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Destinations: Denali's Trail-less Wilderness
Many backcountry users come to Denali seeking a different experience. But, a hike without trails? Many rewards await those who take the challenge of hiking without a trail in the backcountry of Denali: spectacular vistas, possible encounters with wildlife, and the experience of traveling the land much as the first explorers did.Denali''s Trailless Wilderness...is all about choices: yours and ours as Denali''s wilderness stewards. Where should you hike? How can you get there from here? What, if anything, lies ahead for you? The myriad of choices can be initially intimidating. Years ago a conscious decision was made not to develop trails in Denali. Wilderness in Alaska by its very nature should be trailless, providing a contrast to other wilderness units elsewhere. Realizing trails become travel corridors that bring hikers and concentrate their impacts, traillessness helps us to disperse use and lessen impacts on the landscape. Where should I hike?
To help choose a location to hike read about the different habitats and terrain found within the park. The most common types of terrain in the park are taiga, tundra, and river gravel bars. - Taiga
The taiga forest, found in the lower elevation areas, consists of primarily spruce trees, willow and other brush. This dense cover may impede hiking, but the struggle is often worth it for the vistas possible when you break through to the higher tundra areas.The frontcountry of Denali offers trails through the taiga forest making it easier to travel in this scenic area. The taiga forest is home to many different plants and animals including moose, bear, red squirrels, woodpeckers, and many varieties of berries. - Tundra
There are two types of tundra areas in Denali, found when climbing above the taiga forest. Moist tundra, has a ground cover of sponge-like mosses and small brush. Hiking in this habitat offers opportunities for viewing caribou, fox and bear amongst the wildflowers and berries.Dry tundra is found in the higher alpine areas, interspersed with scree (small loose rocks). It is home to spectacular wildflowers. Animals such as the 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 is to walk along the wide gravel bars of Denali''s braided rivers. It is possible to see impressive animal tracks, many varieties of wildflowers and wildlife 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.
Backcountry Permits and Dayhikes.
- Overnight stays in the backcountry of Denali National Park require a free backcountry permit. Permits are available at the Visitor Center during the summer months and at Headquarters during the winter months. Permits are issued only one day in advance; reservations are not accepted.
- All areas require the use of Bear Resistant Food Containers (BRFCs) distributed free of charge with your backcountry permit. Please return your container(s) promptly at the end of your trip. To purchase your own container, stop by the Visitor Center bookstore.
- Be sure to carry the proper gear and be familiar with potential hazards and bear safety precautions.
- Dayhikes do not require a special permit. Denali is predominately a trailless park. Hikers must travel cross-country. Be prepared for uneven terrain and possibly streams and brush. There is a trail system in the park entrance area.
- Ranger led Discovery Hikes provide an excellent introduction to backcountry day hiking in Denali. Sign up for Discovery Hikes at the Visitor Center.
How to obtain your backcountry permit.
- Watch Backcountry Simulator program which describes bear safety, minimum impact camping, river crossing techniques, wildlife ethics, and backcountry safety and emergencies.
- Check Quota Board on the wall behind the Backcountry Desk for unit availability. Denali''s backcountry is divided into 43 units; only a limited number of backpackers are allowed per night in most units. During peak season, many units may be full for several days, and other units may be closed due to wildlife activity. Large hiking groups should be prepared to split up and go into different units.
- Read Backcountry Description Guides which are located at the Backcountry Desk. The Backcountry Companion, for sale at the bookstore in the Visitor Center, is also recommended reading. Please read through one or both of these references before choosing a unit.
- Consult a topographic map while planning your route through the backcountry. Keep in mind the immense scale of this trailless country where even a 5-mile hike can mean an exhausting day. Map reading skills are essential and invaluable.
- Obtain a permit at the Backcountry Desk and reserve a seat on a camper bus ($15). Finalize your plans with the backcountry staff when obtaining your permit. Rangers can help you with your initial planning, but in the end, the success of your trip rests with you.
- Consult the backcountry gear checklist.
Learn more.
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