In the Denali area, summer days seem endless, inviting you to step away from the hustle of tours and explore the raw beauty of the taiga and tundra on foot. This afternoon hike is a perfect way to experience Alaska’s wild landscape, with nothing but the sound of your footsteps and the rhythm of nature.

Duration

Three to four hours

About

Beneath the canopy of spruce aspen and birch trees that define the taiga, the air carries the fresh, earthy scent of the forest floor. Here, mosses and hardy plants thrive in the cool, shaded undergrowth. As you walk, keep your eyes sharp for signs of wildlife—perhaps you’ll spot antlers dropped by caribou or moose, blending into the landscape, a subtle reminder of the creatures that roam this vast terrain.

As the trail climbs gently, the taiga gives way to the open expanse of the tundra. The trees thin out, and the air becomes crisper, tinged with the sharp scent of spruce and the earthy aroma of tundra soil. Under the expansive Alaskan sky, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping valley views, where untouched wilderness stretches as far as the eye can see, a true testament to Denali’s unpeopled beauty.

Your expert naturalist guide will reveal the secrets of this delicate ecosystem, introducing you to the tiny plants that carpet the tundra, from lichen to wildflowers, and sharing stories of the resilient animals that survive in this rugged environment. Along the way, you might catch the faint smell of wet earth after a recent rain or stumble upon a lone antler nestled among the tundra grasses, a piece of nature’s history left behind.

In the stillness of the tundra, with no crowds in sight, you’ll find a sense of peace and connection to this timeless wilderness. Let the sights, sounds, and scents of the taiga and tundra deepen your appreciation for Denali’s boundless beauty.

WHAT TO WEAR & BRING FOR YOUR DAY HIKE:

Alaska experiences all kinds of weather, and we hike in all of it. It hardly gets higher than 75 degrees, but more likely will be between 45-65 degrees.

• Wearing quick drying hiking pants, a moisture-wicking shirt and sturdy hiking boots or trail runners will keep you most comfortable.
• Small backpack on your hike to carry: - Refillable water bottle/bladder - Rain jacket & rain pants - Warm layers (fleece) - Snacks - Sunscreen - Hat/sunglasses, chapstick - Camera If you have meds (like epipen) bring them with you.

Hiking poles are available to borrow, but feel free to bring your own if you have them

GUIDES WILL CARRY:

First-aid kit, bear spray, trail map, guide books, compass

Return transportation is provided back to your hotel, or you can choose to go off on your own and learn more at the Denali National Park Visitor Center and utilize your hotel's courtesy shuttle service for return transportation from the Visitor Center where applicable. Take away photos, knowledge, and memories from this guided hike.