Visitors to Denali often make their decisions on where to hike within the park based on what type of terrain they want to hike in. The most common types of terrain found within the park are taiga, tundra, and river gravel bars.

Taiga

The taiga forest, found in lower elevation areas, consists mainly of spruce trees, willows, and brush. It is home to moose, bear, red squirrel, woodpeckers, and many varieties of berries. The dense vegetation may impede hiking, but the struggle is often worth it for the views that open up when you break through to the higher tundra areas.

The frontcountry of Denali offers hiking trails through the taiga forest, making it easier to travel in this scenic area.

Tundra

There are two types of tundra in Denali, located mainly above the areas of taiga forest. Moist tundra has a groundcover of sponge-like mosses and small brush. Hiking in this habitat offers opportunities for viewing caribou, fox, and bears among open expanses of wildflowers and berries.

Dry tundra is found in the higher alpine areas, often interspersed with scree (small loose rocks). It is home to spectacular wildflowers. Animals such as Dall sheep, caribou, and arctic ground squirrel thrive in this seemingly barren ecosystem.

Gravel River Bars

A great way to take a moderate hike with good visibility -- something you don't often get in the middle of taiga and willow thickets -- is to walk along the wide gravel bars of Denali's braided rivers. It is possible to see many varieties of wildflowers, impressive animal tracks, and sometimes even the animals themselves as they travel this relatively easy route.

Just as Denali has few trails, there are few bridges in the backcountry of Denali. Stream and river crossings should be made with caution.