Denali Mountain Morning Hostel
Mile 224.1 Parks Highway
PO Box 208
Denali National Park, AK 99755
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (907) 683-7503
The Denali Mountain Morning Hostel is about 20 minutes from Denali National Park. If you are coming from Anchorage the hostel is on the left as you head toward the park. Across the street is a full service restaurant.
Hostels provide a friendly atmosphere at lower prices. Once the land of college students, hostels are for everyone. At the Denali Mountain Morning Hostel we talked a young man who was originally from the Philippines. He came to Alaska by way of Tennessee. Our license plate caught his eye. There was a couple from India and a backpacker from Germany. And who could forget the couple who’s relocating to St. Louis and took a short vacation first?
All of these folks were taking advantage of the open kitchen, dining and living area of the hostel. Everyone was friendly and relaxed. You do not get this kind of interaction at a motel.
This was my first visit to a hostel. It certainly won’t be my last. The staff at the Denali Mountain Morning Hostel went out of their way to see that all guests enjoy themselves. The place is well maintained and enjoyable. There is a free shuttle to take you to and from the park. The staff was knowledgeable, answered questions and volunteered information. There are tents, dorm rooms and cabins. Nice!
We had a terrific stay at Denali Mountain Morning Hostel. If you are considering a hostel stay please know that this may not be for everyone. Although you pay lower prices than at a motel there are some services that you have to do yourself.
A hostel is a cross between camping and a motel. You shower at the bathhouse as you do when camping. You strip your own beds and (at some hostels) you may have to make your own beds or bring your linens. The continental breakfast is whatever you brought with you.
The Denali Mountain Morning Hostel is perfect for those who like to cook their own meals and enjoy nature. It is not for those who want to be waited on hand and foot.
We were booked into the Splatter Rock cabin. This is a small sleeping cabin that was perfect for the 3 of us. There is a bunk style bed. The bottom is a full double bed and the top bunk is twin sized. Both bunks have reading lights that offer a homey touch. Linens are provided. You do have to strip the beds and place the linens in a tub when you leave.
Also in the heated cabin is a desk and 2 chairs, suitcase rack and bookcase. A mirror and shelf help you get ready in the mornings. The alarm clock keeps accurate time and the wireless Internet works well.
But that’s enough about the inside of the cabin. One of the reasons to fall in love with Denali Mountain Morning Hostel is the great outdoors.
It is as though the cabin is a tree-house hideaway. You are surrounded on two sides by forest. The view out the back windows is of trees. Open the front door and you see mountains, trees and the bathhouse. The parking area is to the side and front of the cabin. Some cabins are on a glacier fed stream. Peaceful and serene the setting is what you come to Alaska for.
The Denali Mountain Morning Hostel is divided into several buildings. One building handles check-in and has a small grocery store. There are sleeping rooms in the rear of the building.
Step down the rock lined pathway to go to the next building. This serves as a main hub. There is a full kitchen with all the pots and pans you would need. There is also three restrooms, the women’s dorm and an outside deck to relax on or have a barbecue.
If you prefer tent camping over a cabin or dorm Denali Mountain Morning Hostel has you covered. There are 3 tents that have each been constructed over a short platform. These look like they would sleep 4 people or possibly 6 if you are the friendly type. These tents are in the main hostel area. Additional tents are located by the creek.
The bathhouse is conveniently located about 30 feet away from the circle of cabins and tents. The showers are clean and well kept. There is a steady stream of water with good pressure. The hot water supply seems to be almost unlimited.
There were several other cars in the parking lot. Denali Mountain Morning Hostel seems to have no shortage of summertime guests. Like the staff, all of the guests are very friendly. This helps add to the homey touch and fun atmosphere of hostel life.
If you are visiting Denali National Park be sure to check out the Denali Mountain Morning Hostel. It’s open from May-September and is unlike any place else you will ever stay. View a slide-show here.
Sources
Denali Mountain Morning Hostel
Personal Experience
