Horseshoe Lake Trail and Hike in Denali National Park in Alaska- The Horseshoe Lake Hike is a trail in Denali National Park that loops around Horseshoe Lake. This hike is one of the best hikes near the Denali National Park Visitor Center. It is an easy hike, with the chance to see some animals and beaver dams! The lake gets its name for its unique curve that makes it resemble a horseshoe from above. This article will tell you how to get to the hike, parking, how hard and much more on the Horseshoe Lake Trail.
Stats
Length: 2.1 mile loop
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Elevation Gain: 393 feet
Trailhead: opposite side of the parking lot from the Denali Visitor Center. There is a small trailhead parking lot if not filled.
Overview
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When To Go
Some of the hikes in Denali area open year round. But it is best to go during the summer months. I would plan for between June and September for the best weather. But it is recommended to go between April through September.
If you want a clear trail (minimal snow coverings) I would plan for July or August. Other ‘summer months’ could have snow leftover on the trail or roads.
Where To Stay
We explored Alaska in a campervan with Million Mile Adventures. But no matter which way you are traveling I listed options for you below.
RV & Tent Camping
We stayed at the Riley Creek Campground, in the Denali National Park (about a 3 minute drive from the Visitors Center). And if using a bus this was right down the street from the bus depot.
Hotels or Rental
The best place to stay for access to the park would be in the town of Denali Park, located right side of the entrance. There are many accommodations and it is only a short drive to the Denali National Park Visitors Center.
You can also easily get here from other small towns:
Healy– 20 minute drive
Cantwell– 35 minute drive
How To Get To The Hike
This hike is about 1.2 miles into the park from the Denali Entrance. There is a small parking lot with about a dozen parking spots right past the railroad tracks along Park Road. We found a spot here when we came in the evening hours. But if it is busy there is tons of parking at the Visitors Center. From here it is a short 0.3 mile walk from the Visitors Center along the Denali Bike Trail, this will take you about 7 minutes to walk.
The Route
Start
From the trailhead you will walk along the train tracks for about 100 yards. You will need to cross over the tracks but make sure you do not hang around or walk long on the tracks as is in operation. A train could come at any moment.
Turning right across the train tracks will take you to the Horseshoe Lake Trail.
This is a pretty populated hike, so you will most likely see people out in front of you or coming out of the trail. The signs are easy to follow as well!
Downhill
At the start of the trail you will soon make your descent down to the Horseshoe Lake Loop. This will be the majority of your descent. This will be the same hill that you will walk up on your way out of the trail. This trail has steps on some parts of the descent to help make the hike easier.
Right before you get to the bottom there is a small jut out that takes you to a stunning overlook of the lake and valley.
The Split
Right before you get to the lake you will come to a split with signs, you can go either direction. We choose to go right first of the sign post, which is technically straight along the trail.
The Lake
You will get to see a view of the lake shortly along this path. There are many stops for views, and even with a few benches to sit down at and enjoy your time here.
The Beaver Dam
Along this hike you will have the option to see a beaver dam. It is a short 0.2 mile walk, and very easy. It is worth the effort. You will also get to see the other side of this beaver dam on the other side of the loop later on.
Nenana River
From the beaver dam we continued on the trail. The hike brought us to the Nenana River. Here we could see the small town from below, and where they start river rafting adventures. I loved being about to walk along the rocks and hear the river.
Along the Lake
Right after the Nenana River you will be back at the other side of the beaver dam, from here we saw more up close and the broken trees.
You will get to walk very close to the lake along this section of the trail. I liked this section for this time of day, the sun was not in our eyes.
Back Up
Once finished hiking around the lake you will be back at the split with the sign post. From here you will walk back up the hill, along the train tracks and to the parking lot back to your car.
Tips For The Hike
Leave No Trace
Make sure you practice Leave No Trace 7 principles to leave minimal impact on the trails.
Be Bear Aware
Make sure you are Bear Aware while in any part of Alaska. We carried bear spray while on any hike in Alaska. We did not see any moose or bear along this hike, I would be surprised if you did as this is a well trafficked hike. Stay alert, make noise, and seal food in containers. I also used a bear bell since we are usually pretty quiet hikers.
Watch For Weather
Make sure you keep in eye on the weather before heading out on this hike. Denali’s weather is known to change with little notice.
Go Early
Going early will help you beat the crowds and the heat. And maybe even give you a better chance at seeing some wildlife and beavers if you are interested in that.
What To Bring
Water– we each carried 2 liters of water in our hydration bladders with an additional collapsible water bottle for this days hike. If staying nearby at least bring a waterbottle.
Hiking Poles– If planning on hiking I do love using them for uphills and downhills, much easier on your knees. But not exactly necessary for these small hikes.
Layers– You never know what Alaska weather and high elevation hikes may bring you. Dress in thin layers and make sure you bring a raincoat as well.
Sunscreen– Sunscreen is essential for anytime while hiking.
Bear Spray– we each had our own, and I also attached a bear bell on to my backpack. When on the bus they will ask you to seal it in your backpack. Bear spray is probably not necessary if sticking to the main populated trails. When using the buses you will need to put this in your backpack.
Bug Spray– Alaska summers are known for their bugs. Although we didn’t seem to get bitten by bugs much while in Denali National Park.
Hiking Shoes– Good sturdy hiking shoes are a must. I love my Ahnu’s.
Snacks/Food– This is a long hike, we packed many snacks such as granola bars, jerky sticks, fruits strips and more. We also packed a sandwich to eat at the top.
Sunglasses/Hat– Again it is very bright at the top as it is a pretty wide open area. I would pack sunglasses and maybe even a hat if you are sensitive to the sun.
Other Hikes In The Area That You Might Like
Savage Alpine Trail
Length: 4.1 miles one way
Time: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,414 feet
Trailhead: Mountain Vista Picnic Area or Salvage River Campground
The Savage Alpine Trail is the best hike in the Savage River area of the Denali National Park. You might even be able to see Denali from this hike on a clear day!
Mt. Healy Overlook Trail
Length: 6.9 miles
Time: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 2,483 feet
Trailhead: Denali Visitors Center
The Mt. Healy Lookout Trail was my favorite hike near the Denali National Park Visitors Center. A tough one but the ends have 360 views of the Denali valley area.
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