24 of the Absolute Best Hikes in Denali National Park

Daniel and I were blown away by all the amazing options for trails in Denali, and we had a hard time picking ones without feeling like we were missing out on others. However, the best hikes in Denali National Park are not always the most popular, so you can’t really go wrong by choosing something more off-the-beaten path. After you’ve worn yourself, don’t forget to sit down and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many great Denali restaurants and check out some of the best things to do in Denali National Park.

The best hikes in Denali National Park you don’t want to miss on your trip

Here’s what you need to know when you are looking for the best hikes in Denali National Park!

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Savage Alpine Trail

Difficulty: Strenuous

Distance: 4 miles one-way

The Savage Alpine Trail may be one of the most difficult hikes on this list, but it is well worth it. Connecting the Savage River and Mountain Vista areas, this hike in Denali offers some of the best views of the park’s landscape.

From the top of the trail, you’ll be able to see the Alaska Range for miles on end. Of course, this does mean that you will have gained quite a bit of elevation throughout the hike–about 1,500 feet to be exact–and it is this elevation gain that can make the hike difficult. Despite this, the Savage Alpine Trail is still one of the most popular Denali hiking trails.

Savage River Loop

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 2 mile loop

The Savage River Loop is, without a doubt, one of the best hikes in Denali National Park. Not only is the trail easy to navigate and accessible for all skill levels, but it also offers excellent views of the park’s lower alpine scenery.

The path, which follows the Savage River, takes hikers through a canyon and provides an opportunity to view the park’s diverse vegetation. If you’re lucky, you may even come across some wildlife, as both bears and moose are known to frequent the area.

Triple Lakes Trail 

Difficulty: Strenuous

Distance: 9.5 miles one-way

If you’re looking for the ultimate Denali National Park backpacking experience, look no further than Triple Lakes Trail. Connecting Denali Visitors Center with the southern park entrance, this hike is the longest marked trail in Denali National Park.

Here you’ll have the opportunity to take in a variety of views and pass by several natural landmarks, including three different lakes (hence the name). The scenery on this hike is especially magical during the fall months when the leaves change colors and blanket the trail in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange.

Mount Healy Overlook Trail 

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 2.7 miles one-way

The Mount Healy Overlook Trail is one of the best hikes in Denali National Park, if for no other reason than for the views that it provides. From the top of this steep trail, which gains 1,700 feet in elevation, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the park–including the summit of Denali Mountain, on a clear day.

While this trail is rated as moderate, it does get pretty steep at some points, especially towards the end of the trail, so you’ll want to come prepared. Make sure you have one of those Denali National Park hotels picked out so you have place to rest after a steep incline!

Rock Creek Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 2.4 miles one-wayThe Rock Creek Trail is a moderate out and back hike that begins at the Denali Visitor’s Center and ends at the Sled Dog Kennels. The trail follows a ridge line and offers views of Mount Healy and the surrounding foothills. The path is especially popular during the spring and summer months when the landscape is blanketed in wildflowers.

The Rock Creek Trail also connects with other Denali trails, including the Meadowview, Roadside, and Taiga trails, and can be turned into a loop hike, if you prefer.

Taiga Trail 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1 mile one-way

If you’re looking for easy hiking in Denali that is accessible for all skill levels, then be sure to check out the Taiga Trail. This trail begins at Denali Visitor Center and acts as a connector to several other trails, including Horseshoe Lake Trail, Mount Healy Overlook, Rock Creek Trail, and Roadside Trail.

Depending on which one you choose, you can either hike the Taiga Trail out and back or link up with any of these other trails for a longer hike or loop hike. The Taiga Trail is mainly surrounded by a boreal forest, meaning you’ll have plenty of opportunities to view a variety of evergreen trees and maybe even some wildlife.

Savage Cabin Loop

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 0.8 mile loop

The Savage Cabin Loop is a very easy, short trail that offers more of a stroll than a hike. Located near the Savage River Campground, this trail leads visitors to a historic ranger cabin that is still used today. As you pass by the cabin, you’re likely to spot a few signs that explain the history and significance of the area.

This trail is also typically included as a stop on the Denali Natural History tours, so you just may find yourself here if you sign up for a tour.

Oxbow Loop 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.5 mile loop

The Oxbow Loop is not only one of the best hikes in Denali National Park, it’s also one of the park’s best-kept secrets – sort of. You see, you won’t be able to find this trail on any of the park’s maps, so most people don’t know about it.

This means that you’re pretty much guaranteed to have it all to yourself whenever you decide to hike it. The peacefulness of this trail is definitely one of its highlights, but another point of interest are the views it provides of the Nenana River and surrounding boreal forest.

Meadowview Connector 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 0.3 miles one-way

The Meadowview Connector offers some of the best fall time hiking in Denali National Park. As its name suggests, the trail overlooks a meadow that is known to explode with color during the fall months. Aside from that, the trail is also popular because it acts as a connection between several other hikes in the area, including the Rock Creek trail, Roadside Trail, and the Taiga Trail.

The trail is quite level and easy to navigate for the most part, but it does have a steep drop in one section that you’ll want to be mindful of.

Tundra Loop 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 0.3 mile loop

If you’re unfamiliar with the Denali National Park trails and are nervous about hiking on your own, then you may want to consider joining a ranger-led hike on the Tundra Loop. During this guided hike, the rangers will take you out, show you the way, and explain the terrain and landscape that you encounter.

It’s a great way to get to know Denali National Park as you build the confidence to go out hiking on your own. Not to mention, the Tundra Loop is very easy and beginner-friendly, so it’s the perfect place to begin if you’re new to hiking!

Gorge Creek Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 2 miles out-and-back

There aren’t many Denali hikes that offer river access, views of Denali Mountain, and blueberries ripe for the picking. Thankfully, Gorge Creek Trail has us covered on all three counts! Located near the Eielson Visitor Center, the trail is a moderate hike that descends 600 feet down to Gorge Creek and Thorofare River.

While the trek down the trail isn’t so bad, it’s coming up that can present a challenge. Therefore, trekking poles are recommended for this one. Despite the work, it’s certainly worth the effort, especially on hot days when the river is as cool as can be!

McKinley Bar Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 2.4 miles one-way

Offering incredible views of various landscapes, the McKinley Bar Trail is one of the best hikes in Denali National Park. Here you can expect to encounter a wide variety of ecosystems, including marshes, streams, and spruce forests, all set against the backdrop of the Denali Mountain and the Alaskan Range.

While it’s easy to get distracted by the beautiful scenery surrounding you here, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for wildlife and mosquitoes – bug spray is definitely a must on this hike!

Mountain Vista Trail 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 0.6 mile loop

The Mountain Vista Trail is one of the best hikes in Denali National Park if you don’t have a lot of time to spare. The trail is not only short but also easy to navigate and should only take you about half an hour to complete.

What makes this trail so great, though, are its views of Denali Mountain. Without exerting too much effort, you’ll encounter stunning views of the Alaska Range and surrounding area. This hike is especially great during the summer months when the wildflowers are in full bloom.

Horseshoe Lake Trail 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 2 miles out-and-back

Renowned for its views, the Horseshoe Lake Trail is considered by many to be one of the best trails in Denali National Park. As its name suggests, the most popular feature of this hike is the views that it provides of Horseshoe Lake. This famous lake, which is set against a backdrop of the Alaska Range and surrounded by an alpine forest, truly is a sight to see.

In addition to this, you can expect to catch a glimpse of the Nenana River and a variety of wildlife. Moose, beavers, muskrats, and squirrels are all known to frequent the area. There’s even a large beaver dam that you can check out. Needless to say, you’ll definitely want to be on the lookout here for animals both large and small! 

Thorofare Ridge Trail 

Difficulty: Strenuous

Distance: .8 miles one-way

The Thorofare Ridge Trail may not be one of the longest hikes, but it is certainly one of the most strenuous hikes in Denali National Park. What makes it so difficult is the steep incline that hikers must navigate as they follow this switchback trail up the mountain. Despite this, many visitors still praise the trail, claiming it’s one of the best hikes in Denali.

This praise can, undoubtedly, be attributed to the views that this hike provides. After all, it does offer several lookouts along the way and panoramic views of the park that are truly stunning.

McKinley Station Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.6 miles one-way

Denali hiking isn’t all about conquering strenuous, uphill treks; in fact, there are several trails in the park that are easy and great for beginners – like the McKinley Station Trail. Located between the Denali Visitor Center and the Riley Creek Campground, this trail winds through the park’s woodlands, passing by creeks, bridges, wildflowers, and even a few historical buildings.

You’re sure to also catch a glimpse or two of the Alaska Range poking out from behind the trees. It’s a lovely, simple hike and a great option to explore if you’re new to hiking or short on time.

Roadside Trail 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.8 miles one-way

Serving as a connector between the Visitor’s Center and the Park’s Headquarters, the Roadside Trail is an easy out and back trail that follows the Denali Park Road. It weaves through several types of forests, providing hikers with the opportunity to explore the different habitats created by aspen, birch, and spruce trees.

While this hike doesn’t offer the same views of the Alaska Range as some of the other Denali National Park hikes, it’s still a nice little hike that is accessible for all skill levels.

Spruce Forest Loop Connector

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 0.2 miles one-way

One of the great things about Denali National Park hiking is that there are several small connector trails located throughout the park. These mini trails were created to act as shortcuts, providing hikers with alternative paths between, and on and off different trails. The Spruce Forest Loop Connector is one such path, serving as a connector to the McKinley Station Trail.

This connector provides hikers with an alternative loop that shortens their hike. The path weaves through a spruce forest that is known to host a variety of small animals.

Jonesville Connector 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 0.3 miles one-way

The Jonesville Connector trail provides a path between the Riley Creek Campground and the Glitter Gulch shopping area, which is located outside of the park. The trail is short, easy to navigate, and accessible for all skill levels.

You can expect to find a variety of small wildlife and vegetation amongst the trees along this trail, but not much else beyond that. While the Jonesville Connector isn’t one of the best Denali hikes for views, it’s certainly one of the most practical.

Morino Loop Connector

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 0.2 miles one-way

The Morino Loop Connector is a very short, easy trail that connects with the McKinley Station Trail. Weaving through a spruce forest, this trail acts as a shortcut and can shorten your hike along the McKinley Station Trail. As a standalone trail, it’s a good option for a quick walk if you need to stretch your legs or are waiting for transportation to your next destination.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Hiking essentials” color=”pink”]Recommended hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 Gore-tex

Recommended jacket: The North Face Antora Jacket

Recommended hiking poles: Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles

Recommended day pack: Osprey Daylite Pack[/vc_cta][vc_column_text]

Bison Gulch 

Difficulty: Strenuous

Distance: 7 miles out-and-back

There are several opportunities to go backpacking in Denali, but did you know that there are also a few trails that you can check out right before you even get into the park! Located directly off of Parks Highway, just before the entrance to Denali National Park, lies the Bison Gulch Trail.

This steep and strenuous trail travels up the northeastern side of Mount Healy and offers some pretty incredible alpine views. Just be careful, as the trail is quite exposed, especially at the summit. This means that wind gusts can be strong, and in the winter months, you’re likely to encounter ice and snow – so come prepared if you plan to do this hike!

Sheep Mountain

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 5.9 miles out-and-back

If you’d like to have a true Denali backpacking experience, then you should consider hiking “off-trail” on Sheep Mountain. While this hike isn’t totally off-trail, there is a path to follow; it isn’t included on the maps or in the guidebooks for Denali National Park guidebooks.

This means most people don’t know about it, and when you hike it, you’re likely to have the entire place to yourself. As you make your way along the trail, you’re likely to catch a glimpse or two of the Alaska Range, and the Toklat Valley. If you’re lucky, you may even come across a few Dall sheep!

Quigley Ridge Trail Loop 

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 3.7 mile loop

Quigley Ridge Trail Loop is one of the best hikes in Denali National Park if you’re looking to explore off the beaten path. Not only does it provide stunning views of Denali Mountain, but you’re also likely to have the trail all to yourself.

The beginning of the hike can be quite steep, so you may need some trekking poles, depending upon your comfort level and experience, but once you get to the ridge, the path evens out, and you’ll be able to take in the stunning views that surround you.

Blueberry Hill Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 0.9 miles out-and-back

If you love blueberries, then Blueberry Hill Trail is the hike for you. During the summer months, this trail is lined with bushes full of blueberries, all ripe for the picking! Just be sure to stay on the lookout for bears. Bears love berries, so they may be drawn to this trail in search of their own tasty treat. Berries aside, the trail also provides incredible views of the Wonder Lake and surrounding forest.

On a clear day, you can even see the Alaska Range reflected in the waters of the lake. For all of these reasons and more, the Blueberry Hill Trail is one of the best hikes in Denali National Park.

Have you ever attempted any of the best hikes in Denali National Park? Let me know which ones in the comments!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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