. It offers easy access to Denali National Park as well as to the stunning surrounding countryside.
Photo: Ralph Cope
Have your cameras ready throughout your stay in Trapper Creek, because this is the best place to capture exceptional photos of the towering mountain. Travel down Petersville Road, towards the recreation country in the foothills of the Alaska Range, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of this natural giant.
Lucky Guesthouse | Best Guesthouse in Trapper Creek
Trapper Creek doesn’t have many hotels which adds to the secluded Denali Wilderness charm in my opinion. This Guesthouse is an epic accommodation option though, with two lodge rooms, sleeping up to four guests. Despite being a new build, the owners have thought of everything and there are plenty of thoughtful touches throughout the property.
McKinley View B&B | Best Bed and Breakfast in Trapper Creek
Centrally located in Trapper Creek, this bed and breakfast has comfortable guestrooms, barbecue facilities and a deck that offers spectacular views of Denali. Each spacious room at this Mckinley Chalet resort includes a seating area and a private bathroom. A delicious American-style breakfast is also available each day.
Retreat in Trapper Creek | Best Airbnb in Trapper Creek
This Airbnb in Trapper Creek is a unique stay, tucked away off the main route but close enough to be handy to Talkeetna town still… It’s giving Goldilocks vibes. With the external stairs up to the loft bedroom, this is the perfect stay for a group that needs a bit of everything, including space. This is a sweet spot to stay on your Alaskan Vacation, two hours north of Anchorage and two hours south of Denali National Park.
Things to See and Do in Trapper Creek
- Learn how to pan for gold on a scenic off-road adventure with Denali Gold Tours.
- Get that perfect shot of Denali and the local wildlife.
- Rent kayaks and glide along the water as you take in the stunning Susitna River.
- Get amongst this family-friendly guided UTV tour that offers mind-blowing, jaw-dropping views. Drive past abandoned gold mines, splash in creek beds and enjoy majestic views across the valley of far-off mountain ranges.
- Take a trip over to Talkeetna to see the Dr. Seuss House!
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Denali
Here’s what people usually ask about the areas of Denali and where to stay.
What To Pack For Denali
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
What are the best cabins at Denali to stay in?
There are some stunning secluded cabins near Denali National Park. If you’re travelling with a crew, I highly recommend King’s Deer Lodge at Denali. it’s near the Denali Park entrance. But it’s also tucked away in it’s own forest and feels magical, one of the best cabin rentals near denali national park.
How long should I stay in Denali National Park?
I recommend at least three days in Denali National Park. As I mentioned earlier, it’s HUUUUUUUGE and if you’re interested in seeing what there is to offer, you’ll want at least a full day in there. Then at least a day either side to arrive and potentially do another walk.
Are there any Denali hotels near the train station?
The Denali Train Depot is a railway line running within the park. If you want to stay close, staying in Denali Vilage Park is your best bet and Carlo Creek Lodge is my top pick for accom here. It’s budget friendly and you can even booj your very own cozy cabin.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Denali
The wildlife here is out the gate and while I don’t imagine any of the locals eating your backpack, you never know what could happen. Get good travel insurance and stay safe rather than sorry!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Denali
Denali National Park is a spectacular and unique destination for travellers. Home to the tallest mountain in North America, Denali is a haven for hikers, climbers and outdoor adventures. The enormous Park is surrounded by distinct small towns that are packed with interesting attractions and burst with history and charm.
With so much to see and do, there really is something for everyone in and around Denali. My ultimate recommendation for the best hotel is Susitna River Lodging thanks to its location, range of amenities, and rustic and charming rooms. Staying here, you’ll immerse yourself in the local culture south of the park but keep in mind you will be a couple of hours drive away from the Denali Park Entrance.
The Alaskan Adventure Aurora View Home is an epic Airbnb in Healy if you want to stay close to the Denali Park entrance. Staying close to the park entrance is a wise choice if you’re here for a short time. This stunning Airbnb will give you stunning views and really be a cherry on your Alaskan vacation, I’m sure!
Wherever you stay on your Denali Vacation, I challenge you not to fall in love with the remote wilderness. When visiting Denali National Park, make sure you explore the trails, I love Sugarloaf mountain.
Have I missed something? Have you explored some of Denali that you think I’ve missed? Hit me up in the comments, I love to chat!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
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- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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