Hiking

Triple Lakes Overview

The Triple Lakes Trail inside Denali National Park provides visitors with one of the best opportunities for a serene immersion into the boreal forest of Interior Alaska. This adventure on an improved trail inside Denali National Park begins with a gradual and consistent hill climb providing spectacular views of the Nenana River and the expansive glacially carved Yanert Valley. This trail then descends and levels off to provide access to the three alpine lakes that give this Alaska trail its name. Beautiful views of the lakes, bounded by the elevated ridges, make for some outstanding photo opportunities. The lakes are abundant with arctic grayling and also home to resident beavers. Moose enjoy the sheltered valley and other small mammals are abundant increasing the opportunity for wildlife viewing. Countless wildflowers dot the hillsides adjacent to the trails and wild blueberries are abundant in August. This is a “must do” Alaska hike for any Denali visitor desiring to experience some solitude. This Alaska hike is rated moderately strenuous due to the reasonably steep ascent at the onset of this hike. Only avid hikers with appropriate conditioning and footwear should consider this option.

NOTE: Two-person minimum is required.

Steps Through Time Overview

Experience the concept of true wilderness by stepping away from the developed areas and immersing yourself in the tranquility of a hike through the mixed spruce, birch and alder forest that encompass the Denali area and Interior Alaska.

This guided hike will set you on the trail of discovery and adventure as your certified guide interprets many of the unique natural attributes of the area. Follow the trail of frontier hunters on the way to an old hunting cabin and take in some of the spectacular scenery on this invigorating hike. The trail is rustic and leads away from the lodge, gradually enveloping the hiker into a quiet and refreshing environment. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the glacially-carved Nenana River Valley. The guide will help in your understanding of the immense power and magnitude of the forces that shaped the land.

This is a moderately strenuous to difficult hike and proper footwear is essential in order to provide for good, secure footing along the trail. You’ll need to step over exposed roots and around wet areas and boulder hop over Lynx Creek. The trail rises in elevation at various spots and can provide a moderately strenuous workout for most participants. Sightings of fox, moose, Dall sheep, and numerous birds are always possible, but the scenery is what this trail is mostly about. This is a well marked but unimproved trail still used by hikers, backpackers, and hunters to easily access some of the most beautiful wilderness areas of Denali.

Hike Overview

Looking for a way to enhance your Denali experience? Consider a guided hike inside the National Park on the Rock Creek Trail. This “front country” experience offers guests an opportunity to blend a pleasant hike on an improved trail inside the Park boundary, with a meaningful and educational visit to the unique Denali Visitor Center. Guests will be picked up by their interpretive guide and shuttled over to the Denali Visitor Center as the guide shares some of the basics about the unique history and attributes of Denali. The participants will take off from there on an invigorating loop hike of approximately four miles on the Rock Creek Trail, returning back to the Visitor Center via the Roadside Trail. This hike is available at 6:00pm only.

Return transportation is provided back to your hotel or you can arrange to rent a bike from Bike Denali and peddle back on your own. Take away photos, knowledge, and memories from this guided hike. Since adult rates include the National Park Service entrance fee, all pass holders prepaying the National Park Service Fee will be entitled to a refund. Along with confirmation and/or tickets, please present photo ID with pass. Check at your hotel front desk.