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You
don't have to board a bus or carry
a hefty backpack to enjoy hiking through
the wilderness of Denali National Park.
The joy of hiking here is that there
are no trails in most of the 6 million
acres of wilderness, so in most cases
you'll make your own way cross-country
in most cases. But near the entrance
area, there are plenty of developed
trails that offer views, a bit of solitude,
and chance encounters with wildlife.
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| This popular trail attracts lots of folks, so don’t expect to be the only hiker. It’s still worth the trip. The trail begins at Mile 0.9 on the park road near the railroad tracks. You’ll walk on a developed trail down to the lake. After you reach the Overlook, the trail drops steeply. Along the way, especially at the overlook bench, you’ll have a panoramic view of the Nenana River, the development called “Glitter Gulch” right outside the park, and surrounding mountains. A beaver dam and lodge are evident in the oxbow lake. |
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| Length: |
3 miles roundtrip |
| Elevation gain: |
200 feet |
| Time: |
1
– 1½ hr roundtrip |
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| Mount Healy Overlook Trail |
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The first mile of this trail, which begins near the new Murie Science and Learning Center, is moderately steep, hiking through the forest. The forest eventually gives way to tundra. Trees turn to shrubs, and the landscape opens wide. The last 1.5 miles are even steeper. Your reward, however, is sweeping views of the Denali National Park entrance area, the Nenana River Valley, Healy Ridge, and nearby alpine ridges. Those who want to climb to the summit of Mount Healy should plan an all - day excursion. |
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| Length: |
3
– 5 miles round-trip |
| Elevation gain: |
1,700 feet to overlook; 500 feet to benches |
| Time: |
3
– 4 hr roundtrip to overlook; 2 hours roundtrip to benches |
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| If you're headed to the dog demonstration at the kennels, or if you just want to stretch your legs, try walking this wide, comfortable trail through the forest, up to headquarters from the Visitor Access Center. It basically follows the road, occasionally wandering out of sight of the traffic. |
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| Length: |
1.8 miles |
| Elevation gain: |
300 feet in elevation |
| Time: |
45 min to 1 hr one way |
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| Either drive your own car or take the free shuttle 15 miles out the park road to the Savage River check station. This is a popular hiking trail, and you won’t be alone, but at least you’re away from the entrance area and entering the true wilderness of Denali National Park. This is a tundra walk on a developed trail that follows the river. Good hike for kids, with possibility of seeing Dall sheep, marmots, and caribou. You can do a loop walk, thanks to a bridge that crosses the Savage River just about one - half mile downstream. |
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| Length: |
1 mile round-trip |
| Elevation gain: |
Minimal |
| Time: |
You’ll want to linger, so plan a couple hours |
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| You can begin hiking at Mile 231 Parks Highway, on the west side of the road, where there is a small pullout for parking. The trail climbs steeply, and crosses the Alaska Railroad tracks. Then, the trail moderates and emerges from the forest to a grand view of the Nenana River and the Alaska Range looking south toward Windy Pass. From there the trail loops around the ridge and follows a series of three scenic lakes. Eventually, the park plans to build a trail all the way back north, another 7 miles, to the park entrance area. This is a forested walk, although you can divert up the hillside, which is normally covered with wildflowers. This can be a great hike for a picnic with a view. It can also be very wet and muddy, so be sure to wear rubber boots or hiking boots.
Length: About one mile one - way, or as far as you want to go. |
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| Length: |
About 1 mile one way, or as far as you want to go. |
| Elevation gain: |
Trails climbs immediately, about 400 feet, then gradually descends just a bit, as it leads from lake to lake. |
| Time: |
Your choice |
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| View all Denali Tours & Activities |
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