Skyline Lodge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I get to the Skyline Lodge in Kantishna? 
How do I make my bus reservations?
What is the bus schedule?
How do I get to Skyline Lodge if I take the bus?
If I'm taking Option #3 (fly in/bus out), what is the flight schedule?
For the Skyline Lodge, what are my meal options?
How do I get to Wonder Lake?
What activities are available in Kantishna and does the Skyline      
Lodge offer guided hikes?
How close are the bathroom facilities to the cabins?
Is there much wildlife in Kantishna?
Will my cell phone work in Kantishna?  Is there internet access?

How do I get to the Skyline Lodge in Kantishna?
The Skyline Lodge in Kantishna is located at the end of the road in Denali National Park, approximately 95 miles from the park entrance.  You can fly in with us or take the Park Service camper bus in to access our remote location.  A direct flight is 35 minutes long or you can choose the scenic-flyby flight which is 55 minutes, allowing time to experience the spectacular north face of Denali.  Make all flight reservations with Kantishna Air Taxi.  The camper bus takes approximately 6-7 hours going into Kantishna and around 5-6 hours going out to the park entrance.  For the best value, we recommend flying in and busing out.      

How do I make my bus reservations?
It depends on if you're busing INTO or OUT OF Kantishna whether you purchase your bus tickets from Park Service or the Skyline Lodge.

• If you’re busing INTO Kantishna (i.e. Option #1 or #2), you will need to make reservations with the Park Service/Aramark at 1-800-622-7275 or online at www.reservedenali.com. There are "shuttle buses" and "camper buses". We recommend taking the shuttle bus and there is only one each day that goes to Kantishna (departing the park entrance at 8:15am). When talking to the reservationist, let him/her know that you need the "Kantishna shuttle bus". There is room on the shuttle bus for luggage.
  The other buses going to Kantishna are camper buses, which are designated for backpackers and campers. You are welcome to make reservations for the Kantishna camper bus, but realize that backpackers and campers have precedence and a narrated tour is not expected of the driver.
• If you’re busing OUT OF Kantishna (i.e. Option #3), you can purchase bus tickets at the Skyline Lodge when you check-out. Prices are as follows: $25.00/adult, $11.50 for teenagers between ages of 15-17 years, children 14 and under are free. All tickets are standby.
• Food and water are not provided on the bus or at rest stops. You will need to come prepared.

What is the bus schedule?
Please double-check with the Park Service bus schedule as times vary throughout the season. The 8:15am shuttle bus is the one we recommend. The other buses into Kantishna are "camper" buses and are designated for transporting backpackers and campers. The general daily bus schedule is as follows:

How do I get to Skyline Lodge if I take the bus?
The park road goes right past our front door.  Simply tell your bus driver that you’re a guest of the Skyline Lodge in Kantishna and they will drop you off right at our lodge.  Someone will be there to meet and greet you and give you a lodge orientation. 

If I'm taking Option #3 (fly in/bus out), what is the flight schedule?
In general, the flights depart the park entrance at noon and 4:30pm and arrive in Kantishna depending on which flight you book. A direct flight is 35 minutes long and a scenic-flyby flight is 55 minutes long. Call ahead for availability.

For the Skyline Lodge, what are my meal options?

• A continental, self-serve breakfast is included in the cost of the cabin. 
• Join us for meals: Kantishna Air Taxi’s chef provides dinner for the staff.   Lunch is self-serve either to pack for the trail or bus for the day or to eat at the lodge.  The sit-down dinner will be served family style and the food is one of the highlights for most guests.  We strive to provide fresh, home-cooked, healthy, food. We try to use local organic produce when available.   You can join in on these meals for $40/person/day donation, which includes two meals: lunch and dinner.  If you arrive late in the day, you will receive dinner that night and can pack a lunch for your departure day.  If you arrive earlier in the day, you will receive lunch and dinner.  For an additional $15/person donation, you can make yourself lunch for your departure day.  If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us before your stay. 
• Eat at another lodge: The only other option for meals is the Kantishna Roadhouse (1 mile walk including a small stream crossing) and prior arrangements are needed.

How do I get to Wonder Lake?
Wonder Lake is approximately 5 miles east of Kantishna and the Skyline Lodge along the park road.  If you’re a guest of the Skyline Lodge, you can our mountain bikes and ride to Wonder Lake.  You can also purchase a bus ticket and ride the camper bus to Wonder Lake and later hop on a westbound bus coming back to Kantishna.  We can give you a bus schedule once you’re in Kantishna.  Some people walk one or both ways as well.  Due to Park Service permits and regulations, we do not offer shuttles to Wonder Lake.  

What activities are available in Kantishna and does the Skyline Lodge offer guided hikes?
Most who come to stay at the Skyline Lodge are self-sufficient hikers and adventurers.  All hikes in Kantishna are safe for self-guided hiking.  We will provide you with maps, directions, wildlife orientation, etc.  Many hikes can be accessed from our door or a short walk to the trailhead.  Hikes range from casual and easy to full day ridge excursions.  All ridge hikes offer spectacular views of Wonder Lake, the Alaska Range, and Denali if weather permits.  Mountain bikes are available for guest use at no cost.  Many guests like to ride to Wonder Lake and explore the mining roads of the area.  Other guests enjoy relaxing in quiet areas of the lodge. There are limited fishing possibilities in Kantishna (arctic grayling in Moose Creek and arctic char in Wonder Lake) and we do have basic fishing equipment.  If you’re an avid fisherman, we recommend you bring your own gear.  If you’re interested in dayhikes in the interior of the park, you can purchase a bus ticket from the Skyline Lodge and we’ll give you a bus schedule so you’ll know which bus to catch coming back to Kantishna.  Due to Park Service permit rules and regulations, we are not allowed to offer guided hikes. 

How close are the bathroom facilities to the cabins?
The bathroom and shower facilities are located in the main lodge, which is located next to the cabins.  It is a very short walk away, including two short flights of stairs. 

Is there much wildlife in Kantishna?
The highest probability of wildlife viewing is by traveling the park road by bus.  Wildlife sightings in Kantishna are a special treat.  The more you hike and adventure, the most likely you are to see wildlife.  Although Kantishna wildlife sightings are infrequent, you always need to be prepared for wildlife encounters and we can inform you of these procedures once you’re in Kantishna.  Generally, bears are rarely seen on hikes in the Kantishna area.   

Will my cell phone work in Kantishna?  Is there internet access?
Most cell phones do get reception at the park entrance, but they do not work in Kantishna.  Please make all your phone arrangements before you come into Kantishna.  We do have a phone line in Kantishna available for our guests, but it is best to come prepared for not having contact with the outside world.  For internet access, if you have your own computer a service fee of $7.00 a day will allow access to our wireless connection. We may have a computer dedicated for public use. Fee= $15.00 a day access.

If you have any other questions, please call the Skyline Lodge at (907) 683-1223.