Are you looking for some great hiking recommendations in the Denali area? I have spent 6 years living and exploring what Denali offers and have lots of amazing places to show you!
Denali is a remote place, yet there are plenty of hotels, shops, and stores for you to enjoy. Make sure you get enough water and food before you head out!
Here is a list of some of the best hikes in Denali!
This is by far my favorite hike in the Denali area! The roundtrip hike from trailhead to summit is just under seven miles so plan on spending 4+ hours doing it. The fastest route to the top is from Bison Gulch but I’ve done it from Antler Creek and also the Visitor Center in the National Park. I recommend doing it from Bison Gulch since it is the most direct route.
You will be hiking steep trails but the higher you go you will have incredible views of surrounding mountains and even Denali to the south west. I often see Dall sheep hanging around near the summit.
Why I like it: I love the variety in this hike and the solitude. You begin the hike in a forest, go through the alpine tundra and then hike on mountain ridges until you summit Mt. Healy.
Mt. Healy from Denali National Park Visitor Center
The Triple Lakes trail is a 9.2 mile trail (one-way) that either begins or ends at the Visitor Center in Denali National Park. Since this isn’t a roundtrip trail, unless you are fine hiking more than 18 miles in a day, I recommend you set up a shuttle system. The trail is easy to see and follow the entire way and eventually passes by three hidden lakes. You will find many different types of mushrooms, berries (when in season) and will have opportunities to see wildlife.
Why I like it: While this isn’t a favorite of mine in Denali, I enjoyed this hike nonetheless due to the lush green mountains you pass and the beautiful three lakes. If you are looking for a challenging long distance day hike then you have found it here at Triple Lakes.
Dragonfly Creek is an off-the-beaten-path hike. It is also one of the shortest; you could easily hike to the waterfall and back to your car in less than 10 minutes. The trail is somewhat steep in places but you will quickly see this is an incredible place that not too many people know about. If you want to extend your adventure here, continue hiking down to the Nenana River.
Why I like it: This hike is so short and I love seeing the waterfall and Nenana River. I hike this one often in the summer.
Sugar Loaf Mountain is an incredible hike that climbs in elevation quickly. The whole hike is about 4.2 miles roundtrip but it is the steep parts that will slow you down. I love this hike due to the quick rewards of grassy meadows and views of Denali to the west. I have seen Dall sheep, moose and even bear on this hike.
Why I like it: Sugar Loaf is on the other side of the canyon from Mt. Healy but is completely different. Sugar Loaf is not too popular because there isn’t a maintained trail like the other hikes but you will not be disappointed in the amazing scenery it offers.
If you are looking for something a little bit strenuous but not a crazy long hike, then the Mt. Healy Overlook Trail is what you are looking for. The hike is a little more than five miles roundtrip and is easily accessed by parking at the Denali National Park Visitor Center. You will encounter many other hikers as it is one of the most popular trails in the area.
Hike this in July and August to find ripe blueberries, raspberries, crowberries and cloudberries.
Why I like it: This hike was my exercise trail during the summer of 2016. I didn’t have access to a gym so I used this hike as my cardio trail. Once at the overlook, you will see why this is a popular trail. You get incredible views of the Denali area.
Mt. Healy Overlook Trail guide
Savage River is located at mile 14 on the Park Road in Denali National Park; you can drive to this trail in your personal vehicle. Savage River is a great family friendly hike for all ages and skill levels. The trail is flat and crosses over the river and ends on the other side and you can hike it from either end. I like this trail because it is calming to hike next to a river inside of a narrow canyon. I have seen caribou and moose travelling through here on many occasions. I love coming here when the sun is setting and most visitors have left for the evening.
Why I like it: Savage River is an easy stroll but I love getting to hike on both sides of the river. I often see marmot and arctic ground squirrels here.
Even though you can see the two erratics from Denali shops and hotels, there is no actual trail to them. The way to the erratics is steep and difficult due to the bushes and trees. You will want to find a moose trail, follow it, and then bushwhack until you come to the next moose trail – this is what we figured was the best way to get to these large boulders.
Why I like it: I enjoy this hike because no one ever visits it. You could have the entire hike to yourself!
Denali National Park Glacier Erratics Guide
There is only one road into Denali National Park and you can drive your personal vehicle up to mile 15 but anywhere after that you will need to use the tour or shuttle buses. The park is home to bears, moose, caribou, wolves and Dall sheep. It isn’t guaranteed you will see any of these amazing animals or even see Mt. Denali. You will however have an incredible journey seeing vast landscapes, large braided rivers and learn about the history of the national park. The bus tours can be long but if you come all this way and don’t go inside the national park you will be making a big mistake!
Why I like it: I love having the opportunity to view wildlife in the national park. In my opinion, the deeper you go the higher your chance of seeing bears, caribou and more.
Denali National Park Bus System
This is another waterfall hike that is located close to Dragonfly Creek. There are two waterfalls on this hike, the first one is more of a cascade, but still worth it. The second waterfall is at the back of the narrow canyon and is a great place to have all to yourself!
Why I like it: Fox Creek is a seldom visited area that people pass by. I love being enveloped in a small canyon with tall trees and cliff walls surrounding you.
Horseshoe Lake has been a place I have enjoyed visited for all 6 years I lived in Denali! This is a fun and easy adventure that takes you to Horseshoe lake in Denali National Park. The lake is beautiful and you have high chances of seeing beaver and even some moose. The trail goes around the entire lake and you will see how the beaver dams have created this lake. You will also pass by the Nenana River where you can view rafters!
Why I like it: I have seen a family of beavers cruising along the water building up dams and their lodges! I almost always see moose down there so be prepared to see anything (not guaranteed of course!)
Are you looking for a fun adventure that takes you high up in the mountains and through large expansive forests? The Savage Alpine Trail is what you’re looking for then! This is a strenuous adventure that ends or begins at the Savage River Trail or the Savage Cabin. You will need a shuttle system or use the National Park system in order to do this hike. Every time I have hiked this trail, I have seen Dall sheep! This doesn’t guarantee you will see wildlife, but for some reason the Dall sheep love these mountains on the Savage Alpine Trail.
Why I like it: I love starting near Savage River, hiking up the tundra, to the mountains, then back down through a forest. This is a great adventure that will give you incredible views of Mt. Denali (if there are no clouds).
We hope you enjoyed this list! Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Thanks for the tips and photos !
So glad you liked it! Thanks for visiting The Trek Planner!
Jeff – thanks for the detailed information. I have a trip planned to Alaska in July (assuming COVID does have any travel restrictions) and will be spending a few days in the Talkeetna area. I have been looking for some good hikes in and around Denali and your information has been extremely helpful. I am not sure if I want to take the transit bus into the park as it seems to take a long time and I am not sure if it will be worth the time. Thanks again.
Hi Tim, I’m so glad you found my list helpful! The bus ride into the park is a long one and I find that I usually am very awake and alert on the drive out and then on the drive back I am just sleeping. If I were you, I would at least drive your personal car to Savage River and hike around there for a bit. That way, you can get deeper in the park without using the buses. Talkeetna is also a fun area! I hope you have a great time!
We only have two days here, and you recommended the tour bus, although it doesn’t let you off except on their schedule. I am torn between taking the park shuttle and the narrated tan tour bus. You seem to lean towards the tour for short timers. What I would really like is to find a guide who would ride the park bus with us, and get on and off wherever the guide takes us. But it seems like that kind of guide doesn’t exist in Denali. I think I am having trouble envisioning the scope of Denali, and how long… Read more »
Hi Susan, I knew of some guides that would do such a thing, but since Covid they have left Alaska. The drive to Eielson is long and slow. The road is winding, yet passes by some incredible scenery. I have spent many hours hiking around Eielson and just exploring on my own near the rivers below. I do like the narrated tan bus tours because you get lots of info and history about the park. The obvious downside is that you can’t really get off and explore on your own and get back on the shuttle. If you go to… Read more »
Hello,
Thank you for the detailed info it is very helpful. I wanted to ask about your opinion of the Eielson Alpine Trail because it looked great to me but I do not see it listed here.
Thank you
The Eielson Alpine Trail is a great hike, but I wouldn’t consider it a “best of Denali” hike. It does offer an amazing overlook to Denali and the braided rivers and valleys below, but it just doesn’t pack the same punch as the other hikes on my list. I’d still hike it though!