Hiking

Most of Denali is devoid of trails and bridges, although there are several trails in the entrance area of the park. Unless you can leap like a lynx, be prepared to get your feet wet when hiking in the wilderness!

NPS Photo / Emily Mesner

There are two ways to hike in Denali—on an established trail, or off-trail in nearly any direction you choose.

Trail hiking

There are not very many trails in Denali, and most of the trails here are short and located near the park entrance. Only a few trails are located further into the park away from the entrance. Each trail is described below on this page.

Off-trail hiking

Unlike most parks that require visitors to stay on trails, Denali also provides the opportunity to explore a trail-less wilderness. Hiking off-trail can seem intimidating at first, but it is a memorable and unique experience. Learn more about off-trail hiking in Denali.

Preparing for a Day Hike

View a printable summer trail map. You can print this at home, save it on your device, or pick up a trail map inside a Summer Guide or Winter Guide brochure when you arrive in the park.

Check out information on self-guided trail hikes. These trails are all within a few miles of the Denali Visitor Center. You may wish to download or print these materials in advance, though cell service is available while on many of these trails, if you decide to access them while hiking.

It is safest to hike with at least one other person. Whether you are hiking alone or in a group, be sure to make noise as you hike, either by talking, singing, or simply shouting "Hey there!" every few minutes. The human voice is distinctive and tells wildlife that you are in the area, which helps minimize surprise encounters. Bear bells, whistles, etc., are no substitute for your voice. The first few shouts may feel silly, but with enough repetition, they will seem a natural part of hiking in Denali.

 

Safety

Are you prepared? Read about wildlife safety, weather, and traveling in the wilderness before you visit.

 

Several trails begin from a trailhead behind the Denali Visitor Center.

NPS Photo / P. Reed

Trail Details

In the tables below, the distance, slope, width, and surface for each trail is described. Keep in mind the following notes:

• Some trails are loops, and so a round-trip time and distance is offered. Other trails are not loops by themselves, and so the time and distance numbers are for a one-way hike. Add multiple one-way trails together to estimate a larger loop (e.g., a loop combining the Rock Creek and Roadside Trails). View the printable trail map to understand which trails can be combined to make a loop.

• Not every trail begins at a visitor center or road. In those cases, you might need to add a bit more time (e.g., the Meadow View Trail is only a third of a mile long, but to get to either end of the trail you must hike along one of a couple different trails from the visitor center). Some of the longer trails are explained in greater detail on separate pages, linked below.

• Short- or long-term trail closures may be implemented to protect wildlife. Check the closures map and respect any closure signs you encounter.

 

Trails near the Park Entrance

Parking is available at the Denali Visitor Center.

Some of these trails travel next to the Denali Park Road and connect the visitor center with other important facilities in the entrance area of the park, such as the park sled dog kennels, Riley Creek Campground and the Denali Bus Depot. Other trails will feel more remote, allowing you to seek a bit of solace and quiet, while still having an obvious, established path to follow.

Trail	Brief Description	Time (Leisurely Pace)	Distance
Horseshoe Lake Trail	A popular trail that descends to, and travels entirely around, a lake. The surface is five feet wide, with uneven soil with rocks and roots. It begins with a short, steep uphill to a bench overlooking the lake. The trail then descends 250' steeply to the shore of the lake. The trail grade averages 5% with sections up to 20%.	2 hours round-trip from its trailhead (add about 30 minutes if starting/ending at the Denali Visitor Center)	2 miles, round-trip (add about 1 mile round-trip if starting/ending at the Denali Visitor Center)
Jonesville Trail	A steep shortcut from Riley Creek Campground to the Canyon, the business district outside the park. It has a surface of compacted gravel. From west to east, it drops about 150 feet.	10 minutes one-way from either trailhead	0.3 mile, one-way
McKinley Station Trail	Descend from the visitor center to Hines and Riley Creeks, and pass under the Alaska Railroad trestle. The trail is compacted gravel. It has an 8.5% grade maximum, dropping ~100 feet in the process via one long, gently sloping hill. The trail is 5' wide.	1 hour one-way from the Denali Visitor Center	1.6 miles, one-way
Meadow View Trail	A very narrow trail (about 30" wide) overlooking a meadow, forming a short connection between Rock Creek and Roadside Trails. The trail is relatively level, but has a steep drop to one side.	15 minutes from either trailhead	0.3 mile, one-way
Morino Trail	A short trail through spruce forest. Good for a quick walk while waiting on a bus or train.	15 minutes one-way from its trailhead	0.2 mile, one-way
Mount Healy Overlook Trail	An increasingly steep hike out of the forest and into the alpine country, with potential views of Denali, if skies are clear. The trail surface is rough soil with rocks and roots. Eventually becomes very steep, maxing at a 25% grade. Generally 24" wide.	2 hours one-way from the Denali Visitor Center	2.7 miles, one-way
Parks Highway Bike Trail	Paved path alongside Highway 3 (George Parks Highway), from the park entrance north to the Nenana River Canyon area.	30 minutes one-way	1.0 mile, one-way
Roadside Bike Trail	Travels alongside the Denali Park Road, from the visitor center to the park entrance. Little elevation change. The surface is well-compacted gravel. 5% maximum grade, 10' width. Continues as a paved path alongside Highway 3 (see Parks Highway Bike Trail above).	45 minutes one-way from the Denali Visitor Center	1.7 miles, one-way
Roadside Hiking Trail	Travels uphill from the visitor center to the sled dog kennels and park headquarters. Runs generally uphill from east to west, up to a 15% grade; generally 36" wide.	1 hour one-way from the Denali Visitor Center	1.8 miles, one-way
Rock Creek Trail	Occasionally steep trail through forest. Similar route to the Roadside Hiking Trail, but a bit longer and much quieter, as it's farther from the road. Runs generally uphill from east to west, up to 15% grade; generally 30" wide.	1.5 hours one-way from the Denali Visitor Center	2.4 miles, one-way
Spruce Forest Trail	A short trail through spruce forest. Good for a quick walk while waiting on a bus or train. 0% grade change, with a width of about 5 feet.	15-minute loop	0.1 mile, one-way
Triple Lakes Trail	Denali's longest trail connects the Tsenesdghaas Na’ Trailhead with the Denali Visitor Center Campus. From the northern end, the trail crosses bridges over two creeks, then climbs uphill and travels along a long, forested ridgeline. Continue south for views of three scenic lakes. The surface is a mix of compacted gravel, soils, rocks, roots, and sections of planks over marshy ground. The trail is up to 20% grade at times, generally 24" wide. Plan ahead to arrange your own transportation back to your starting location. Note: The southern end of this trail is accessed via the Tsenesdghaas Na' Trailhead, located 6 miles south of the park entrance. Triple Lakes Trail lies within designated Wilderness, so groups are limited to 12 individuals.	5 hours one-way from either trailhead	9.5 miles, one-way

Trails at Tsenesdghaas Na' Trailhead

Located 6 miles south of the Denali Park Road entrance. Limited day-use parking is available for personal vehicles.

Trail	Brief Description	Time (Leisurely Pace)	Distance
Nenana River Hiking Trail	Trail is under construction; approximately 6 miles of trail is currently complete with 500 feet of elevation change. Travel through the forest with scenic views of the Nenana River. The first 0.75 miles of the trail is 3–5 feet wide with a compacted gravel surface that ends at an overlook of the Nenana River Canyon. The trail remains 3 feet (0.9 m) wide until it reaches a second overlook. Beyond the second overlook, the trail becomes narrower with steeper grades and uneven surfaces as it winds deeper into landscape. 30% maximum grade, 1-5 ft wide, compacted gravel, soil, and rock surface with roots and sections of boardwalk.	3–4 hours one-way from Tsenesdghaas Na' Trailhead	6 miles, one-way
Oxbow Loop Trail	From the Tsenesdghaas Na' Trailhead, this rustic trail contours along the west bank of the Nenana River, offering views from high above the river. The trail wanders in and out of spruce forest and eventually drops down to the edge of the river. This trail provides walk-in access to a gravel bar on the Nenana River, which might be useful for rafters.	1 hour round-trip from its trailhead	1.5 miles, round-trip
Triple Lakes Trail	Denali's longest trail connects the Tsenesdghaas Na’ Trailhead with the Denali Visitor Center Campus. From the southern end, the trail passes under the highway bridge, then crosses railroad tracks on the way to reach three scenic lakes. Continue north along a ridge to cross a suspension bridge and hike along Riley Creek. The surface is a mix of compacted gravel, soils, rocks, roots, and sections of planks over marshy ground. The trail is up to 20% grade at times, generally 24" wide. Plan ahead to arrange your own transportation back to your starting location. Note: The northern end of this trail can be accessed from the Denali Visitor Center. Triple Lakes Trail lies within designated Wilderness, so groups are limited to 12 individuals.	5 hours one-way from either trailhead	9.5 miles, one-way

Trails at Mountain Vista and Savage River

Located at miles 13–15 on the Denali Park Road. Limited parking is available for personal vehicles; riding the free Savage River Shuttle in summer is recommended.

This area is not accessible in winter. Winter begins when snow falls, typically late September or early October. Learn more about the Savage River area.

Trail	Brief Description	Time (Leisurely Pace)	Distance
Mountain Vista Trail	On clear days, you can view Mount McKinley from this trail. Look for the fully snow-covered mountain in the distance to the southwest. Located at Mountain Vista, at mile 13 of the Denali Park Road. Can be accessed by the free Savage River Shuttle and private vehicle, with limited parking available. The trail has a 5% maximum grade and is 6 feet wide.	30 minute loop	0.6 mile, round-trip
Savage Alpine Trail	Connects the Savage River and Mountain Vista areas. Limited parking available at either end. Use the free Savage River Shuttle to return to your vehicle. In spring and fall when the shuttle is not running, you can walk an additional two miles along the park road to return to your starting point. This strenuous trail has steep sections up to 25% grade and is generally 24" wide. Located within designated Wilderness; groups are limited to 12 individuals.	Three hours, one way	4 miles, one-way
Savage Cabin Trail	Learn about the history of the area on this trail that leads through forest to the historic Savage Cabin. 50 feet of elevation change.	30 minutes, one-way	0.8 mile, round-trip
Savage River Loop	Located at the Savage River at Mile 15. Very limited parking available. Can be accessed by free Savage River Shuttle. On the western half of this loop, the first quarter-mile of the trail is around 2 feet wide and very flat; gradually the trail narrows and has more impediments like rocks and uneven surfaces. Located within designated Wilderness; groups are limited to 12 individuals.	90 minute loop	2 miles, round-trip

Trails at Eielson and Wonder Lake

These trails begin from Eielson (mile 66) and Wonder Lake (mile 85). They can only be reached by riding a transit bus into the park.

Tundra Loop	From the Eielson Visitor Center, at mile 66 of the Denali Park Road, this short loop explores alpine tundra. Negligible grade change and generally two feet or wider at all times. A spur trail leads an additional quarter of a mile, one-way, off the Tundra Loop.	15 minute loop	0.3 mile, round-trip
Thorofare Ridge Trail	From the Eielson Visitor Center, this switchback trail climbs about 1,000 feet up to a ridge for high, scenic views of Mount McKinley on clear days and a vast expanse of tundra beyond.	One hour, one way from Eielson Visitor Center	0.8 mile, one-way
Gorge Creek Trail	The Gorge Creek Trail descends 600 feet from the Eielson Visitor Center to the Gorge Creek and Thorofare River bars, with access to numerous off-trail dayhiking opportunities and backcountry camping units. A creek crossing may be required if you want to hike past the end of the trail.	~ 90 minutes round trip	~ 2 miles, round-trip
McKinley River Bar Trail	From a road junction approaching Wonder Lake Campground, this trail passes through wet meadows and enters spruce forest, and ends at the McKinley River. Negligible elevation gain. This area is plagued most of the summer by mosquitoes, so bring a head net!	90 minutes, one way from its trailhead	2.4 miles, one-way