Lake
- Triple Lakes
- The vegetation is generally tussocky, with wet tundra in the lower areas and dryer tundra at the higher elevations. The three lakes are nestled in a valley, which opens
Forest/Natural Area
- Riley Creek
- Lower Riley Creek is a large stream, with thick spruce and willow forests covering the valley. The ridge tops near Lower Riley Creek also tend to be brushy. Hiking
Scenic
- Jenny Creek
- This area consists of a ridge running west from park headquarters (Mile 3) to the Savage River (Mile 15). The ridge top is mostly dry tundra, with some boggy
- Polychrome Glaciers
- The Polychrome Glaciers are finger-like, hanging glaciers that extend from the north facing slopes along the Alaska Range. Many wide gravel bars, originating at the bases of the glaciers,
- Stony Dome
- Stony and Little Stony Creeks flow north from steep ridges, through deep canyons, with occasional waterfalls in feeder streams. The hills consist mostly of exposed rock and loose scree.
- Sunrise and Sunset Glaciers
- Good views of Denali and other peaks in the Alaska Range. The Thorofare River flows through a wide valley descending to the Thorofare River Bar. This wide gravel bar
- Mount Eielson
- Miles 66.1-71.5, Eielson Visitor Center, or Eielson Bluffs.
Directions
Mount Eielson rises almost 6000?, and commands a spectacular view of the Alaska Range and the lower Muldrow Glacier. Glacier Creek flows
- McKinley Bar East
- This unit is a thin strip of land between the north bank of the McKinley River and the park road. Much of this unit consists of gentle rolling hills
- McKinley Bar West
- This unit is located west of Wonder Lake, at the end of the park road. It is a tremendous area for bird and beaver watching as well as viewing
- Windy Creek
- Windy Creek is one of the two backcountry units south of the Alaska Range. It tends to receive more precipitation than units north of the Range.
Glacial valleys have steep
- Foggy and Easy Pass
- This unit is similar to unit 16, but it is even harder to access. The unit includes two major passes, Foggy Pass and Easy Pass. These passes do not
- Upper Glacier Creek
- Glacier Creek flows south between steep slopes to the east and the Muldrow Glacier to the west. The Muldrow Glacier is the largest north-flowing glacier in Alaska, pushing down
- Pirate Creek
- With the McKinley River and the Muldrow Glacier as borders, this unit is extremely difficult to access. The portion of the Muldrow comprising the eastern boundary is very rugged,
- McGonagall Pass
- This unit is a corridor to the Muldrow Glacier, and the route first used to ascend Denali. Most of the ground between river drainages is a mixture of wet
- Mt. McKinley, Alaska Range
- Denali National Park offers access to some of the most spectacular peaks in the Alaska Range. The climbing season in Denali is extremely short, with most of the mountaineering
- Mount Healy
- Mount Healy is actually a ridge that runs east-west, and reaches elevations of up to 6,000 feet. The top of the ridge is mostly loose rock with jagged peaks
- Primrose Ridge
- Primrose Ridge is an excellent day or overnight hike. The ridge rises 1,500 feet above the park road, and consists mostly of dry tundra and rolling hills. Water can
- Mount Wright
- This unit is comprised of the lower Sanctuary River Canyon, and the high slopes of Mt. Wright and Primrose Ridge. The Sanctuary River flows in one channel beneath thick
- Big Creek/Igloo Mountain
- The area is a mixture of hills, river valleys, and mountains with many colors and textures. The drainages, such as Big Creek, tend to be open in the upper
- Polychrome Mountain
- The East Fork River runs through a varied terrain of high hills and steep slopes. In many areas, the slopes of the Outer Range are totally exposed, giving the
- Stony Hill
- Stony Creek winds north through two deep canyons of multi-colored rock. At the junction of Stony Creek and Boundary Creek, the landscape opens to an expansive view of the
- Mount Galen
- Mount Galen is a dome shaped peak rising over 5,000 feet. The southwestern flanks of Galen are scattered with low brush and dry tundra. The other faces are steep
- Kantishna Hills
- The Kantishna Hills consist of a 30-mile chain of low mountains running from Brooker Mountain (west of Wonder Lake) northeast to the Toklat River. The ridgelines are covered with
River/Rapids
- Upper Savage River
- Rolling tundra hills parallel the Savage River southward to its headwaters. As the slopes become steeper, they give way to exposed rock. Hiking is rigorous, but the views are
- Upper Sanctuary River
- The Sanctuary River offers a fairly narrow gravel bar with thick brush on either side. The river usually consists of one or two main channels originating from the high
- Upper Teklanika River
- The Teklanika flows from a number of glaciers on the north side of the Alaska Range down through a deep river valley. The river bar is wide open and
- Upper East Fork River
- The bar of the East Fork River is wide and rocky. Low, tundra covered benches line the banks of the river which originates from a large glacier at the
- East Branch Toklat River
- The East Branch River valley is a deep glacial valley with a wide river bar at the bottom. The mountains are steep and covered with multi-colored rock. Some rise
- West Branch Upper Toklat River
- The West Branch of the Toklat River is a scenic valley with impressive mountains rising from an expansive river bar. Side streams along the lower reaches of the river
- Muddy River
- Unit 21 offers a variety of scenery and terrain. The lowlands bordering the McKinley Bar exemplify interior Alaska conditions: thick brush, spruce forests, grasslands, swamps, wet tundra, and a
- Iron Creek and the West End
- An in-depth description of this area is impossible due to its overwhelming size and variety of terrain. The unique feature of this area, more than any other unit in
- Sushana River
- The ridge west of the Teklanika River rises approximately 1,500 feet This area, known as the Sushana Hills, offers terrain similar to that of Mt. Wright and Primrose Ridge.
- Tributary Creek
- The landscape created by the Outer Range. Brush is found in the lower drainage, with mostly low tundra and scree at higher elevations. Scattered spruce forests are found in
- Lower Toklat
- The Lower Toklat is a wide river valley with steep mountains on either side. Many side drainages serve as routes out of the Toklat Valley. The river braids out
- Jumbo and Moose Creeks
- This area is mostly rolling tundra hills, with heavy brush, wet tundra, and swamps between the hilltops. Beaver ponds can be found throughout the area, providing an excellent habitat
- Lower Toklat, East Fork, & Stony Creek
- These three units, rarely seen by park visitors, offer a vast expanse of untouched land. The Wyoming Hills (sections 37 & 38) are characteristic of the rugged, rolling hills
Visitor Area/Center
- Denali Visitor Center
- Complete your trip by visiting the Denali Visitor Center located at the entrance campus of the park. The center offers Denali's visitors a chance to learn more about the
- Eielson Visitor Center
- Location - Mile 66 of the Denali Park Road with access by shuttle bus.
Special Programs - Rangers provide information, assistance, and a daily guided walk at 1:30 p.m..
Exhibits -
- Talkeetna Ranger Station
- Open All Year 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone - 907-733-2231
Location - To visit the Talkeetna Ranger Station turn at mile 98 on the George Parks Highway at the Talkeetna
Campground
- Riley Creek Campground
- Riley Creek Campground (RCC) is a 150 site campground located just inside the entrance to the park. There are flush and vault toilets available as well as potable water.
- Savage River Campground
- Savage River Campground (SRC) is a 33 site campground located at Mile 13 on the Park Road. There are flush and vault toilets available as well as potable water.
- Teklanika River Campground
- Teklanika River Campground (Tek) is a 53 site campground located at Mile 29 on the Park Road. There are flush and vault toilets available as well as potable water.
- Sanctuary Campground
- Sanctuary Campground (Sanctuary) is a 7 site campground located at Mile 23 on the Park Road. There are chemical toilets available. There is no potable water, nor are hook-ups
- Wonder Lake Campground
- Wonder Lake Campground (WLC) is a 28 site campground located at Mile 85 on the Park Road. There are flush and vault toilets available as well as potable water.
- Morino Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
Distance: .40-mile loop (25 minutes roundtrip)
Access: Begins and ends at Denali Visitor Center
Highlights: Historic roadhouse site
Elev. change: None
Grade: 0-2%
Width: 48 inches
Surface: Well-compacted gravel
Denali National Park & Preserve
P.O.
- Igloo Campground
- Igloo Campground (Igloo) is a 7-site campground located at Mile 35 on the Park Road. There is a chemical toilet available; no potable water, hook-ups, or other amenities. No
Trail
- Horseshoe Lake Hike
- Offered daily at 10:00 am, the Horseshoe Lake Hike starts from the Denali Visitor Center, mile 1.5 on the Park Road. Parking is available at the center. No sign-up
- Spruce Loop Walk
- Difficulty: Easy
Distance: .25-mile loop (45 minutes roundtrip)
Highlights: Spruce forest
Elev. change: None
Grade: 0%
Width: 72 inches
Surface: Well-compacted gravel
Denali National Park & Preserve
P.O. Box 9
Denali Park,AK,99755
Phone: (907) 683 2294
Email:
- Meadow View Hike
- Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1.5 miles (2 hours)
Highlights: View of meadow and mountains
Elev. change: 250 feet
Grade: 15% maximum
Width: 30 inches
Surface: Well-compacted gravel
Denali National Park & Preserve
P.O. Box 9
Denali Park,AK,99755
Phone: (907) 683
- Taiga Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.3-miles (45-60 minutes)
Access: Denali Visitor Center (trail ends at Horseshoe Lake Trailhead)
Highlights: Spruce and aspen
forests, flowers in spring, berries in summer and fall
Elev. change: 75 feet (moderately
- McKinley Station Walk
- This 2 hour trail walk starts at the Denali Visitor Center, mile 1.5 on the Park Road. Parking is available at the center. No sign-ups are required - simply
- Eielson Stroll
- The Eielson Stroll is offered daily at 1:00 pm, starting at Eielson Visitor Center. The center is located at mile 66 on the Park Road, and is accessible by
- Discovery Hikes
- Discovery Hikes are a great way for the adventurous and well-prepared to explore the heart of Denali. These ranger-led hikes go everywhere, so expect uneven terrain, small stream crossings,
- Rock Creek Trail
- 2.3 miles one way, 2 hours one way Description: Enjoy an upland forest hike through beautiful stands of spruce and birch. This trail leads to the Park Headquarters and
- Jonesville Trail
- 0.4 miles
This trail leads to the business district outside the park top.
By Mail
Denali National Park
P.O. Box 9
Denali Park, AK 99755-0009
- or -
Talkeetna Ranger Station
Box 588
Talkeetna, AK 99676
E-mail Us
By Phone
Headquarters
907-683-2294
HQ-Teletype
- Savage River Trail
- 2 mile round trip, 1 1/2 - 2 hrs.
Head downstream into the Savage River Canyon for a sample of Denali's plant, animal, and scenic features. A bridge allows for
- Mount Healy Overlook Trail
- 2.2 miles one way, 3-4 hour round trip
This 1,700 foot climb offers spectacular views of the Denali National Park entrance area, the Nenana River valley, and alpine ridges. Climb
