ANCHORAGE LODGING FIELD GUIDE
Off-grid Yurts and a Wood-Fired Sauna an Hour and a Half South of Anchorage
Private rentals at Spirit Walker center on two 16' yurts and a historic, hike‑in cabin—this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.
Off-grid Yurts and a Wood-Fired Sauna an Hour and a Half South of Anchorage.
Located an hour and a half south of Anchorage and set a half‑mile off the Seward Highway, Spirit Walker is anchored by the one‑story Manitoba Cabin (originally built in 1936 and renovated in 2012) and two 16' sleeping yurts. The site includes a main cabin with a wood stove and four‑burner range, two heated sleeping yurts (Spirit Walker and Toba's) with stacked bunks, a propane‑heated Hutkeeper's Quarters attached to the cabin, an outhouse, and a wood‑fired Finnish sauna.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A historic cabin and attached private quarters
The main Manitoba Cabin retains its one‑floor mining‑cabin character while offering practical backcountry comforts: a wood stove for heat, a standard four‑burner stove for cooking, solar lights and shared kitchenware, plus the Hutkeeper's Quarters—a private, propane‑heated room attached to the cabin.
Two 16' yurts with mixed bunk arrangements
Sleeping is communal but comfortable: each of the two 16' yurts contains four single bunks and two double bunks, and both yurts are heated by wood stoves—an arrangement that makes the site suitable for small groups or families wanting a rustic, shared backcountry stay.
A wood‑fired Finnish sauna and nearby creek
Beyond sleeping quarters and the cabin kitchen, the site includes a wood‑fired Finnish sauna and Canyon Creek running by the back door, providing a rare blend of primitive systems and restorative comforts in an off‑grid setting.
What the day feels like
What the stay feels like
Expect a compact cluster of structures half a mile from the highway: a renovated 1936 mining cabin that functions as the shared hub, two wood‑stove‑heated yurts for sleeping, and a small array of backcountry comforts. Cooking happens on a standard four‑burner stove with supplied kitchenware while solar lights keep the common spaces lit; warmth comes from wood stoves in the cabin and yurts and propane in the Hutkeeper's Quarters.
THE SHELTER
A historic cabin and attached private quarters
The main Manitoba Cabin retains its one‑floor mining‑cabin character while offering practical backcountry comforts: a wood stove for heat, a standard four‑burner stove for cooking, solar lights and shared kitchenware, plus the Hutkeeper's Quarters—a private, propane‑heated room attached to the cabin.
THE SLEEPING SETUP
Two 16' yurts with mixed bunk arrangements
Sleeping is communal but comfortable: each of the two 16' yurts contains four single bunks and two double bunks, and both yurts are heated by wood stoves—an arrangement that makes the site suitable for small groups or families wanting a rustic, shared backcountry stay.
THE BACKCOUNTRY LUXE
A wood‑fired Finnish sauna and nearby creek
Beyond sleeping quarters and the cabin kitchen, the site includes a wood‑fired Finnish sauna and Canyon Creek running by the back door, providing a rare blend of primitive systems and restorative comforts in an off‑grid setting.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this stay suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a sleeping bag, your food (including spices, condiments, coffee and tea) and personal gear; mattresses are provided on bunks but guests supply sleeping bags and all edibles must be packed out to avoid attracting wildlife.
The cabin provides dishes, utensils and propane for cooking; wood for the wood stove is supplied while supplies last, though in winter 2025/26 guests must bring their own firewood.
There is no running water; Canyon Creek runs by the back door and should be treated by boiling, filtering or chemical means before drinking. An outhouse is available on site.
There are no electrical outlets at the site; solar powered lights provide illumination in common areas—this is an opportunity to plan for limited power and to bring batteries or non‑electrical lighting if needed.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How many people does the rental accommodate?
The site sleeps up to eight across the two yurts and the attached Hutkeeper's Quarters.
How long can I book the cabin and yurts?
Stays are available for up to seven nights.
Is there running water or electricity?
There is no running water at the cabin and no electrical outlets; solar lights are available and Canyon Creek provides a year‑round source of water that must be treated before drinking.
Is firewood provided?
Wood for the wood stove has been supplied historically while supplies last, but currently (winter 2025/26) guests need to bring their own firewood.
What heating and cooking options are available?
The main cabin and each yurt have wood stoves for heat; cooking is on a standard four‑burner stove with propane for cooking provided.
Where exactly is the site and how do I get there?
The property is located about an hour and a half south of Anchorage and sits roughly a half mile off the Seward Highway.
Are there security concerns I should know about?
There have been past break‑ins at the Mile 48 pullout; guests are advised not to leave valuables or spare keys in or on vehicles and to report any suspicious activity to the operator so they can coordinate with authorities.