Kantishna is located at the end of the road in the Denali National Park (about an 80 mile drive). We had a great driver named Mike. He drove a typical school-type bus and because there were only about 25 people on board, each of us had a window with a terrific view of the park. Mike was more than willing to stop the bus if any of us spotted bears, moose, caribou or other wildlife. In all, we saw 13 bears, several moose and caribou and countless dall sheep.
According to Driver Mike, only 2% of all people who visit the park actually get to see Mt. McKinley in its full glory, and not covered with clouds. We had the most spectacular view and realized WE were included in that 2%. Words cannot describe the beauty of the mountain that stays cloaked in white year round. We stopped at several viewing points along the way to Kantishna to admire the mountain, referred to by the locals as Denali- the Great one.
Kantishna is made up of a guesthouse, restaurant and individual cabins. Upon arrival we were treated to a delicious lunch and had a change to walk around the grounds and visit their museum. A woman who had participated in several of the Ididirod races presented a dog sled demonstration and talked about her life in Alaska.
When it was time for the trip back, Mt. McKinley was engulfed in clouds and no longer visible. But WE had seen it and it was the most beautiful site imaginable.