Thorofare Ridge Trail Hike in Denali National Park, Alaska- The Thorofare Ridge Hike near the Eielson Visitors Center in Denali National Park is the best day hike if riding the bus in. Thorofare Ridge will take you to a peaceful and sweeping view of Denali itself, the glaciers below and the rugged mountains around it. We also saw animals along this hike as well. This article will give you all you need to know about the Thorofare Ridge hike, how hard the hike is, how to use the bus system to get to the hike, how much time to hike it and much more.
Stats
Length: 2.2 miles out and back
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,105 feet
Trailhead: opposite side of the parking lot from the Eielson Visitor Center.
Overview of the Thorofare Hike
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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
How To Get To The Thorofare Hike
To get to the Thorofare Ridge Hike you will need a way to get to the Eielson Visitors Center. During tourist season the only way to do this is to take a Denali Park Bus in. This bus ride averages about 4 hours one way. So expect for this to be an all day trip. You can read below on how to use the bus system and which way we went. The bus ride seems long but it well worth it, we saw so many different types of landscapes and animals along the way.
A few times a year you can drive your own car back, this is usually lottery based and open to only residents.
Using The Bus System
Denali National Park has a few different options on their bus system, all depending on what type of day and adventure that you want to have. I have listed the different options below. All od these buses can be reserved through Reserve Denali website. We took the Transit Bus.
***As of late August 2021 Denali had a massive landslide . This resulted in closing the Denali Park Road at mile 42. The buses, bikes and cars cannot go any farther on the road. Check the Denali National Park website for more updated information.
Tour Bus
This bus is designed for the person that wants to travel to mile 66 at the Eielson Visitor Center, multiple stops along the route, and get a full tour guide. This bus trip will have a tour guide driver that will have tons of information about the park, the wildlife and nature. They will even help point out animals and stop when they are sighted. Bring binoculars, water, lunch and a camera! In 2021 the Tundra Wilderness bus was the only narrated tour running.
Transit Bus
The hiking transport bus was originally designed for those who want to get off and on the bus to hike at their own time and pace. This bus would pick up hikers on the side of the road and transport them back to the bus depot or their next hiking destination. This bus will go all the way to the Eielson Visitor Center. This is the one that we used.
Camping Bus
This bus is designed for only those who are camping. You cannot hop on and off this bus like the hiking one. You will need a camping reservation to use this bus.
***Read my article on What To Do At the Eielson Visitors Center for more detail about the bus ride to this hike.
How Hard Is The Thorofare Ridge Hike?
The Thorofare Ridge hike is a steep hike, it does take some stamina. But all different levels and ages of hikers were on this route. I think if you are used to some decent hikes, and bring proper gear (food, water, good shoes) it is well worth it. The route to the peak is mostly uphill and a few parts are a pretty good incline. Be prepared to take a few breaks to rest along the trail.
The Route Along the Thorofare Ridge Hike
Start
To start the Thorofare Ridge hike you will need to go to the opposite side of the parking lot from the Eielson Visitors Center. There will be a small trail marker post, and if you were not the first bus in you will probably notice some hikers already up on the trail.
The Thorofare Ridge trail starts mildly, with a slight incline through a grassy area. A few visitors only walked about this far to have a quiet picnic lunch spot.
Uphill
Before long the Thorofare Ridge trail will turn left and change to be significantly more uphill. Once starting on this section I immediately started to regret my long warm pants and rolled them up! We took many stops along this section to catch our breath, grab and snack or drink some water.
The Split
At the top of the calf burning hill the trail will split from the right and the left. We took the left route first as there were not many people on this side of the trail. We eventually went up the trail to the right on our way back down. But if you had to choose one side I would choose the left trail. This brought you closer to Denali, giving you a wide viewing of the peak and glaciers below it.
The right side trail of the Thorofare Ridge hike will face you more towards the road you came in on, and this also is an incredible view. The vibrant summer greens mixed with the dark soils reminded me a lot of Iceland.
The Denali View
Walking to the left on the Thorofare Ridge hike took us to a very wide and clear view of Denali. I could have stayed at this viewpoint for hours, if it wasn’t for needing a catch a bus back. Here we could see Denali as a whole, the glacier field below it and the rugged mountains all around. Twice we saw an elk walk by as well!
Back Down
The way back down will be the same as the way you came up along the Thorofare Ridge hiking trail. When you get back to the Eielson Visitors Center you can choose to hike Gorge Creek Trail or Tundra Loop Trail. Or go ahead a catch your bus back out of the park. If using a different bus than the one you came on in (what we did) then you will need to speak with a ranger and put you name on a list for the open seats on the next buses out. They will give you an estimated time frame. Sometimes this can be quick, like ours, or be a over an hour wait. If it is a long wait I would suggest walking about the Gorge Creek trail.
When we got back from the Thorofare Ridge hike we did a quick loop on the Tundra Loop trail then put our name in. Our wait was less than 30 minutes, so we ate our packed sandwiches while overlooking our last views of Denali up close.
Check out my post on What To Do At The Eielson Visitors Center for more tips of what to do in this area of the park.
Tips For The Hike
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 hike, but did talk to a hiker that said they saw a black bear on the trail ahead of us. 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.
Other Hikes In The Area That You Might Like
Gorge Creek Trail
Length: 3.8 miles out and back
Time:
Difficulty: moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,095 feet
Trailhead: Eielson Visitor Center Viewing Platform
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.
Tundra Loop Trail
Length: 0.4 mile loop
Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Elevation Gain: 52 feet
Trailhead: Eielson Visitor Center Viewing Platform
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.
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 before mile 15 along the Denali Park Road. This view on a clear day might give you a chance to see Denali’s peak in the distance.
Other Articles You May Be Interested In
Savage Alpine Trail in Denali National Park
What To Do At the Eielson Visitors Center
3 Days In Denali National Park Itinerary
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