Outdoor environmental author Edward Abbey has been quoted as saying “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” Abbey valued wilderness, and shunned development in wilderness areas. The concept of a wilderness lodge would have sparked a lively conversation with Mr. Abbey, to be sure.
A modern wilderness lodge allows visitors to experience wilderness without having to endure the hardship and tedium of camping. In some respects, these lodges actually protect the surrounding wilderness by constraining human impact to a small geographical area. Getting in and out can require effort, and there will likely be some creature comforts missing. But overall, staying at a wilderness lodge can be the perfect way to experience the great outdoors.
A wilderness lodge can often be accessed by car, usually on a dirt road. Other lodges require boat, plane, float plane, or helicopter access. Some require a long hike or a ride on horseback to get to the lodge. These methods of access lend credence to the saying that ‘getting there is half the fun.’ Once at the lodge, you will usually find comfortable beds, a warm fire, food and drink, and other modern conveniences. Electricity may be a precious resource if it comes from solar panels or a generator. Latrines may be composting toilets without running water.
Overall, wilderness lodges can have less of an impact on an area when compared with regular camping. This is a good thing. Imagine what 1,000 campsites and bathrooms would do to a pristine meadow! Also, these lodges allow access to visitors who normally wouldn’t be able to handle a back country camping expedition. The best part about a wilderness lodge is going to sleep and waking up in a wild place. This is truly satisfying for the human spirit, and Edward Abbey would certainly value that!