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6. Mount Healy Overlook Trail
The Mount Healy Overlook is the perfect trail if you don’t want to climb but would like to earn a stunning vantage point! This hike provides a fantastic view of the valley below…and maybe even Denali (the mountain) if you’re lucky.
What You Need to Know
This hike is considered strenuous as it climbs up the mountainside quickly, so expect some steep but manageable areas of the trail. Plan and prepare for the weather. As you gain elevation you will lose tree cover and will be more exposed to the elements.
The actual trail ends at the sign stating that you have reached the Overlook, but you can continue if you want to make it to the top of Mount Healy.
This trail is 5.4 miles roundtrip, gains 1700 feet of elevation, and pets are not permitted.
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.
7. McKinley Station Trail
Many great short trails exist near the Visitor Center, but this one is the most interesting! This area used to be an energetic community full of miners and trappers, and this trail provides a small glimpse into a former way of life.
What You Need to Know
Be sure to take the Hiking Guide with you as you travel the trail to learn about the history of the area. This is a great little trail to take a stroll on. You may enjoy hiking down to the creek, finding a nice rock, and soaking up the views of the water and surrounding mountains.
This trail is 1.6 miles from the Visitor Center to the Riley Creek Campground. If you do not want to hike all the way to the campground, just follow the trail for a little less than a mile to reach the Creek and then turn around to return the way you came, making the hike about 2 miles round trip.
Getting Here
This trail is marked and begins next to the Denali Visitor Center.
8. Take a Bus
Please note – Due to the Pretty Rocks Landslide, all areas of the park past mile 43 of the Park Road are closed until further notice. This has impacted some bus routes, especially the camper bus.
Feel the excitement as you inch closer and closer to that looming mountain in the distance…the breathtaking Denali! Ooh and aah as you press your face against the window to get a better view of the animals that call this beautiful place home.
What You Need to Know
Taking a bus ride is really the only way to get to the far reaches of the park, so plan accordingly and book ahead if you are serious about seeing more of what Denali has to offer.
Each bus provides a different experience. If you are looking for a tour that offers a meal, a narrative of the surrounding area, and more comfortable seats, consider one of these options.
If you are taking a tour, please note that you are limited to their itinerary and schedule. I took the Tundra Wilderness Tour and loved it. We saw bears, moose, caribou, dall sheep, and wolves! The lunch was good, and it was a fun experience to have the expertise of a tour guide to share interesting facts and points of interest.
If you are searching for a cheaper option, look into taking a Transit Bus.
You pay depending on how far along the road you want to go and how long you want to be on a bus. The cool thing about the transit bus is that you can embark and disembark anytime along the drive. If you see an area that looks interesting to you and that you would like to explore, you can hop off the bus and hike around off-trail. After exploring, head back up to the road and flag down another passing transit bus to continue along your journey.
The third option is the Camper Bus.
This bus will take you all the way out to Wonder Lake or Kantishna for a lower price, however, it is only for those that have a campground reservation or backcountry camping permit. I took this bus all the way to the end of the road with a few stops along the way to hike and camp, and it was great.
For the best views of Denali, I suggest trying to make it at least to the Stony Hill Overlook or the Eielson Visitor Center, regardless of the bus option you choose!
Getting Here
You’ll want to reserve your bus tickets in advance — they sell out fast! Most of the buses leave from the Denali Bus Depot, although some tours may pick you up in front of your hotel if you choose.
9. Mountain Vista Trail
Take a peaceful hike through this boreal forest with gorgeous views of the Alaskan Range. If you’re here on a clear day, you’ll be able to see Denali from here!
What You Need to Know
The Mountain Vista Trail is a 0.6-mile loop with 50 feet of elevation gain. It travels through the site of an old tourist camp, and you’ll find interpretive panels that explain what used to be here.
The best thing about the Mountain Vista Trail is that it provides a great opportunity to see Denali (the mountain). Only about 30% of visitors to this park actually see the mountain, so I want to provide as many chances for you to see it as possible! On a clear day, you can see the summit of Denali from this trail, and there is an interpretive panel that shows you where to look (from here, you’re still about 80 miles away so you won’t get closeup views, but it’s exciting nonetheless).
After you see Denali from this trail, it will make it easier to know where to look as you drive, hike, or take a bus along the park road for the remainder of your trip.
Getting Here
The Mountain Vista Loop and Picnic Area are located at Mile 13 of the Park Road. You can drive your vehicle here, and you’ll find ample parking, clean restrooms, and picnic tables.
You can also reach this trailhead by taking the free Savage River Shuttle. This shuttle leaves every two hours from the Visitor Center or the Denali Bus Depot.
10. Stony Hill Overlook
Please note – Due to the Pretty Rocks Landslide, all areas of the park past mile 43 of the Park Road, including the Stony Hill Overlook, are closed until further notice.
You’ll never forget your first view of Denali from the Stony Hill Overlook! If you take a bus into the park, this overlook is your first chance to see Denali from base to summit — all 20,310 feet of it!
What You Need to Know
Most of the park buses (#8 in this list) will get you to this point, but make sure they are traveling beyond the Toklat Rest Area.
It’s common for the mountain to be covered in clouds, and clear sightings are rare. But if the weather works in your favor, you’ll be treated to majestic views of Denali from Stony Hill.
If your bus continues on, you’ll reach the Eielson Visitor Center just a few minutes beyond this overlook. You’ll find several fabulous hiking trails that begin at the visitor center and will provide even more spectacular views of the mountain. Plan on spending a good amount of time in this area if the sky is clear!
If the weather does not cooperate and you’re not able to see Denali from the bus, try your luck another day in nearby Denali State Park. You’ll get amazing views of Denali from the Denali North and Denali South Viewpoints in the state park, located about 1-1.5 hours from the Denali National Park Visitor Center. If you’re driving to/from Anchorage, you’ll be able to see the mountain on a clear day as you drive south from Cantwell!
Getting Here
The Stony Hill Overlook is located at Mile 62 of the Denali Park Road, and the Eielson Visitor Center is at Mile 66. You will need to take a bus to reach these destinations.
BONUS — Off-Trail Experience
The hiking experience in Denali is unmatched, especially because of the ability you have to see a cool place and to make your own trail to get there. Rivers and streams abound, and the mountain vistas anywhere you turn are indescribable. Step out of your comfort zone, imagine your ideal trail, and then go out and create it!
What You Need to Know
Head out on a Transit Bus (see #8 in the list) to access the wilderness area of Denali. You don’t need a backcountry permit if you are just day hiking, but make sure you are aware of the bus schedule so that you don’t miss a bus and get stranded out there unprepared. Stop in at the Backcountry Information Center or the Visitor Center to chat with a ranger about good trail options before you head out.
If you want to spend a night or more out in the backcountry, be sure to get a backcountry permit and follow all of the instructions provided to you at the Backcountry Information Center. The park is divided into sectors and depending on availability, you get to choose what area you want to explore. After securing your permits, you will need to buy a bus pass to get you out there. From there, you just disembark the bus when you reach your permitted area and start hiking!
Be sure to read up on bear safety and carry bear spray that is easily accessible. You will also be required to hike with bear-resistant canisters if you are backpacking.
Have a great time in Denali National Park! Happy trails!
As an update, North Face Lodge is no longer open. In addition, the park road was closed on August 27th at Pretty Rocks to all traffic including the buses. Lodges at Kantishna closed for the season as a result. Word is the road will not reopen any sooner than 2023. Kantishna properties will have to decide if they can operate based solely on fly-in customers and supplies. We left the Kantishna Roadhouse on August 25th.
Yes, a lot of changes will have to be made due to that road closure. Glad you were able to get out there this year!
Do you have any suggestions on hikes or viewpoints near mile 42 where the buses have to turn around, that would give views of Mt. McKinley? I read of Thorofare ridge and wonderlake but they are not accessible.
Hey Sid, I haven’t done any hiking around that turnaround spot, so I’m not sure. You can get views of Denali from the Mountain Vista Trail in the park (near Savage River) on a clear day. You might also want to drive down to Denali State Park and visit the North and South Denali Viewpoints there. That highway from Denali National Park to Trapper Creek/Talkeetna has some awesome views of the mountain on a clear day!
I’m guessing that mosquitos are decreased, as well as rivers, the longer the summer goes on? So maybe a preferred time to visit is late August or early September if I’m concerned about mosquitos and potentially crossing backcountry rivers? Also, is it *that* much colder then compared to the peak of summer? Thanks!
Denali just got snow a few days ago! Also, the mountain is often clouded over a lot more later in the summer, so if you’re hoping to see Denali, a visit in June makes more sense. But you’re right, the rivers will likely be higher and the mosquitos can be really bad that time of year.
Hello!
I love the information on here, this is amazing! I am going to be in Denali Late august, Early September. There is so much to do and we are staying 4 days in Lake Teklanika campground. I was wondering if you could tell me how to get around? I would like to do some hiking around that area. Also, are there shuttles there? it would be nice to be able to see more, but it’s unclear as to whether or not we can get transit there. What would you recommend for a 4 day trip for your first time in Denali.
Thank you for the help!
There is a park bus that you’ll need to purchase tickets for (look for the Tek Pass). You won’t be able to drive your own vehicle beyond the campground, so you’ll want to take the bus if you’re hoping to go further into the park. Have fun!
Thank you so much for this site. I’ve just booked 3 nights in Denali but am bummed to see the free shuttle busses are not operating due to COVID. We are staying those three nights at the Denali Park Village and are getting to the park via train after spending the night in Talkeetna and getting a K2 plane trip the day prior. We are fit and love day hikes but are definitely not rugged hikers who are in to backpacking overnight. Will we still be able to access good ones given the lack of shuttles? Any information or insight you can provide would be appreciated.
Oh I should mention, we will be there from July 29 to August 1.
Most hotels in the area run complimentary shuttles to the park. You can find several hiking trails from the visitor center area, such as Horseshoe Lake, Healy Overlook, Triple Lakes, and McKinley Station. You can also walk to the sled dog kennels. Beyond that, you’ll want to book a bus into the interior of the park…you wouldn’t be able to drive your own car along the entire park road even if you had one with you. If you don’t want to book a full-on tour, you can book a transit bus for much cheaper that follows the same route as the tours. I recommend getting to Eielson at least!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Busses are already completely booked….
Check back for cancellations, but yes, they are running at lower capacities this year and are nearly all booked up.
Transit buses aren’t running summer of 2021 due to covid. I too am trying to figure out how to enjoy Denali. The ONLY bus available is the Tundra tour bus, $169+ a person. Holy smokes.
Hey Carrie, I actually just got back from Denali yesterday and they are running transit buses this year! But many of them have already been booked up for the season.
Transit busses are running this year just fly booked. Check daily for cancelations though. And supposedly adding 2 busses daily that can be booked 48- hours ahead so with some luck you might snag one.
I will be taking the train from Fairbanks to Denali on Sunday June 13th and then back to Fairbanks on the 4pm train the same day. Looking for things to do within walking distance during the 4 hour period between trains. Any ideas are greatly appreciated
You’ll find a few trails near the train station/visitor center. I recommend Horseshoe Lake, Mount Healy Overlook, McKinley Station, or the Rock Creek Trail to the Sled Dog Kennels. I like this map for trails/walking paths in that area: https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/upload/trail-map-letter-size.pdf Have fun!
Hi! Thanks for the great info. We just scored a timed entry permit that will allow us to drive to mile 30 with our own car, yay! Due to the limits this year with tours and shuttles, we are super happy to have found this option. We will be visiting June 14th. Any recommendations on the best way to spend the day?
I’d drive the road, then when you’ve finished that, head to the park entrance area and hike Horseshoe Lake or Mt. Healy Overlook and visit the sled dog kennels!
We will be at Denali in June 28-July 2. What are the mosquitos like during this time? We went in July about 8 years ago and didn’t see many at all. I’ve heard that they are quite bad in June.
Thanks so much!
They usually are quite bad at that time, and I never go to Alaska in the summer without being totally prepared for the mosquito situation no matter the month. When I worked in Denali, I used those funny head nets in the backcountry all the time — they were a lifesaver haha. But you’ll definitely want some long-sleeved shirts, deet bug spray, and possibly even the head nets (they are only a couple of bucks and will really help if it’s bad). Have fun!
Are you available to hire for a guided tour? We are staying in Denali state park from Friday May 21st to Monday May 24th.
I don’t offer guided tours, but thank you for thinking of me!
Hi,
Planning to visit Denali 1st week of March. We plan to drive inside Denali. I understand that driving is limited. Considering the weather, what places do you recommend we visit?
You likely won’t be able to drive past Savage River in March. You can find more information on visiting in winter here: https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/winter-activities.htm Have fun!
Thank you for the two stickers! I’m be always loved your itineraries (Grand Canyon, Yosemite, & Glacier are my favorites). I’m taking 28 to Alaska next July. We’d like to hike and overnight in Denali. Can you suggest anything? We’ll spend two weeks (1 week south of Anchorage and one week around Denali). Thoughts?
Wow!! I’m not sure if you mean that you’d like to backcountry camp, but I don’t know of any unit that will allow a group of 28. So you’ll probably be better off camping in one of the park campgrounds and then completing some day hikes. I also definitely recommend taking the bus out to Wonder Lake. It makes for a long day, but the scenery and wildlife viewing is phenomenal. Have fun!
Loved the details. I got excited about Denali and then reading some comments from some tourists got a bit demotivated. This article put me back where I was. Thank you.
Denali is amazing! I spent 4 months there and still am dying to go back. You’re going to LOVE it. Have a great time!
Hi we are leaving in about 30 days for a land and cruise. Want to go all the way to the end and want to see Wonder Lake. Should we do the shuttle or the narrarated bus tour- we want to get off and go to the lake.
Also is this the best use of our time with day and a half in Denali?
Yeah, I definitely think you should try to take the bus out as far as you can. The narrated bus tours don’t typically let you get off and wander around…they just take short breaks at some of the viewpoints. The transit bus will likely be your best option. Have fun!
hi, travelling to Alaska for the first time. Will be travelling with a 3 year old kid and my mom who cant walk long distances. what activities (hikes etc) would you recommend that are not too physically demanding?
Most of the activities on this list are family-friendly! I’d just choose the ones that sound doable based on your family’s abilities. Have fun!
Hello,
Your blog is great!
I want to hike in the backcountry with my wife and two daughters (10 and 12). For a week. In early Augustly. We are used to backpacking, generally with light non-waterproof hiking shoes, in the southeast US. Would you recommend waterproof hiking boots for the backcountry, or will it be warm enough that our shoes will dry out? Or, if they won’t dry out, won’t waterproof shoes then be wet longer, for the whole trip. While mesh-ier shoes may be more comfortable?
Thanks for your thoughts!
Steve
I’d hike with waterproof over the ankle boots if you can. It can get mucky back in there, and mesh shoes won’t give you any protection against the terrain. Your shoes may not completely dry out, so having a few pairs of good hiking socks will make a big difference. Have fun!
My friend and I are arriving early June to the park. We are on a budget. Family members have told us not to book excursions through our cruise line. They recommended crossing the road from the lodge to the Ranger station? We have been told we can do the same things for free. I don’t want to get there and find out it isn’t that simple. Any advice?
It really depends on the type of excursion, but some do sell out so if you have your heart set on one, I’d book it in advance. If you don’t go through the cruise line and decide to book on your own, just be sure the times match up with the schedule you need to keep. Have fun!
Planning a trip to Denali the last week of June 2019. We will be staying in the Teklanika River Campground. Which trails would you recommend from that location?
I’d talk to the rangers! From the Tek, most “trails” are ones that you create yourself… there are tons of options to explore out there!
We are planning a land tour as part of a cruise in June. The land tour includes a 6-8 hour sightseeing excursion in Denali. We are debating spending an extra day in the park. Besides hiking what is there to do and will our excursion be enough as far as us seeing the park?
If the excursion is the bus tour through the park, you’ll get a good overview of what the park is about. There are some nice hiking trails near the entrance, but you can’t see the mountain from there, so if you’re only there for one day be sure it will take you deeper into the park!
Hi, This was great information on Denali. We will be coming at the end of June 2019 and we plan on staying inside the park at the Kantishna Roadhouse. I am confused on how you get around in the park, once we are at the lodge to get to any of these hikes. Is there any insight to this you can provide that will help us plan our 1 full day starting way down inside the park? We want to make sure we get the most out of our stay inside the park. Thanks
If you’re staying in Kantishna, I wouldn’t try to get to the hikes at the park entrance…that’s a really long bus ride. The fun thing about staying all the way out in Kantishna is being so deep into the park that you are on a true adventure! The Wonder Lake area is a great place to explore if you’re staying out there. The lodge will also have some excellent recommendations for making the most of your day. Only if you have some extra time before or after your stay in Kantishna would I recommend trying to get to some of the other hikes listed here near the entrance/visitor center.
Have a great trip!
Hi Ash,
My Husband and I are planning our first trip to Denali. Could you tell us which lodging has the best views. Can the Aurora be seen in mid September. We will be celebrating our 34th Anniversary when we go. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. P.S Which city is better Anchorage or Fairbanks? Sorry so many questions.
The lodging options just outside of the park entrance don’t have views of Denali, but some do have nice views of the river and surrounding hills. You can usually see the aurora in mid-September :) As for Anchorage vs. Fairbanks, it really depends on what you plan to do and what kind of things are important to you. Fairbanks is closer to Denali though so if that’s important to you then I’d go there. Feel free to email me at ash{at}dirtinmyshoes{dot}com if you need more info.
And Happy Anniversary! I can’t think of a better place to celebrate!
I’m planning my very first visit in Alaskathere arriving September 3. Flying from Singapore. Hoping to get a backcountry permit. The official website says “the more effort your group invests in planning your trip, the larger the reward.”
But its kind of hard to plan when there’s so little information I could find. It seems that I would have to choose certain units ( plots of land ) but which ares are the best? I have absolutely no idea. All I see is a grid so are there certain squares that all totally boring and are there some exceptionally beautiful areas?
Any advice on this would be an immense help.
Also if you have any advice in general it would be absolutely welcome !
It does get pretty confusing and the possibilities probably seem endless :) Check out this site: https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/backpacking-guide.htm and scroll to the bottom. It has all the units listed and you can click on each one individually to learn more about what it is/see photos/learn possible routes/find what to expect. Then you just pick one that looks like it matches your skills/experience level and try to snag the permit for it.
Have fun!
Was wondering if there are fewer mosquitoes in May as opposed to August. I’m still deciding when to go. Maybe foliage is nicer in August? Thanks. P.S. I am in my early 70s and in good health.
In addition to dealing with less mosquitoes, you’ll also have a much better chance at seeing the mountain in May. Because Denali is so large and high, it can create it’s own weather and in August it is often covered in clouds. I’d go in May :)
Does the park distribute bear safe canisters for hiking?
They do if you’re backpacking, but not if you’re just dayhiking {as far as I know….you may be able to get one just for the day depending on the ranger you talk to}.
Hi Dirt in my shoes!
Thanks for the information. I was wondering how far of a hike is it to wonder lakes? If you happen to know the elevation gain and how long is the bus ride?
Thanks
Frank
The bus ride is around 11 hours roundtrip to get to Wonder Lake and back. Once you get off the bus, it’s just a short hike to the lakeshore and campground with hardly any elevation gain.
Thanks for your insight. I’ll be working near Denali this summer and I can’t wait!
Have a great time!!!
Thank you for the excellent directions and suggestions. We are visiting Denali for a few days following a cruise this summer and have been meticulously planning each day. Your post has the most detail and usable information of any that I’ve seen.
Thank you so much! Have a great time in Denali and let me know if you have any questions!