Denali National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering unparalleled views of rugged landscapes, wildlife, and the iconic Mount Denali. The hiking trails in Denali wind through wildflower meadows, dense spruce forests, and high tundra ridges, often with wildlife sightings along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual adventurer, here are three of the best hiking trails in Denali National Park to immerse yourself in the beauty of this Alaska wilderness:
1. Savage River Trail
- Distance: Approximately 2.1 mile loop (3.2 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: This trail provides breathtaking vistas of the Savage River Valley and Denali’s mountainous expanse. It’s known for its challenging elevation gain and rewards hikers with panoramic views, wildflowers, and the chance to spot wildlife like caribou or Dall sheep. Start at either the Savage River parking area or the Mountain Vista Trailhead for a memorable journey.
The Savage River Loop is the easiest trail on this list but delivers incredible views for minimal effort. This 2.1-mile loop gains only 413 feet in elevation, running alongside the rushing Savage River and offering a serene backdrop of the valley. Located at mile 16 of the Denali Park Road—the farthest point accessible by personal vehicle—the trailhead is easy to spot from the parking lot.
For those seeking a challenge, the optional alpine section extends 4.1 miles with a 1,414-foot elevation gain, leading to breathtaking views of the river valley. This point-to-point segment ends near the Savage River Campground, where shuttles are available to return to your starting point. Plan for at least two hours for this hike, and enjoy highlights like bouldering spots and close-up views of the rocky terrain.
Trailhead: Park at the Savage River parking area (Mile 15 of Denali Park Road). The well-marked trail begins on the east side of the river. You can hike the loop in either direction since it crosses at the far end. Because this is the furthest point private vehicles can go, the area can be popular mid-day – consider hiking early in the morning or later in the evening for more solitude (and better chances to see wildlife coming to the water).
2. Horseshoe Lake Trail
- Distance: 2 miles round trip (3.2 km)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts, this trail takes you through a serene forest to the reflective Horseshoe Lake. The trail is short and accessible, yet offers chances to see beavers, moose, and a variety of birds. It’s a great introduction to the park’s natural beauty without requiring advanced hiking skills.
Horseshoe Lake is one of the first hiking trails you’ll encounter upon entering Denali National Park, located just before the Visitor Center. The well-maintained 2.1-mile loop features steps for easier navigation during the descent and ascent, making it accessible for most hikers.
At the bottom, the trail winds along the shore of a stunning blue lake, home to beavers, moose, birds, and occasionally bears. Towering mountains create a dramatic backdrop, while bridges and creek crossings add charm to the experience. You can even wander toward the Nenana River for an additional scenic highlight.
The hike back includes a climb up the trail stairs, but overall, this easy trail is a favorite among visitors, with excellent reviews on AllTrails. Plan for at least 45 minutes, though the serene environment may entice you to stay much longer!
3. Triple Lakes Trail
- Distance: 9.5 miles one-way (15.3 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: The Triple Lakes Trail is the longest continuous trail in Denali National Park, connecting the Denali Visitor Center area to a point south near Denali Park Village. This point-to-point trail (which can also be done as a long out-and-back) is perfect for hikers wanting a longer adventure through diverse landscapes. The trail’s name comes from the three picturesque lakes you’ll encounter about midway through the hike. If you start from the north end (near the Visitor Center), the trail first crosses the Nenana River via a footbridge and then gradually climbs through spruce and birch forest. You’ll gain about 1,000 feet elevation early on, reaching airy ridgetop sections with peekaboo views of Mount Denali on clear days. The three lakes – located roughly in the middle of the trek – are the crown jewels of the hike: long, narrow lakes with mirror-like surfaces on calm days, surrounded by boreal forest.
In late summer, wild blueberries and cranberries can be found along sections of the trail, making a tasty trailside snack (just be sure you can identify them correctly and always leave plenty for the wildlife). Wildlife enthusiasts will love this trail’s quiet nature – it’s less traveled than the short hikes, so there’s a good chance of spotting animals. Hikers have reported seeing moose near the lakes and along the river, black bears in the berry patches (stay alert, especially later in summer), and a variety of birds. You might even see signs of wolves or hear birds alarm calling if predators are nearby. The solitude of Triple Lakes Trail, especially if you hike early, really immerses you in Denali’s wilderness away from any crowds.
Trailhead: There are two main trailheads. The north trailhead is just behind the Denali Visitor Center (look for signs for Triple Lakes Trail near the parking lot or on the Taiga Trail which connects to it). The south trailhead is near the Denali Park Village / Denali Cabins area off the Parks Highway (roughly Mile 231 of the highway). Many people will arrange a shuttle or vehicle pickup to avoid having to retrace the entire 9.5 miles back. If you want to do only a portion, a popular choice is to start at the south end and hike to the first or second lake and then return, which gives a nice 3-5 mile round trip sampling. Starting from the south end also front-loads the elevation gain (you’ll climb up and then descend toward the lakes, then have to climb back out), whereas starting from the north end spreads out the climb more gently. Plan for 4–6 hours to hike the full one-way length, depending on your pace and breaks. Bring plenty of water and snacks – although the trail intersects Riley Creek and passes the lakes (water sources), you should treat or filter any water before drinking.
Denali Hiking Tips:
- Prepare for the weather: Alaska’s conditions can change rapidly, so dress in layers and carry essentials like rain gear.
- Bear safety: Travel in groups and carry bear spray.
- Stay informed: Check for trail updates at the Denali Visitor Center.
Hiking trails in Denali offer something for everyone, from short, scenic walks to challenging treks with rewarding views. For more inspiration on hiking in Denali, check out resources like Experience Denali’s blog, which provides additional trail recommendations and travel tips
