Photo: Christoph Strässler from Oberdorf BL, Schweiz, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Six million acres of tundra, braided rivers and grizzly country, all watched over by Denali, at 20,310 feet the tallest mountain in North America. One road runs into the park, and past mile 15 you ride a park bus, scanning the hills for bears, caribou, moose, wolves and Dall sheep. The mountain hides in its own clouds most summer days, so count a clear view as a gift. Spend a day on the bus, a day on the trails near the entrance, and a day just wandering off-trail across the open tundra.
TRAILS
1 OF 7
Park Road by bus
Difficulty
Easy
Length
About 86 mi round trip to East Fork
Elevation gain
By bus
Park Road · Denali Bus Depot — This is how most people really see Denali. The bus rolls past Savage River, over Sable Pass and along the Teklanika River, stopping whenever someone spots a bear, caribou or moose. Pick a window seat on the left side for the mountain views heading out, and bring binoculars, food and water. On a transit bus you can get off almost anywhere to hike and flag down a later bus back, space permitting.
⚠︎ In 2026 buses go no farther than East Fork (mile 43). Full-road service to Wonder Lake and Kantishna is expected in 2027.
Photo: NPS Photo / Emily Mesner, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
2 OF 7
Savage Alpine Trail
Difficulty
Hard
Length
4 mi one way
Elevation gain
1,500 ft
Park Road · Savage River (mile 15) — The best day hike you can reach without a bus ticket. The trail climbs steeply from Mountain Vista onto a high tundra ridge with wide views of the Alaska Range and, on a clear day, Denali itself. Then it drops down a rocky slope into the Savage River canyon. Ride the free Savage River Shuttle to get back to your car.
⚠︎ Grades reach 25 percent. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Photo: NPS Photo / Emily Mesner, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
3 OF 7
Mount Healy Overlook
Difficulty
Hard
Length
5.4 mi
Elevation gain
1,700 ft
Entrance area · Denali Visitor Center — A steady climb out of spruce forest and into the alpine, ending on a rocky knob high above the entrance area and the Nenana River. On clear days the summit of Denali shows on the horizon to the southwest. It starts right at the visitor center, so it's perfect for the day you arrive or the evening before an early bus.
Photo: NPS Photo / Emily Mesner, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
4 OF 7
Horseshoe Lake
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
2 mi (3 mi from the visitor center)
Elevation gain
250 ft
Entrance area · Denali Visitor Center — A short, steep drop to an oxbow lake, then a loop around its shore past beaver dams and lodges. Moose often feed in the shallows, especially in the evening. The trail is rooty and rocky in spots but short enough for most families.
⚠︎ Stay at least 25 yards from moose and 300 yards from bears.
Photo: NPS Photo / Emily Mesner, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
5 OF 7
Savage River Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Length
2 mi loop
Elevation gain
Mostly flat
Park Road · Savage River (mile 15) — An easy walk up one side of the Savage River and back down the other, between rocky canyon walls. Watch for marmots, arctic ground squirrels, ptarmigan and the occasional Dall sheep on the cliffs. Parking is very limited, so ride the free Savage River Shuttle.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
6 OF 7
Triple Lakes Trail
Difficulty
Hard
Length
9.5 mi one way
Elevation gain
1,000 ft
Entrance area · Visitor Center or Parks Highway trailhead — Denali's longest maintained trail runs from the visitor center south over ridges and past three lakes to a trailhead on the Parks Highway. It crosses two creeks on bridges and climbs to views over the Nenana River valley. Hike it one way with a ride arranged at the far end, or go out and back to the lakes from the south trailhead.
Photo: NPS Photo / Tim Rains, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
7 OF 7
East Fork river bar walk
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
As far as you like
Elevation gain
Varies
Park Road · East Fork (mile 43) — Denali's deep backcountry has almost no trails, and that is the point. Get off the bus at the East Fork of the Toklat River and walk out the wide gravel bars toward the mountains, picking your own route. You will feel the size of the place within minutes. Stay on open ground where you can see wildlife coming, and keep an eye on the time for the bus back.
⚠︎ Off-trail travel: carry bear spray, a map and warm layers. Glacial rivers are cold and fast; do not wade deep channels.
Photo: NPS Photo / Tim Rains, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Plan your Denali trip
The Nova Bound app builds the whole trip around these trails: where to stay, where to charge, and what to see each day. Coming soon to the App Store.
Distances are round trip unless noted, from NPS.gov and rounded. Trails, permits and road openings change; always check nps.gov before you go. Trail write-ups by Nova Bound.