About the Kantishna Wilderness Trails Day Trip

The wilderness backcountry of Denali National Park provides diverse habitats supporting big-game species such as black bear, grizzly, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolf, and wolverine. Forests and high alpine tundra are also home to porcupine, hare, squirrel, marmot, mink, marten, beaver, lynx, fox, and coyote.

Denali National Park is also home to numerous native and migratory bird species. Among the large birds of prey are eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Other prominent bird species include ptarmigan, grouse, ravens, jays, magpies, woodpeckers, swallows, chickadees, nuthatches, sparrows, and numerous warblers.

Most species of birds and mammals that are present within Denali National Park are also prevalent around the Kantishna region. Whether you are an avid naturalist or photographer, or have casual interest in Alaskan wildlife, the abundance and variety of animals in and around Denali has established its reputation as a premier viewing area of these species within their natural habitats.

Visitors on our Kantishna Wilderness Trails are advised to bring their binoculars and camera to capture all of the beauty and majesty of the Park's abundant wildlife.

Gold Panning
We provide rubber boots and panning equipment and you keep all the gold you can find! Back at the lodge, we will laminate your gold flakes on a beautiful "gold card" as a keepsake of your visit to the historic gold mining district of Kantishna.

Sled Dog Demonstration
Dog mushing, as it is known locally, was once the main mode of transportation in interior Alaska and continues to be a popular recreational aspect of outdoor life here in the North. Our kennel of happy sled dogs and their handler give daily programs on the history and the care and keeping of sled dogs.