The 5 Best Hikes in Denali National Park

If you’re planning a visit to Denali National Park, read on to learn about the best hikes in the park. From easy, to very challenging, this list will include a hike for everyone.

The Savage River Loop is one of the best family friendly hikes in Denali National Park. It has little elevation gain, and plenty of spectacular views. Even though the trail has open visibility and will likely have others enjoying it, be sure to bring bear spray and a bell if you are hiking alone.

Seasonal Guidance: Accessible from late spring through fall when the trail is clear of snow and the river is at its most scenic.

Insider Tips: The trail head has limited parking and a small over-flow lot across the bridge. However, you can take a free bus to the trail head if you do not want to drive into the park. Denali has a free bus system that stops at a few places up until the Savage River Loop Trail.

This gentle trail is great for families. Keep your eyes peeled for caribou and marmots along the riverbanks. Arrive early to enjoy the peace and quiet before the crowds arrive.

If you’re looking for a more difficult trail, the good news is, another trail connects to this one. Which brings us to the next trails.

The Savage Alpine Trail is a diverse hike in Denali. It provides sweeping views of the meadows and mountains, and Denali on a clear day. There are opportunities to see moose, bear, dall sheep, and other little critters.

This is a through hike, however you can do an out and back which is what I did. If you park near the Savage River Campground (opposite of the river side), the elevation gain is gradual for the first mile, and picks up the 2nd mile. At that point it starts to go back down hill.

If you go this direction and are doing an out and back, I recommend stopping at the rocky point of the trail. This is slightly past mile 3, and where you will have the best views. If you go all the way to the bottom, you will have the steepest climb back up the last mile to just turn around.

If you are doing this as a through hike, then it will be easy to add on the Savage River Loop at the end. The bus picks up here and can take you back to your car at the Savage Campground. You’ll likely have to wait at least 30 minutes to catch it unless you time it right.

If you start the trail on the river side, I recommend climbing the first mile to the rocky view point and turning around. The rest of the trail is enjoyable, however the best views are from the exposed, rocky point.

Seasonal Guidance: Best tackled in mid-summer when wildflowers blanket the alpine meadows.

Insider Tip: Park at one trail head and use the free shuttle bus to return to your starting point. Keep a lookout for Dall sheep along the ridges.

Horseshoe Lake is another family friendly hike in Denali National Park. It can easily be combined with the previous 2 hikes in a single day. The elevation gain is mainly at the start of the trail, as you walk up plank-like steps.

This hike cuts through a wooded area that circles around a lake and passes by the Nenana river. Parking for this trail is right along the road near the railroad, close to the entrance of Denali National Park.

Insider Tips: Visit early in the morning for calm waters and fewer crowds. Keep an eye out for beavers and moose near the lake.

Seasonal Guidance: Best hiked from late spring to early fall when the trail is snow-free and the lake reflects the surrounding scenery.

Sugarloaf Ridge is a hike outside of Denali’s National Park limits. However, it provides amazing views of the park and nearby town once you get past the treeline.

The first 0.8 miles leads to a false summit, which many people stop and consider the finish line. It can be very windy on this trail, and so it may be better to leave the young children behind. It’s also known to get slippery in some places after a rainfall – so be sure to plan accordingly, and know when it’s time to turn around.

Seasonal Guidance: Best hiked in late summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom, or early fall for incredible views of the changing tundra colors.

Insider Tip: This challenging trail is perfect for experienced hikers looking for panoramic views of Denali. Start early in the day to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which can roll in during summer.

If you decide to take the bus into the park past mile 15, you have the chance to make your own trail. Most National Parks in the lower 48 don’t have this choice because they’re so monitored. Of course Alaska is the last frontier, and so you have the option to blaze your own trail!

It can be as long or short, easy or hard as you like. There are some peaks and mountains not far off the road that you have the opportunity to climb.

Insider Tip: If you buy the ~$30 bus transit ticket, you can get off the bus at any point and get picked up anywhere along the road. This is a great option for those adventurous spirits looking to really get the feel for what Alaska has to offer.

Final Thoughts

Denali National Park offers a diverse range of hiking experiences, from short nature walks to challenging alpine climbs. By considering seasonal recommendations and these insider tips, you can plan your trip with confidence and make the most of your time in this iconic wilderness.

Pack smart, follow Leave No Trace principles, and embrace the adventure that awaits in Denali!

If you’re exploring Alaska or planning a trip there, here are some other posts that may interest you:

• How to Get to Root Glacier in Alaska
• Top Resources for Travelers in Tok, Alaska
• Essential Tips for Driving to Alaska via Canada