CANTWELL

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Cantwell is located on the Parks Highway 27 miles south of Denali National Park.  The town is located at the west end of the Denali Highway (connecting the community to Paxson) where it joins the Parks Highway.   In the summer, Alaska/Yukon Trails departs Cantwell Junction once a day (from the Chevron Station) for Fairbanks and Anchorage. For more information about winter service to/from Cantwell, please see our Routes  for the Parks Highway Summer or Winter schedules and fares.

Located just to the North of Broad Pass, in the foothills of the Alaska Range, Cantwell is an interesting destination in its own right. The Cantwell area was originally inhabited by nomadic Athabascan Indians who trapped, hunted and fished in the area. Currently the area is approximately 25% Indian. The settlement had its start as a railroad flag stop for the Alaska Railroad. The town was named for the Cantwell River, also the original name of the Nenana River. The river was named by Lt Allen in 1885 in honor of Lt. John C. Cantwell of the Revenue-Cutter Service; explorer of the Kobuk River Valley. Like much of interior Alaska, the climate here is characterized by severely cold, long winters and moderately warm but short summers.

The economy here is largely based on highway tourism and transportation. There are also part time seasonal jobs, but many of the residents rely on subsistence hunting, fishing, and trapping. For information on what to do, see, or places to stay in the Cantwell area, you will want to begin at the Fairbanks Visitors Center

Backwood Lodge - 800 292-2232

Nestled in the woods on the Denali Hwy just of the Parks Hwy.  Scenic surroundings.  Walking distance to restaurants at the Hwy junction.  A good place to stay away from the crowds at the park.  Reasonable rates.

Box 32, Cantwell, AK 99729

Lazy J Lodge - 907 768-2414

Situated along the Parks Hwy about a mile north of the Parks and Denali Hwy junction.  Restaurant, coffee shop and lounge on premise.  Great winter and summer location, rates. 

Mile 210 Parks Hwy, Cantwell, AK 99729

THE DENALI HIGHWAY (Cantwell to Paxson)
Opened in 1957, this very remote and scenic "highway" runs east from Cantwell 136 miles to Paxson (80 miles south of Delta Jct.) on the Richardson Highway. Before completion of the Parks Highway in 1972 this was the only route to access Denali National Park. This "Highway" is all gravel and skirts the Alaska Range, passing by countless rivers, streams and lakes, most of which offer excellent fishing opportunities. There are many interesting geological formations along the route including glacial moraines, kames (cone shaped hills of gravel and sand), kettle lakes (holes that are formed by blocks of melting ice), and eskers (gravel ridges that are formed by rivers flowing under glaciers). 
There are very few facilities along this route and careful planning is a must. This route is closed from October to mid-May and you should not attempt to travel the route in the off season. The road can be an extremely dusty and bumpy in dry weather, with washboards and pot holes developing during rain.

There are many primitive, but pristine campgrounds along the route. For the more adventurous, this area is a destination in itself. The highway as well as many of the trails around it are ideal for hiking and mountain biking. Be sure to bring a topographic map if you plan to explore off the main road.

The Tangle Lakes National Register District is located between miles 17 and 37 serves as a great base for mountain bikers, ATVers and hikers. You can pick up a free Trail Map and Guide to the Tangle Lakes from the The Bureau of Land Management.  

BLM Box 147 Glennallen, AK. 99588. (907) 822-3217
Located at mile 22 (from Paxson) is the Tangle Lakes Campground and a little further up is the Tangle River Campground. Both sites are free and provide excellent access to the 30 mile Delta River Canoe Route. This Canoe route does have a stretch of class III rapids and one portage. Take out is located at mile 212.5 on the Richardson Highway. The easier Upper Tangle Lakes Canoe Route is only 9 miles and begins at Tangle River and ends at Dickey Lake. More information on all these recreation activities may be obtained from the BLM.

If you would like to find out more about hiking, sightseeing, camping opportunities in the area then visit the The Alaska Public Lands Information Center , They also have location in both Fairbanks and Anchorage. They are a great source of information on outdoor recreational lands use. Here, you will find information on all of Alaska's state and federal lands including parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Available are maps, books, slide shows, and other aids to help you with your Alaskan adventure. Expert staff are knowledgeable resource, and can assist you in learning much more about Alaska.