Mt. Healy Overlook Trail in Denali National Park, Alaska

Mt. Healy Overlook Trail in Denali National Park, Alaska- The Mount Healy Overlook Hike was my favorite and the best hike near the Visitors Center in Denali National Park. This hike is considered moderate, and a great view. Most visitors with some hiking experience will be able to complete this hike. It is a great option if only visiting the Visitors Center of the park, not venturing further back into the park. This article will give you all you need to know about the hike, how hard it is, how long, the difficulty, and how to get to Mt. Healy and much more!

Stats

Length: 4.9 mile out and back

Time: 2.5-3.5 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Elevation Gain: 2.483 feet

Trailhead: Denali Visitors Center

Overview

When To Go

Where To Stay

How To Get To The Hike

The Route

Tips For The Hike

What To Bring

Other Hikes In The Area That You Might Like

When To Go

Some of these hikes are open year round. But it is best to go during the summer months. I would plan for between June and August for the best weather and having a clear trail.

If you want a clear trail (minimal snow coverings) I would plan for July or August. Other ‘summer shoulder 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

Booking.com

How To Get To The Hike

To get to his hike you will need to park at the Denali Visitors Center. You will need to cross over the Park Road to get to the trailhead of this hike. This will be near the worker headquarters and overnight park bus parking. We actually parked across the street from the Denali Visitors Center and walked through the bus parking. This might have been a little bit closer but more confusing to find the trailhead.

The Route

Start

From the Denali Visitor Center Parking Lot you will cross over Park Road and start the Mt. Healy Trail by walking along the Taiga Trail first. You will walk along the flat and easy to follow path for about 0.5 miles. Look to Mt. Healy on the trail marker posts, but at this section you will need to turn right.

Bridge

After your about 0.5 miles along Taiga trail you will need to cross a short bridge. At the end of this bridge you will be officially on the Mt. Healy Trail. The trail is well taken care of and easy to follow. The first part of this trail will be through the woods and brush. This section of the trail is easy with minimal elevation change.

At about 1.5 miles into the trail the pathway slowly begins to change into a more rocky and uphill climb. You will get a few breaks in the trees to start to overlook the valley, the roads coming in and rolling hills and mountains.

Slight Up Hill Climb

This is where the trail starts to get a little more difficult. But with a few water, snack and resting breaks it is pretty easy to do.

On a super clear day you might even get to see a peak of Denali, but it was overcast when we went.

After some rocky uphill climbs you will see the overlook. This area will give you a 360 degree view of the Denali area. You can see the mountains from miles and miles away, the river below and even the Visitors Center.

End of Trail

The end of the trail is actually not the highest point. It is the official end of the trail and trail maintenance. But you can continue to climb along the ridge for some different views if feeling adventurous and if you have the time. We did for a little bit but it was later in the day and clouds were rolling in. So we didn’t stay too long.

It is very windy at the top so make sure that you have your belongings secure and some layers to keep you warm.

The hike back is the same way that you came in.

**If looking for a better view of Denali on a clear day I would look into the Savage Alpine Trail, you can still access this trail without needing to use the public or paid busing system in the park.

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 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 day’s 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.