Hiking and camping south of the crest of the Alaska Range requires additional preparation and skill. This area contains ice fields, sheer rock, heavily crevassed glaciers, extremely large rivers, and very dense brush. Access to the southern backcountry units of Denali can be difficult, possibly requiring aircraft drop-off and/or lengthy overland traverses. If you enter the park through the Cantwell area, you will still need to visit the main park entrance area first (27 miles north on the Parks Highway) to obtain your backcountry permit and information on proper access routes. Respect private property in the area and never trespass. All climbers attempting Mount McKinley or Mt. Foraker must register through the Mountaineering Program (read more about mountaineering). Call the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station at 907 733-2231 for more information on climbing the south side of the Alaska Range.
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Last updated: April 10, 2025