|
Rent a comfortable sports bike—great for on-road or off-road—and take off on your own along Denali’s improved trail system. You can also rent mountain bikes for a more challenging journey along the Park Road. You’ll need a permit if you want to go past Savage River at Mile 15. Bike Denali (907-683-8200) is next to the Park Mart at Mile 238 on the Parks Highway. The staff will give you an entrance area map and tip you off on the great sights along the bike path.
HIKES
Hike through areas of Denali with an experiences guide who will help bring the Park’s amazing science and history to life. .
Triple Lakes Trail Interpretive Hike: This challenging hike on an improved trail inside Denali National Park gives you an immersion into the boreal forest of Interior Alaska. It begins with a gradual hill climb, offering spectacular views of the Nenana River and the glacially carved Yanert Valley—then levels off near the three alpine lakes that give this trail its name. Here you have a good chance of seeing arctic grayling, beavers and moose, set against the backdrop of wildflower-covered hills (come August, there are blueberries, too). Recommended for avid hikers with appropriate conditioning and footwear. 4 miles, 3.5 hours. Two person minimum is required.
Rock Creek Hike: This "front country" experience on the Rock Creek Trail combines a pleasant hike on an improved trail with a visit to the unique Denali Visitor Center. Your interpretive guide takes you rot eh center where you can explore for about a half hour, then you’ll take a moderately strenuous loop hike of about four miles on the Rock Creek Trail. You’ll pass through a spruce and birch forest, with chances of seeing a moose or another forest animal.
Steps Through Time Hike: This guided hike through a gorgeous wilderness of mixed spruce, birch and alder forest as you follow the trail of frontier hunters on the way to an old hunting cabin. The rustic trail leads you to a bird’s eye view of the glacially-carved Nenana River valley, and you have the chance top see fox, moose, dall sheep and numerous birds. Your guide will offer insights into the powerful forces that shaped the land. Due to some increases in elevation and a boulder-hopping creek crossing, this is a moderately strenuous to difficult hike requiring sturdy foot wear.
Sugarloaf Summit Adventure Hike (6-8 hrs; adults only): This invigorating trek above the tree line challenges guests on one of the steepest hiking trails in the area—almost 1,600 vertical feet. You’ll start in the mixed spruce forest, transition to alder and willow and then reach alpine tundra and scree. Your skilled interpretive guides will point out both the stark and subtle characteristics of the area. Your reward, if it’s a clear day: one of the most spectacular views of Denali. This hike, rated "extremely difficult," is only for experienced hikers.
Triple Lakes Traverse Adventure Hike (6-8 hrs; adults only): This 7.7-mile hike, along a newly opened trail in the fringe of the Denali backcountry, takes you through forests, along alpine ridges and aside gorgeous clear lakes. You’ll get dramatic views of open valleys, highlighting the immense forces of glaciation that carved the land. This hike, rated "extremely difficult," is only for experienced hikers.
Rollup  |
top
