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The 8 Best Hiking Trails in Denali National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park and Preserve is most famous for being the home of Mount McKinley, also called Denali, meaning "The Great One." At 20,320 feet, Mount McKinley is the highest peak in North America. The park, which is larger than the state of Massachusetts, has only one road, making it the perfect backcountry adventure. Try to spot The Big Five: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves and grizzly bears.
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1. Mount Margaret Summit
2. Savage Alpine Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By ccsantos - Brookline, United States
Great views from the top and would recommend starting early if hot weather is predicted. (We were there in the middle of a heat wave.) We started from the Savage River after doing the loop trail and we were glad we did. Although steep, you get to the top fairly quickly (I wouldn't want to go down the way we went up) and then just have a leisurely walk along the gradual downhill back to Savage River Campground. The hikers we passed going in the opposite direction asked how much longer they had to go, and there's very little shade along that trail. Definitely a must-do!
3. Mt. Healy Overlook Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
This 2.5-mile hiking trail up Mt. Healy ascends 1,700 feet offering magnificent views of the Nenana Valley.
Reviewed By StephanieB6586 - Corpus Christi, United States
Let me preface my review by saying; 2 months back I tore my ACL and meniscus. This was a very challenging trail for me personally. My boyfriend loved this trail and really enjoyed the challenge. Most sites we reviewed prior to our trip rated this trail as moderate. In the park, this trail is rated as strenuous and we both agree with the parks assessment. I have lost a considerable amount of leg strength since my injury, but I was still able to complete 90% of the hike. My boyfriend was able to make it to the top without me holding him back, and mentioned the switchbacks towards the top are very narrow and the wind picks up considerable. The trail edge has more of a drop off the higher you get and much colder. The views on the way up are gorgeous and even more stunning at the top, but it’s a constant steep uphill hike. Very few places level off and give your legs a break.
4. Rock Creek Trail
5. Savage River Loop Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By citysuburb - Washington DC, United States
The river was rolling hard and fast and the sky was blue - a gorgeous day! we took our time on this easy hike. It's a loop hike but the western portion was closed the day we went because of high water. We were happy the footbridge (the half-way point) was open. We had our picnic on the benches at the water (adjacent to the picnic table) before the hike. There are also bathrooms here, and the start of the savage river alpine hike. much to our delight, two Dall sheep came down as we got to the footbridge and just sat down on the rocks near us. Amazing! at footbridge, plenty of worn non-official trails up the rocky hills for even more amazing views. Easy to hop on / off a transit bus here mid-day (it was for us, anyways). The free shuttle buses also go to Savage River - so you can take either your $ transit bus, a free shuttle, or your own car to this parking lot.
6. Triple Lakes Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By 870stanr - Huntsville, United States
I did this trip in August 2018. I actually started at Glitter Gulch at the Denali Princess Lodge on the Parks Highway and walked down to the Denali Visitors Center then headed out. I started early (7am) because I wanted to have lunch on the other side before making the trip back. The river flows alongside the trail for a mile or more at the beginning and includes a crossing on a suspension bridge. From there, it was a pretty steep climb but with very well-maintained switchbacks. Once on top of the ridges, you could see for miles and there was no one else around. Along the way, I saw three people, twelve ravens, a few beavers and no bears or moose. On the back side, the hike down to the village was gradual and stunning with beautiful views of all three lakes and then the river. I had lunch at the Mariochi Moose food truck at the campground on the highway and rested a few minutes before hiking back to the Denali Visitor Center and Glitter Gulch from where I started. The total trip including the side trails to the lakes and the approach to the park and the McKinley Station Trail was 22 miles and I did it in about nine hours including the lunch stop. I would highly recommend this trail for it's views and solitude. Take bear spray just in case, plenty of water, some trail snacks and a need for adventure. It's been a year and a half since I hiked this trail and I still smile when I think about it today. Alaska is amazing.
7. Horseshoe Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By 138AmyK138
This hike was a perfect end to a day after doing the bus/air trip into Denali national park. I was able to walk from the Denali Grande Lodge, complete the hike, and still get back for dinner. The views are stunning and there is a very large beaver dam that is beautiful. I was also able to see the beavers swimming around in the lake. It's not a strenuous hike, but there is some climbing to it and adding on the uphill back to the lodge certainly gave it some extra cardio. A beautiful hike that was the perfect finish to the day!
