Sheldon Chalet, Ruth Glacier

Sheldon Chalet is the most extreme piece of hospitality in Alaska and the reason a lot of people search for Alaskan hotels at all. It stands alone on the Don Sheldon Amphitheater, a nunatak surrounded on all sides by the Ruth Glacier deep inside Denali National Park, and is reached by helicopter from Talkeetna.

Where it is

Inside Denali National Park on the Ruth Glacier, at around 6,000 feet. There is no road and no trail; access is by helicopter only, weather permitting.

Who it suits

A very specific traveller. It is booked as a whole-property, all-inclusive stay for small groups rather than by the room, and it sits at the top of the Alaskan price range.

When to go

Operates year-round in principle, with aurora viewing from the glacier in the dark months and near-endless light in summer. Weather governs everything, and helicopter access can shift a schedule.

More options nearby in our Denali guide, or browse Alaska hotels by type.