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UNIT 1 This unit is bounded by the George Parks Highway (Hwy #3) to the east and Riley Creek to the west. There is a long, broad alpine ridge system in the southern end of this unit, as well as ridges that surround the Triple Lakes basin in the northern portion of the unit. The majority of the unit is forested, including the Triple Lakes area, with wet tundra in lower areas and dry tundra at higher elevations. 
NPS Photo Tips and Special FeaturesThis is one of the few areas in the park with easy trail access. It is a good option for large groups because it has a limit of 12 people per night and the trailhead is accessible by personal vehicle rather than the bus system. You are likely to run into day hikers on the popular Triple Lakes Trail, especially on weekends. There are primitive campsites near the trail, but they do not have outhouses or garbage cans, so you are required to follow the normal Denali rules for waste disposal in the backcountry. If you camp in the lake basin, please note that you must camp at least 100 feet from the lakes to protect vegetation. Wildflowers are abundant in early summer and blueberries are plentiful in the fall. AccessThe Triple Lakes Trail is the main travel corridor in Unit 1. The southern end of the trail is accessed from the Tsenesdghaas Na' Trailhead at Milepost 231 on the George Parks Highway. The northern end of the trail crosses Riley Creek via a suspension bridge and connects with the McKinley Station Trail near the Denali Visitor Center. Common Routes or Hiking CorridorsMost backcountry users hike on the Triple Lakes Trail and use campsites which are accessible from it. It is about 2.5 miles to the northern-most lake (Lake 3) from the Tsenesdghaas Na' Trailhead, along a moderate trail. The northern portion of this trail climbs from Lake 3 up to a broad ridge. The trail follows this ridge north to the entrance area of the Park Road and the Denali Visitor Center. Most of the trail is in taiga forest with periodic views of the surrounding valleys. You can begin extended trips from the Triple Lakes area by following the drainage northwest of Lake 3, which leads to Riley Creek. Traveling north (downstream) along Riley Creek from this point is not recommended in mid-summer because there are a number of cliffs you must navigate around and Riley Creek can be very difficult to cross. Riley Creek is typically more crossable as you go south (upstream) on its brushy gravel bar and into Unit 2. From the headwaters of Riley Creek you can follow passes that lead to the Windy Creek (Unit 16), Savage River (Unit 4), or Sanctuary River (Unit 5) drainages. The broad alpine ridge system in the southern part of Unit 1 can be reached by ascending the western hillsides of the Triple Lakes basin that lead to amazing views of the Yanert Valley. This can be a good overnight trip, or the beginning of a longer adventure into Unit 2. Additional Notes and HazardsYou must camp at least 100 feet from the lakes. Campfires are not allowed from April 15 to September 30. 
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Last updated: May 8, 2026