In light of the new fly-in access to Camp Denali, a flexible travel itinerary is the best way to ensure that you enjoy your visit to the fullest.
As you plan your visit, you will need to make independent travel arrangements to and from the entrance area of Denali National Park. From there, flights between the entrance area and Kantishna are operated by Denali Air, the area’s original air service in operation since 1973.
Our office will coordinate flights with Denali Air on your behalf as part of your stay at Camp Denali. Below are considerations for getting to and from the park entrance, and for the Denali Air-operated flight to Camp Denali.
In order to optimize your availability for flight schedule changes, please plan on traveling to the park entrance the day before your arrival.
We strongly recommend traveling by car in order to maximize flexibility and independence. Advance reservations are essential due to high demand. Consider rental-by-owner options such as Turo for additional availability.
Driving time to Denali from Anchorage is approximately six hours, and from Fairbanks is approximately three hours.
You may travel by bus or train the day prior to your stay. Please call our office for more information.
Upon your return with Denali Air, make your way to our office, where you may use our facilities, collect any stored luggage, and depart at your convenience.
Same-day connections with bus or train are not reliable. Please call our office for more information.
Lodging options nearest the Camp Denali office include Tonglen Lake Lodge (rental car only), Deneki Lakes Bed & Breakfast (transportation for a fee), and Denali Cabins (walking distance to Denali Air and the Camp Denali office). At this time, all other lodging options require a rental car.
Denali Air’s private runway is conveniently located eight miles south of the park entrance and is directly across the street from the Camp Denali office where you will check in prior to your flight.
Passenger flights are conducted using a fleet of Cessna 206 aircraft, selected for their suitability to the runway conditions in Kantishna. As with any small aircraft, these four- and five-passenger planes must closely adhere to weight and balance specifications. Luggage is limited to 25 pounds per passenger, and must be packed in soft-sided luggage. Accurate weights of all members of your party are needed at the time of booking for flight planning purposes. Extra luggage may be repacked and/or stored at our office prior to your flight.
The 55-minute inbound flight includes a scenic fly-by of Denali and the Alaska Range, weather-permitting. A direct, 35-minute flight returns you to the park entrance on the day of your departure.
As a FAA-licensed air carrier, Denali Air can also be chartered for flights throughout the state. Please contact our office for further charter information.
All flights and times are subject to weather. Denali Air has final discretion over whether a flight can proceed based upon weather factors in the Alaska Range. Although uncommon, it is possible that flights may need to be postponed or canceled due to weather. While inconvenient, please realize in these instances that these are necessary safety determinations made by highly experienced professionals acting on your behalf.
To minimize disruption, we strongly urge you to have a backup accommodation plan for the day of your scheduled arrival, and a buffer or contingency plan for your departing connections. The bottom line is that air-based itineraries in Denali or elsewhere in Alaska are best approached with flexibility and patience.
We strongly recommend travel insurance, which can cover family, medical, and environmental emergencies. Access to our remote location can be impacted by weather, wildfires, floods, landslides, earthquakes and even eruptions. These circumstances are impossible to predict and can impact any Alaska itinerary. While we will not charge additional fees if you are held over at Camp Denali, we are not in the position to provide refunds for delayed or cancelled arrivals due to forces beyond our control. Please refer to our Rates & Reservations page for additional information.
Travel insurance is available through various providers, including Travelex Insurance at 800-228-9792 and Allianz at 866-884-3556.
Consider our B&B, Parkside Guest House, conveniently situated to greenspace, walking paths, and views on the edge of downtown Anchorage. Parkside Guest House is a five-minute cab ride from the railroad station, a 15-minute cab ride from Anchorage International Airport, and eight blocks from the Dena'ina Civic Center with motor coach connections to Denali. Call us at (907) 683-2290 to inquire about availability and reservations.
