The Best Hikes in Denali National Park: By Region- This article will highlight the best day hikes in Denali National Park. The hikes are divided by region in Denali National Park, Alaska, Eielson, by the Visitors Center, and Savage River areas. Denali is the best park to visit in Alaska if looking for great day hikes. Read here to learn about the hikes, transportation in the park, where to stay, what to bring, when to go and much more!
Overview
Denali National Park Visitor Center Area
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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 September. Even a few weeks after we got back at the beginning of August they were starting to close some of the Denali Park Road as they had some heavy snowfall.
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.
**As of late August 2021 Denali had a massive landslide . This resulted in closing the Denali Park Road at mile 42. The buses and cars cannot go any farther on the road. Make sure you check their website for updates, especially if planning to go to the Eielson Visitor Center or Wonder Lake by bus.
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
Hikes By Area
Savage River Area
The Savage River area is the farthest that you can drive in your own car in the Denali National Park. The Savage River Area is at mile 15 of the Denali Park Road. There is a ranger station at this area to stop and only allow tour, hiking and camp buses to continue driving on the road.
Savage Alpine Trail
The Savage Alpine Trail is one of my favorite hikes in the area, it is 4.1 miles long. It is best to use the bus transportation to make this hike one way. The best way to do this hike is to start at the Mountain Vista Picnic Area, leaving a car or using the bus. This hike is one way, then use the bus to get back to the start if needed.
Savage River Loop
The Savage River Loop is perfect for families. This scenic river hike is only 2 miles and has no incline. There is a bridge at the end to make it a loop. It does get crowded so I would suggest completing this hike earlier in the day or later at night to avoid the crowds. If you go early in the day you can enjoy their picnic area along the river for lunch. There are restrooms, picnic tables and rangers to ask questions in this area.
Mountain Vista Trail
This small hike starts at the Mountain Vista Picnic Area. This is a very nice area with restrooms and a bus stop if you plan to use the free transport buses. This hike gives you a little more valley view than Savage River and if you are lucky a view of Denali as well. The Mountain Vistra Trail is a short 0.7 miles. It also has a few benches along the trail and informational boards to enjoy.
Denali National Park Visitor Center Area
These hikes can be completed by parking at the Denali National Park Visitor Center. Some of these hikes have closer parking lots that may save you a small amount of distance or time. While here check out the Visitors Center, they have tons of informational boards and displays. You have the opportunity to use the restrooms, or even get a bite to eat at the Morino Grill adjacent to the Visitors Center.
Horseshoe Lakes
The Horseshoe Lakes hike is a 2 mile out and back hike. This hike will take you around the Horseshoe Lakes. Expect this hike to take 1 to 2 hours. While walking around the lake you will see different viewpoints and maybe even some beavers making their dams along this lake.
Mt. Healy Overlook
The Mt. Healy Overlook Trail is a 4.9 mile out and back hike. With an elevation change of 1,500 feet expect for this hike to take 3-4 hours. Located from the Visitors Center this hike will take you to a grand overlook of the Denali Park area.
Since we needed to drive to Talkeenta to coniture on our trip we left Denali National Park around midday. But this day would be a perfect time to schedule a guided tour if you had time, I listed some great ones below.
Eielson Visitor Center Area
To get to the Eielson Visitor Center you will need to use their busing system.
**As of late August 2021 Denali had a massive landslide . This resulted in closing the Denali Park Road at mile 42. The buses and cars cannot go any farther on the road. Make sure you check their website for updates, especially if planning to go to the Eielson Visitor Center or Wonder Lake by bus.
Denali Bus Tour
For our first day in Denali National Park we took the Transit Bus all the way to the Eielson Visitor Center for a few small hikes. Expect this to take up your entire day as it is about a 4 hour bus ride one way.
We took the 7:00 am bus, although ours was not narrated, we still were able to stop and see many animals and our bus driver gave us lots of information along the ride.
The bus ride is long but with the constant scenery and being on the lookout for animals it does go fast. Make sure you pack water, snacks and lunch.
Along the route the driver will make many stops, for restroom breaks and for specific overlooks.
If you are lucky, one of the 30% of visitors, you will get to see the top of Denali’s peak (Mt. Mckinley) along the drive or at Eielson Visitor Center.
Once at the Visitors Center you can choose to take a short break and get back on the same bus or since this is a transit bus you can hike around and catch an available bus later. We wanted to hike so we caught a different bus on the way back.
Thorofare Ridge Trail
We first took off for the longer, more difficult hike in this area, the Thorofare Ridge Trail. This hike is 2 miles round trip. It is short but steep, with a 1,000 foot elevation gain. Expect 1 to 2 hours to complete this hike. But on a clear day I think this hike gives you the best views of Denali.
Tundra Loop Trail
We had some time before the next bus came so we also did the short 0.4 mile loop by the Visitors Center, the Tundra Loop Trail. The views don’t change that much from the Visitors Center overlook, but it is a great way to stretch your legs from the long bus ride.
Gorge Creek Trail
The Gorge Creek Trail is another longer hike, we didn’t have enough time for this one. But it is 2 miles round trip, with a 600 foot elevation change. You can see the river in the photo below.
We got in late from our bus tour, so we ate a cooked meal at our camping site at Riley Creek Campground.
Tips For The Hiking in Denali
Denali’s Peak
Only 30% of visitors of Denali National Park get to see Denali, or known as Mt. McKinley. We got extremely lucky to see it, even with a little cloud coverage. Don’t be too disappointed if you don’t see it, the bus ride is still worth it! The landscapes getting there are incredible.
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 hikes. 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
There is not much storm coverage at the top of this trail. Make sure you keep in eye on the weather before heading out on this hike.
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.
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. We got burnt on this hike because we didn’t reapply our sunscreen often enough.
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.
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