Your leisurely two day Denali Itinerary
Denali has many opportunities for adventure, big and small. This post will dive into the best slow-paced adventures offered in and around Denali National Park. These adventures will allow you to experience and learn as much as you can without the stress or strain of high physical activities.
The average stay in Denali is one full day and two nights. All three of the itineraries below that fit that timeframe. They are tailored to folks wanting a leisurely-paced vacation. You can mix and match any activities or combine them to be fit for a longer trip!
Option One (Arriving by Rail):
Night one:
Arrive in Denali and get settled at your hotel (either the Denali Bluffs Hotel, or the Grande Denali Lodge — both have shuttles from the train depot). Head out to Black Diamond Resort for a horse-drawn covered wagon dinner experience. There you will start your tour at a mountain lake with panoramic views. The staff will serve you a fresh dinner and then take you out on the guided ride! You will learn about the area's coal mining history, folklore, facts, and more.
Morning one:
Spend the morning on a Naturalist Walking Tour with Northern Epics at 8:00 a.m.. The Naturalist Walking Tour with Northern Epics is very slow-paced, more of a stroll really, making it the perfect addition to a relaxed itinerary. On this walk, your naturalist guide will tell you all about the local flora, fauna, animals, ecosystem, and history of the area. The tour takes place within the Denali National Park boundaries on a well maintained and moderately flat trail. Northern Epics offers hotel pick up at both the Grande Denali Lodge and Denali Bluffs Hotel.
Afternoon one:
Once finished, stop in for a quick bite to eat at the Denali Dawg House, where they serve handmade hotdogs (made with buffalo meat!), hamburgers, and fries. Once you’ve fueled up, float down the Nenana river with Denali Raft Adventures (DRA). The Wilderness Run at DRA features the most scenic part of the Nenana river, mostly calm water, a few bumps to keep things exciting, and a professional guide to help you relax down the river. You can choose to paddle if you’d like; otherwise, just sit back and enjoy the ride! Denali Raft Adventures offers hotel pick up at both the Grande Denali Lodge and Denali Bluffs Hotel.
Night two:
For dinner check out Prospector’s Pizza and Alehouse, located within walking distance of the Denali Bluffs Hotel. Prospector’s features many tap beers from 49th state brewing if that’s your thing! The pizza itself is cooked in a wood stone brick oven and they offer many unique Alaskan toppings such as elk, reindeer, smoked salmon, king crab, and many more flavors!
Morning Two:
If you have some time to kill before you head out of town check out The Black Bear cafe in the Denali Canyon. There they have a counter style restaurant serving brunch and dinner as well as local coffee, beer, and wine. The Black Bear has great vegetarian and vegan options if that is your vibe! They have fresh pastries and espresso drinks in the morning making it the perfect last stop if you have to head onto the next adventure!
Option Two (Self-Drive):
Night One:
Once you arrive in Denali check into your hotel (McKinley Creekside Cabins or Denali Dome Home) and get settled! Once all set, travel six miles south of the Denali Canyon to the Denali Park Village and attend the Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre where there is a theatre performance about the history of the gold rush in Denali while dinner is served alongside it. You can choose from the 5:15 or 7:45 p.m. show time and they provide transportation from lodges located within the Denali Canyon!
Morning One:
Spend the morning at DogGoneIt where you will learn all about the history of dog sledding along with puppy cuddles and pets. The tour starts at 8:00 a.m. where you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken on a 30 minute bus ride into the nearby town of Cantwell to the home of Mike and Caitlin Santos. Their home was built by themselves to house their family and their beloved sled dogs. Mike has raced the famous Alaskan Iditarod Trail a handful of times! You will have an abundance of sled dog knowledge and puppy cuddles after visiting DogGoneIt!
Afternoon One:
Once you’ve returned from DogGoneIt grab a bite to eat at tAKo’s, Alaska Cantina. There they serve Mexican food with an Alaskan twist. tAKo utilizes premium, locally sourced proteins in their dishes such as halibut, elk, octopus, and yak paired with premium cocktails. For the rest of the day rent a Jeep from Denali Tour Company, they have options from 4 hours to a full day. This gives you the freedom to explore where you want to and at your own pace. Here are some recommended places to check out: The Dragonfly Creek Waterfalls, the Denali Highway, and the Savage River Trail.
Night Two:
Since you’ll have your own vehicle for the evening, head 11 miles north to check out 49th State Brewing. There you will find delicious food, locally brewed beer, and family friendly games/activities.
Option Three (Self-Drive):
Night One:
Check into your hotel and get settled! For your first night you may want to have a relaxing night enjoying the views of the Denali area. Head over to the King Salmon restaurant at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge located in the Denali Canyon. This restaurant offers fresh Alaskan seafood brought up from the coast and some classics like prime-rib dinner. Seating is in an open, formal dining room with a large wall of windows overlooking the Nenana River!
Morning One:
Pop over to Denali Wild Crepes for some fresh coffee and a breakfast crepe! They offer a variety of espresso drinks and sweet or savory crepes. Once fueled up, rent an e-Bike from Bike Denali, you can choose from 4 hours to a full day. E-bikes give you the same access as a bicycle without all the work! The e-bikes come with racks, panniers, bear spray & holder, lock, helmet and quality rain gear so you are all set for your Alaskan adventure. Here are some great places to explore via e-Bike: The Denali Visitor Center/Denali Park Road, and soon in the next few years, the Nenana River multi-use Trail.
Afternoon One:
While exploring on your e-bike you will surely build up an appetite. Stop into Karsten’s Public House located at the Holland America Denali Lodge, or if you find yourself within the park limits pop into Morino’s Grill. Both restaurants serve classic American style food and dishes, nothing too crazy but great for a quick delicious lunch!
Night Two:
Head over to Denali Photo Guides and join them for a photo excursion! These photo tours offer exquisite light on the Alaska Range, potential for reflection shots over mountain lakes, and optimal lighting on Mt. Denali when visible. This is a great way to spend the evening and really take in the views that the Denali area has to offer!
Once you’ve finished this photo excursion dine at the Alpenglow restaurant located at the Denali Grande Lodge up on Sugarloaf Mountain. While eating you will get to enjoy the wonderful view of the valley below. The Alpenglow restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, succulent steaks, and exquisite poultry dishes prepared to perfection. Their extensive wine list and crafted cocktails complement every meal.
Morning Two:
If you have the time, enjoy a relaxing morning with a Northern Epics Naturalist Walking Tour at 8:00 a.m. where you will learn all about the flora, fauna, animals, history, and ecosystem of Denali National Park! This tour takes place within the park limits and is on a moderately flat trail that is well maintained.
While there are many things to choose from, and no one will ever be able to do it all. Not even us! Hopefully these itineraries helped set you up for a nice relaxing vacation in Denali!
