Learn all about the Trek in a snapshot
Location
Denali National Park, Alaska
Managing Agency
Denali National Park
Pets
Not allowed
Fees
Entrance and shuttle fees
Restrooms
Yes. At Eilson Visitor Center
Camping
Not allowed near this trail
Trail Condition
Easy to follow dirt/gravel trail. Steep at times, but there are switchbacks
Sights
Denali, wildlife, Eilson Visitor Center
Water Info
Bring 1-2 liters of water
Best Season
Summer and fall
Sun Exposure
Lots of sun exposure
Time Required
About 1-3 hours depending on your speed
Parking Elevation
3770 ft
Summit Elevation
4781 ft
Elevation Difference
1011 ft
Trek Planner Maps
Alpine Trailhead: 63.43165, -150.31099
End of Trail: 63.4368, -150.322
Experience. Discover. Explore.
Learn everything there is about this Trek
The Alpine Trail is located just above Eilson Visitor Center in Denali National Park. The only way to get here is by using the National Park Shuttle System. This is a great hike that offers absolutely incredible views of Denali (the mountain). This is one of the few maintained trails in Denali National Park and it is not too difficult.
Note: please use caution in this area as you are in prime bear habitat (please see pictures below).
The trail starts off above the Eilson Visitor Center and winds around blueberry and huckleberry bushes for just about the entire length of the trail. I hiked this in late summer so there were endless berries to be picked and believe me, I stuffed my face!
Looking up towards the top where the trail takes you.
The trail will quickly rise in elevation but I just took my time and enjoyed the scenery and Denali. The area surrounding Eilson is some of my favorite I have ever seen because it has a beauty that is just surreal and cannot be captured on film.
The trail does make a few switchbacks which makes it easier to hike.
When I was just about to the top I found a fat ground squirrel begging for crumbs but nope!
Just near the top you will notice that the tundra completely changes and you will soon leave the meadows of blueberries and hike on very short grasses and rock.
You will know when the trail ends because you will come to this sign.
I spent about an hour on top of the mountain (or is it hill?) exploring around and seeing all there is to see. There are a few short trails that continue to the west to a better vantage point to view Denali. I waited for a good 15 minutes to see if the clouds would clear up but they never did – I never got a good shot of The Mountain on this trip.
Right when I got back from the Alpine Trail I noticed a few park rangers trying to get everyone away from the road. I figured it was a bear coming through because they only do this sort of thing if there are bears or other large animals that could threaten the safety of guests.
I snapped this photo before I went inside the visitor center.
Personal Thoughts
I love visiting Denali National Park and coming out to Eilson Visitor Center is why I take the park shuttles. There are endless opportunities for hiking and exploring and doing the Alpine Trail is just a teaser to what you could experience if you go off the trail...
