ALL THE WAY TO ALASKA: 10 BEST HIKES IN DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Alaska seems like a faraway destination with mystical landscapes, but for American and Canadian travelers, it’s only a short flight away. Most travelers will fly into Anchorage (the most visited city in Alaska that offers plenty to do) or Fairbanks, which is closer to Denali and also offers a lot to do and see.

All of this state is gorgeous, but Denali National Park is perhaps the most beautiful place in Alaska. There are lots of fun things to do in Denali National Park, including exploring the trail system. Plan an exciting trip to Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska and knock off a few of these scenic trails off the bucket list.

Mount Healy Overlook Trail

This is one of the most beautiful hikes Denali National Park has in store for visitors; it's a steep trail with a progressive incline that offers a pleasant challenge to avid hikers. On average, it takes most hikers around 4.5 hours to complete this route.

At higher elevations on the trail, there is snow and mud throughout the year, so dress accordingly. This means wearing hiking boots with sufficient grip and packing a warm hat for windy conditions.

Distance: 11.1 km
Elevation Gain: 757 meters
Trail Type: Out and back
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Dog Friendly: No

Savage River Loop

The Savage River Loop in Denali National Park is a fairly easy hike that travelers can complete in just over 1 hour. It’s a well-maintained trail that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Being one of the most beautiful hikes in Denali National Park makes it easy to get distracted by the stunning scenery. However, hikers must be alert when walking this route, as frequent wildlife sightings are common.

Distance: 3.4 km
Elevation Gain: 126 meters
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Dog Friendly: No

Triple Lakes Trail: North To South

The Triple Lakes Trail in Denali National Park is an exciting route that typically takes just over 4.5 hours to complete. The spring and summer months are the best time to explore this trail for optimal conditions (April to September).

Distance: 14.8 km
Elevation Gain: 604 meters
Trail Type: Point to point
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Dog Friendly: No

McKinley Station Trail

The McKinley Station Trail in Alaska’s Denali National Park is the ideal choice for the novice hiker who wants to see some incredible scenery.

It’s a fairly short route that takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete, with only a bit of gradual elevation gain.

Distance: 5.1 km
Elevation Gain: 136 meters
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Dog Friendly: No

Taiga Trail

This moderately difficult trail inside Denali National Park takes around 40 minutes to complete, on average. It’s fairly flat, and there are some nice views in the second half of the loop, making it worthwhile.

However, the trail does run close to the road, so hikers should be aware that they will not be entirely secluded during this trek.

Distance: 2.6 km
Elevation Gain: 63 meters
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Dog Friendly: No

Rock Creek Trail

Rock Creek Trail is an out-and-back route that usually takes around 2.5 hours to complete.

It earns its place among the best hikes Denali National Park has to offer because it's ideal for all; it’s a very manageable trail for hikers of all ages and offers some scenic views while keeping visitors totally immersed in nature.

Distance: 8.2 km
Elevation Gain: 305 meters
Trail Type: Out and back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Dog Friendly: No

Horseshoe Lake Trail

Horseshoe Lake Trail is one of the easiest hikes in Denali National Park that is a great option for beginners, families, or just a morning stroll.

It offers beautiful views but remains accessible, with some hikers equating it to feeling as easy to access and explore as a city park - just with way better views.

Distance: 3.4 km
Elevation Gain: 116 meters
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Dog Friendly: No

Spruce Tree Trail

Spruce Tree Trail is a quick way to add one more hike to any trip in Denali National Park. This Alaskan trail is short and fairly flat, making it accessible to almost all age groups and fitness levels.

Many hikers complete the circuit in 15 minutes while waiting to catch the bus near the trailhead.

Distance: 0.8 km
Elevation Gain: 31 meters
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Dog Friendly: No

Bison Gulch

Bison Gulch is a difficult hike in Denali National Park that offers a fun challenge for experienced and intermediate hikers. With significant elevation gain, the views are incredible but beware of icy and slippery conditions.

Hikers should note that while it may appear that dogs are allowed on the first part of the trail, there comes a point after a couple of kilometers where dogs cannot continue, so this trail is not dog friendly.

Distance: 11.3 km
Elevation Gain: 1,179 meters
Trail Type: Out and back
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Dog Friendly: No

Quigley Ridge Trail Loop

The Quigly Ridge Trail Loop offers scenic views of the Alaska Range and takes around 2.5 hours to complete. It's among the best hiking trails in Denali National Park; however, it's not fully suitable for young children or unseasoned hikers. The trail has some steep sections and is not suitable for beginners.

The best time of year to do this hike is from June to October, when the weather is warm, and precipitation is minimal. Dress appropriately and prepare for potential snow, ice, and muddy terrain.

Distance: 6 km
Elevation Gain: 412 meters
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Dog Friendly: No

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