Anne's Guidebook for Carlo Creek & Denali National Park
Food scene
For rural Alaska, Denali's food scene is bursting with flavor and creativity. Better yet, here at Carlo Creek, we are right in the hub of the best local restaurants! Below are where we locals eat in summer. (Since none of the restaurants are open in winter, we like to go out and enjoy them while we can in summer!) There are more places located just beyond the park entrance in the Canyon, or "Glitter Gulch," but they are busy and primarily geared toward visitors of the cruise industry.
Local's favorite spot for breakfast or dinner. On a nice day, ask to sit on the deck! Great nightly specials and the best part is it's a 5 minute walk from the cabin. I love meeting with friends here for dinner after a day of hiking or boating. Also a great spot to grab baked goods for breakfast on the road or trail. If you have an early morning in the park booked, you can call the day ahead and order a to-go sack lunch.
12 recommandé par les habitants
McKinley Creekside Cabins & Cafe
224 Parks HwyLocal's favorite spot for breakfast or dinner. On a nice day, ask to sit on the deck! Great nightly specials and the best part is it's a 5 minute walk from the cabin. I love meeting with friends here for dinner after a day of hiking or boating. Also a great spot to grab baked goods for breakfast on the road or trail. If you have an early morning in the park booked, you can call the day ahead and order a to-go sack lunch.
This outstanding restaurant is literally next door! It's been established for decades, but in the last couple of years has turned into a local favorite for their thoughtful tasty menu featuring as much local food as possible, creative cocktails and and value. It is not cheap, but it's authentic and a great value... especially at walking distance! Reservations are recommended, and if it's a nice evening, ask for seating on the deck. The view can't be beat! It's also a great spot to go just for a cocktail or dessert.
The Perch restaurant
224 Parks HighwayThis outstanding restaurant is literally next door! It's been established for decades, but in the last couple of years has turned into a local favorite for their thoughtful tasty menu featuring as much local food as possible, creative cocktails and and value. It is not cheap, but it's authentic and a great value... especially at walking distance! Reservations are recommended, and if it's a nice evening, ask for seating on the deck. The view can't be beat! It's also a great spot to go just for a cocktail or dessert.
Grab a pizza to eat at the cabin or enjoy the huge deck and corn hole games at Panorama pizza, located a 5 minute walk from the cabin. You drove right past it when you turned off the Parks Highway onto the driveway. Lots of Alaska beers on tap and super laid back atmosphere, this is the local's pizza place in Denali, as well as a great place for visitors. Take advantage of good weather and enjoy the incredible views of Cleft Mountain while enjoying pizza and beer under the midnight sun.
Panorama Pizza Pub
224 Parks HighwayGrab a pizza to eat at the cabin or enjoy the huge deck and corn hole games at Panorama pizza, located a 5 minute walk from the cabin. You drove right past it when you turned off the Parks Highway onto the driveway. Lots of Alaska beers on tap and super laid back atmosphere, this is the local's pizza place in Denali, as well as a great place for visitors. Take advantage of good weather and enjoy the incredible views of Cleft Mountain while enjoying pizza and beer under the midnight sun.
This is one of Alaska's most acclaimed restaurants and it's just 5 miles up the road! Reservations are a must. The head chef and owner, Laura Cole, was featured on Top Chef and prides herself on using the best, most local ingredients available. Any dinner at 229 is a special one. If reservations are not available, ask about eating at the bar. Pro tip: save room for dessert, or get a few items from the pastry case to bring home for later!
14 recommandé par les habitants
229 Parks Restaurant and Tavern
229.7 Parks HwyThis is one of Alaska's most acclaimed restaurants and it's just 5 miles up the road! Reservations are a must. The head chef and owner, Laura Cole, was featured on Top Chef and prides herself on using the best, most local ingredients available. Any dinner at 229 is a special one. If reservations are not available, ask about eating at the bar. Pro tip: save room for dessert, or get a few items from the pastry case to bring home for later!
Over at the Carlo Creek Cabins, just across the highway from us, is Moose's Brew drive/walk through coffee cart. Enjoy a morning stroll to pick up a latte, looking for morning moose along the way. It's about a 5-10 minute walk.
Carlo Creek Cabins
224 Parks HighwayOver at the Carlo Creek Cabins, just across the highway from us, is Moose's Brew drive/walk through coffee cart. Enjoy a morning stroll to pick up a latte, looking for morning moose along the way. It's about a 5-10 minute walk.
The nearest grocery store of any real size is in Healy, 25 miles away. If you need fixings to cook yourself, or snacks to go, Three Bears is your best bet. BUT, it is a trek and best combined with a trip to the park or other activities in Healy. It is the only supermarket in the Denali Borough.
16 recommandé par les habitants
Three Bears Healy
248.5 Parks HwyThe nearest grocery store of any real size is in Healy, 25 miles away. If you need fixings to cook yourself, or snacks to go, Three Bears is your best bet. BUT, it is a trek and best combined with a trip to the park or other activities in Healy. It is the only supermarket in the Denali Borough.
City/town information
People often ask, "What's in Cantwell?" There is a gas station (Vitus), which also has showers available. Sometimes, there are places to grab food, like a BBQ cart next to the highway, or Jam Jam's sandwiches, but it's hard to count on these places. The main draw to Cantwell is the jumping off point for the Denali Highway, a scenic unpaved 135 mi road that traverses the foothills of the Alaska Range through very wild country. Before you go, know whether or not your rental car company allows travel on the Denali Highway.
Cantwell
People often ask, "What's in Cantwell?" There is a gas station (Vitus), which also has showers available. Sometimes, there are places to grab food, like a BBQ cart next to the highway, or Jam Jam's sandwiches, but it's hard to count on these places. The main draw to Cantwell is the jumping off point for the Denali Highway, a scenic unpaved 135 mi road that traverses the foothills of the Alaska Range through very wild country. Before you go, know whether or not your rental car company allows travel on the Denali Highway.
Activities
There is so much to do around Denali! Here are a few of the things I enjoy, and think are worthwhile for visitors.
Want to do a river rafting day trip? Book a trip with New Wave. There are several options from leisurely to big white water on the Nenana River.
8 recommandé par les habitants
New Wave Adventures
239 Parks HwyWant to do a river rafting day trip? Book a trip with New Wave. There are several options from leisurely to big white water on the Nenana River.
One entrance to this trail is only 7 miles away. The other end is at the Visitor Center in the park. Due to road construction in summer 2022, the southern trail head parking is down at McKinley Village. Follow the signs on the highway at MP 231. It has some moderately steep sections, but is a very well maintained trail that travels through boreal forest, past several lakes, and has beautiful views.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Triple Lakes Trailhead
Parks HighwayOne entrance to this trail is only 7 miles away. The other end is at the Visitor Center in the park. Due to road construction in summer 2022, the southern trail head parking is down at McKinley Village. Follow the signs on the highway at MP 231. It has some moderately steep sections, but is a very well maintained trail that travels through boreal forest, past several lakes, and has beautiful views.
Conseils aux voyageurs
Se déplacer dans les environs
You will need your own transportation!
There is no reliable public transportation around Denali, and Uber and Lyft are not viable options here.
The exception is in Denali National Park, where it is advised to take a bus into the park to access various hiking areas, learn about the park, and view wildlife. Personal vehicles are only allowed on the first 15 miles of the Park Road.
Coutumes et culture
Please respect the neighborhood and private property.
While Alaskans open their arms to visitors, they are also folks who as a whole, enjoy their privacy... especially those who live out of the city. Please respect private property (you're surrounded by it here!) and save your wandering for the millions of acres of amazing public lands out the Denali Highway or in Denali National Park. If you are unclear about whether it's ok for you to walk somewhere, ask first. You don't want to accidentally find out about their "other" arms :)
Que faut-il apporter ?
Bring slippers and mosquito nets!
There are no shoes allowed in the cabin, so it's nice to have some sort of slippers. Outside, you'll want your sturdiest shoes since everything here is un-paved.
It's also wise to prepare for insects. If you're prepared, you'll be happier and more able to enjoy the incredible surroundings. Generally, mosquitos are the worst in May and June, with some still in July, and then other small biting insects (white socks, no seums) into August/September. I recommend head nets and a non-deet based repellent. Deet can melt plastic and is unwelcome at the cabin (your skin with thank you!).
Réservez avant de partir
If you want a guide, book in advance!
I highly recommend connecting with local guides. There is a local photo guiding company https://www.denaliphoto.com/, custom guiding company for hiking/boating activities https://www.traversealaska.com/, and even ranger led hikes in the Park. For more info on the Park's ranger led "Discovery Hikes," visit the website: https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/discovery-hikes.htm
Manières d'économiser
Bring food with your from Anchorage or Fairbanks
The only grocery store is 25 miles away and has higher prices than in the big city. Shop before you drive to Denali!
Manières d'économiser
Healy gas is cheaper than in Cantwell.
Within the local area, the cheapest gas is in Healy where there are three gas stations. Cantwell is the most expensive, generally $1 more per gallon or so. If you are driving south towards Talkeetna or Anchorage, the next gas station south of Cantwell is in Trapper Creek, 110 miles away. Plan wisely!