10 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Visit to Denali
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1. Sled Dog Kennels
Meet the most adorable rangers in the National Park Service at the Denali Sled Dog Kennels! These beautiful huskies are an essential part of the cultural and historical significance of Denali National Park and are the only sled dogs in the United States that protect the wildlife and wilderness of a National Park.
What You Need to Know
The park rangers in Denali still travel by sled dog to the far reaches of the park in the winter…how cool is that?! Stop by the sled dog kennels during open hours to pet the dogs and take pictures.
Rangers provide daily demonstrations three times per day during the summer. You can find out more information and schedules by clicking here.
As a side note, you can apply to adopt a retired Denali sled dog if you are interested!
Getting Here
Parking is not available at the kennels during the summer, so catch a free park shuttle from the Visitor Center at least 40 minutes before the scheduled demonstration time.
2. Savage River Loop Trail
Discover something new along this peaceful trail! A charming footbridge spans the river and is a great place to snap a photo, take in the views, and watch for wildlife.
What You Need to Know
The Savage River Loop Trailhead is just about as far as you can drive in your own car before the road closes to all private vehicle traffic. A small parking area does exist, but I recommend using the free park shuttle that will take you there and pick you up again.
This area, especially as you cross the river on the footbridge at the top of the loop, is usually extremely windy. The weather can change in an instant, so be prepared for rain or shine or hot or cold. You may experience several different weather conditions during just one short hike!
This hike is 2 miles round trip and has minimal elevation gain. Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
The easiest way to reach the trailhead is by taking the free park shuttle to the Savage River. This shuttle leaves every two hours from the Visitor Center or the Denali Bus Depot.
If you have your own car and would like to drive yourself to the trailhead, take the Denali Park Road to Mile 14 where you will find a small parking lot.
3. Horseshoe Lake Trail
Enjoy a hike to this beautiful and pristine lake tucked in the trees! Look for moose along the shoreline as you admire a peaceful reflection in the water.
What You Need to Know
This trail is popular, so don’t expect to have it all to yourself. The elevation drops significantly as you approach the lake so be ready to hike a slightly steep hill on your way back out. The trail circles the lake so you can hike all the way around if you would like (I recommend it) or you can stop at the first shoreline you reach and relax, making the hike slightly shorter.
The hike to Horseshoe Lake is 2 miles round trip if you start your hike from the bus stop, and pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
The easiest way to get here is to take the free Riley Creek Loop Shuttle to the trailhead. There is a small parking area at this trailhead (it only fits about 5-6 cars), so if you want to drive your own vehicle, you can try to get a spot by driving 0.5-miles east of the Visitor Center.
4. Wonder Lake
If you can make it all the way out to Wonder Lake, you will be in for one of the most incredible experiences of your life. Words can’t even describe how it feels to be so close to that dramatic mountain with such a beautiful lake at your feet!
What You Need to Know
The trip to Wonder Lake must be made by bus and is a lengthy 11 hour day trip. Bring plenty of snacks and water for the bus ride out to make your experience more enjoyable! I suggest staying overnight if you can. Wonder Lake has a great campground nearby, or you can try the North Face Lodge. If you are unable to get reservations at either place, you can always try to get a backcountry permit to camp in the area.
This area is notorious for its high density of mosquitoes during the summer months. Bring plenty of bug spray. I also suggest a head net (you can find them at stores near the park). I thought that the people who were wearing those nets were overreacting, but it turns out that you do need one to keep those mosquitoes from making a meal of your face.
Getting Here
Wonder Lake is located at mile 85 along the Park Road and must be accessed by bus. To make it that far along the road, you must purchase a ticket for the Wonder Lake Transit Bus, the Camper Bus, or the Kantishna Experience Tour. Information on buses in the park can be found here.
5. Triple Lakes Trail
The Triple Lakes Trail is the longest established trail in Denali and travels through a spectacular wilderness area to three beautiful lakes. Look for blueberry patches along the way (which also means there are probably bears nearby!) and enjoy watching the waterfowl and beavers in the lakes.
What You Need to Know
As with all other hiking in Denali, it is suggested to carry bear spray and to hike in a group. Read more about bear safety before you go! The elevation change on this hike makes it more strenuous than many of the other hikes in the Denali Trail System, so be ready for a good workout.
The Triple Lakes Trail is 9.5 miles if you start at the Visitor Center and end at the Highway (you will need a shuttle to get back to your starting point) or approximately 4 miles round trip if you start at the trailhead along the highway, go to the lakes, and then turn around to return the same way you came.
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
This trail can be accessed by using the McKinley Bar Trail (near the Visitor Center) or by driving south from the park entrance along the George Parks Highway to mile marker 231.5 (there is a small parking area).
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