So much beauty on all of Denalis trails. You will continue to hike through the trees but you no longer need to look for trail markers as there is only one way to go from this point onward. The Savage Alpine Trail is still a great hike to do if Denali is hiding behind the clouds, but seeing Denali is icing on the cake. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. These trails are all within a few miles of the Denali Visitor Center. give yourself 1.5 hours to get there.You will climb 1,700 feet . It offers dramatic views over the Nenana Valley, and the surrounding mountains and ridges. There are so many beautiful hikes ranging from 1-5 hours in Denali National Park straight from the visitor center, and this is one of the best. We, there were 6 of us, are not experienced hikers, we didn't stretch first, nor had we walked much in the last 4 days of our vacation. Hiking poles. According to the Denali National Park website: Hiking the ridges of Mount Healy beyond the trail is permitted but can be dangerous. The list below is not exhaustive, but should help in planning your off-trail adventure. The hardest section on the return hike are the switchbacks. Zoom in and click on the various trails to get descriptions, difficulties, and lengths. Mount Healy Overlook Trail Hard 4.8 (1916) Denali National Park Photos (2,004) Directions Print/PDF map Length 6.9 miElevation gain 2,483 ftRoute type Out & back Explore this 6.9-mile out-and-back trail near Denali National Park, Alaska. A popular trail that descends to, and travels entirely around, a lake. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Overflow parking spills onto the road next to the parking lot. For most of the hike, you will be walking uphill in a forest. Trees turn to shrubs, and the landscape opens wide. Although most of Denali National Park is a trail-less wilderness, there are a few trails near the entrance area and at different points along the park road. This online trail guide explores the history of this 1.6 mile trail that connects the Denali Visitor Center and Riley Creek Campground. Eventually becomes very steep, maxing at a 25% grade. Its also a lot easier, since the climbing is over and done with. more, #5 of 24 things to do in Denali National Park and Preserve. NATIONAL PARKS IN ALASKA: There are 8 national parks in Alaska. ), http://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/courtesy-shuttle-buses.htm. Tree-line in Denali is generally around 3,000' above sea level, and much of the Park Road travels near or above that level. From the overlook, you have 360 views of the front country of the park and, on a clear day, you will be able to see the top of Denali. A few trails exist farther west in the park, and can be seen by scrolling in that direction. Steep climb, but they payoff is definitely worth it. To do the full hike, you either need to use the park shuttle or walk back to your car on Denali Park Road, which adds another 2 miles to the hike. Here are the hiking stats if you do the Savage Alpine Trail out-and-back-from Savage River. Near the park entrance, you can get a view of Denali, but it looks tiny since it is so far away. However, the nature of Denali's Park Road and bus system, and the terrain itself, can make trail-less hiking more approachable than it may seem at first blush. Despite the incline the hike itself is not too strenuous and has a nice clear trail. There are restrooms and picnic tables. The Savage River Loop starts at the same trailhead. There is small parking lot at Savage River that can hold roughly 20 cars. Choose your hike based on what kind of areas you want to explore or what kind of wildlife you might be hoping to see! In many parts of the park, you will find that the Park Road stays in your view, even after several miles and several hours of hiking. The views from the top are amazing and provide a 360 view of the valleys. We hiked this trail on a crystal clear day and had excellent visibility. How to Hike the Triple Lakes Trail in Denali National Park, How to Hike the Horseshoe Lake Trail | Denali National Park, How to Hike the Savage Alpine Trail in Denali National Park, What to Do in Denali while Denali Park Road is Closed (& Is It Worth It?). Mt. Mountain Vista is located higher than Savage River, so you will have less ascent on the hiking trail. Details Distance 2.45 miles Elevation Gain 499 ft Route Type Loop Description Added by Austin Marlia Horseshoe Lake Loop in Denali National Park, Alaska offers up views of lakes, open meadows, and potential wildlife sightings. Get at least 300 yards away from the bear. The trail remains steep until you get to the overlook. Due to the high traffic, we were not concerned about bears. Top 10 Hikes in Denali National Park & Preserve, How to Hike the Triple Lakes Trail in Denali National Park, How to Hike the Mount Healy Overlook Trail | Denali National Park, What to Do in Denali while Denali Park Road is Closed (& Is It Worth It? Winter begins when snow falls, typically late September or early October. The trail leading to the second overlook. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller. The trail grade averages 5% with sections up to 20%. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. Bring at least one liter of water per person. Other trails offer a departure from the immediate surroundings of the park's only road, allowing you to seek a bit of solace and quiet, while still having an obvious, established path to follow. It was stunning and worth the effort. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Just note, if you plan to walk back to your car at Mountain Vista, it will be a mostly uphill walk on Denali Park Road. Others continued another mile to the precarious summit of Mount Healy, a steep fortress that looked impenetrable. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. Getting a permit makes you part of the solution to make the trail less congested and gives everyone a fair chance to visit. Low bushes carpeted the ground on either side of the path, bursting with hundreds of wild blueberries ripe for the picking. Hiking to the Mount Healy Overlook is one of the most popular hikes in Denali National Park & Preserve. Most are quite short between 0.3 and 2 miles but there are also a couple of longer ones. Hi, I'm Katie, a crazy cat lady and world traveler. Healy Overlook Trail 4.5 194 reviews #5 of 24 things to do in Denali National Park and Preserve Hiking Trails Visit website Write a review About This 2.5-mile hiking trail up Mt. The Savage Alpine Trail is a 4-mile point-to-point hike. The trail access is right from the visitor center parking lot. This parking lot still had lots of spaces when we drove through it midday. If you see a bear do not run as they may then see you as prey. Located at mile 85. 5.4 miles/8.7 km return to Mount Healy Overlook or 7.4miles/12km return when hiking further to Healy Ridge. Just hang in there. If you prefer to keep your hikes short and sweet, read our guide to the Best Short Hikes in the National Parks. 907 683-9532 A moose and her calf crossed the lower portion of this trail about 25 yards in front of us. Nature & Wildlife Areas Theatre & Performances. At this point you climbed 760 feet in elevation and have a beautiful view of the top of Denali and some of the alpine peaks near it. Plan for bad weather. Kids will love this part of the trail. You may wish to download or print these materials in advance, though cell / data service is available while on many of these trails, if you decide to access them while hiking. There is very little shade on the trail. The human voice is distinctive and tells wildlife that you are in the area, which helps minimize surprise encounters. A rocky ridgeline led to the summit of Mt Healy with rock outcrops punctuating it along the way. Top hiking spots in and near Healy Healy, Alaska Horseshoe Lake Loop 5.0 Considered strenuous, the trail has steep sections up to 25% grade and is generally 24" wide. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Healy. The Savage River Loop starts at the same trailhead. Stay at least 25 yards away from a wolf. This and the Roadside Trail can be combined to make a 4.5 mile loop through a mixed forest of spruce, aspen and birch trees. The main reason to do this hike is for the view. Rather it is the beginning of a ridgeline that offers panoramic views. If you hike the Savage Alpine Trail point-to-point, you will need some sort of way to get back to your car. I appreciate your narration and pictures for a comprehensive look at trails. Be prepared to self-rescue and carry a first aid kit. Drive to the Savage River parking lot in the morning, a little bit before the shuttle is due to arrive. Hiking from Bison Gulch is simpler than hiking it from the Mt. Not currently accessible via bus. A simplified, print-friendly trail map is also available. Healy ascends 1,700 feet offering magnificent views of the Nenana Valley. It is safest to hike with at least one other person and to stay in areas where visibility allows you to see animals at a great distance and avoid them when necessary. Put your arms up to make yourself look bigger and back away slowly while keeping your eyes on the bear. My maps; Create map; Print maps; Route Converter . It's a real challenge for the occasional hiker, but it's well worth the effort. The highlight of this trail was seeing the top of Denali in the distance, but you can see more of Denali the further you go into the park. Learn more in our guides to Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords, and Katmai. there is a road closure on Denali Park Road. Use free Savage River Shuttle to return to your vehicle. 1 hour one-way from the Denali Visitor Center. The trail is 5' wide. The trail is relatively level, but has a steep drop to one side. Sharp switchbacks and dusty earth heralded our arrival into another eco-system: alpine tundra. BEST OF DENALI: For more information about what there is to do in Denali National Park, read our article Best Things to Do in Denali. At the base of the mountain the rocky face of the overlook stands out and appears much higher and grander than it is, making the hike all the more enjoyable. Is this true? Can be accessed by the free Savage River Shuttle and private vehicle, with ample parking available. The trailhead is located off the Taiga Trail, not far from the Denali Visitor Center. Your email address will not be published. Talk and/or sing while you are hiking to make your presence known so you dont surprise a bear. Posted signage in the visitor center parking area provides the following advice: 1. There are no restaurants or amenities west of mile 3 on the Park Road. This is a very popular area for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Maybe there are better trails in the area, but this was the furthest point accessible at the time, and I found it a very pleasant trail with lovely views of the surrounding mountains. A steep shortcut from Riley Creek Campground to the Canyon, the business district outside the park. Whether you join an adventurous, off-trail "Discovery Hike," or one of our trail walks or campground talks, let us be your guide to Denali. However, you will likely face areas of reduced or limited visibility while day hiking. The hostel has cozy dorm rooms, private rooms, cabins, and rustic wall tents, as well as a communal kitchen, fire pit, and lounge area. In our Guide to Denali Park Road, learn what there is to see and do along the road. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Comparing the elevation profiles for both, you gain a 1,000 feet in the first mile on both hikes. Canyon Overlook. These are the best affordable options for vacation rentals that are highly rated and close to the entrance of the park: Tiny Rustic Cabin A cute cabin that is located 24 miles from the park. Learn more. 3. Thanks for your hiking guides. The trail started off with a gentle incline, leading us slowly upward through a forest of spruce, aspen, and alder trees. Mount Healy Overlook Trail Photos Photos of Mount Healy Overlook Trail Mount Healy Overlook Trail. Required fields are marked *. Curious ground squirrels poked their heads out of their burrows to find out who was passing by. Healy overlook trail offers the chance to climb a rather impressive looking mountain. If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller. A ranger is available 9 am to 4 pm daily (except on major holidays). If you only have time to do one moderate to strenuous hike in the front country portion of Denali, then consider the Savage Alpine Trail instead. The first few shouts may feel silly, but with enough repetition, they will seem a natural part of hiking in Denali. Healy Overlook Trail? . Alaska looks incredible Especially like the shot of you standing at the peak! The Alaska Range stretches over 400 miles, in the shape of a crescent moon, across Central Alaska. It really is incredible. every few minutes. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The trail is very easy to follow. Elevation gain: 1,700 feet to overlook; 500 feet to benches It's an excellent option for intermediate hikers looking for a challenging day hike. This parking lot tends to fill by mid-morning. We felt that the views were nice, but not as spectacular as you will find deeper into the park. This is a easy one way trail to Mt. When your visibility is reduced, you should make noise, either by talking with your partner, singing, or simply shouting "Hey there!" Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, stands at 10,064 feet and is the highest point of the San Gabriel . Healy Overlook trail which begins near the Visitor Center in Denali National Park. This adds roughly 2 miles to the hiking stats above. The official Savage Alpine trail descends to an overlook that is visible from here. We were there on the 3rd of September, so fall colors were definitely starting. For the full list, read our article Best Things to Do in Wrangell-St. Elias. Length: 3 5 miles round-trip It is a great hike with expansive views of Southern California and the Mojave Desert. We also saw a moose and two calves near the path in the beginning on the way up. Are you planning on visiting Denali National Park? Bring sunscreen. Along with seeing the mighty mountain itself, the thing I was most excited about when visiting Denali National Park was the hiking. Car, train, or group tour. The first mile or so of this 2.7 mile out-and-back trail is fairly mild, with a wide, well trafficked gravel path winding through tall forests. The Rock Creek Trail connects the visitor center with the sled dog kennels. About Getting There Photos The first mile of this trail, which begins near the new Murie Science and Learning Center, is moderately steep, hiking through the forest. During this portion of the hike follow the well-marked signposts for Mount Healy, as there are some trail splits in this area. Mount Healy Overlook Trail - The Mount Healy Overlook Trail is a strenuous hike of 4.5 miles (7.3 km) round trip, three to four hours roundtrip, from the Denali Visitor Center via the Tiaga Trail and a trail junction, with 1,700 feet of elevation change, The Mount Healy Overlook is not the peak of Mount Healy. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The Denali Hostel and Cabins is located 12 miles south of the park entrance in the small settlement of Carlo Creek. Mount Healy Overlook Trail Hard (1671) Denali National Park Photos (1,728) Directions Print/PDF Map Share Explore this 11.1-km out-and-back trail near Denali National Park, Alaska. I would rate the trail as Intermediate/Difficult if you arent an avid hiker. Park at the Mountain Vista Picnic Area and cross Denali Park Road to get to the trailhead. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. We had just missed the shuttle and did not want to wait around for the next one, or take our chances that we would just miss the following shuttle once we made it to Mountain Vista. Walk down to overlook. 1.5 hours one-way from the Denali Visitor Center. Just to be clear, the trailhead is located at the paved parking lot on the east side of Savage River. Healy Overlook Trail on Tripadvisor, Things to Do in Denali National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve Tourism, Denali National Park and Preserve Bed and Breakfast, Denali National Park and Preserve Vacation Rentals, Flights to Denali National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve Restaurants, Denali National Park and Preserve Travel Forum, Denali National Park and Preserve Travel Guide, All Denali National Park and Preserve Hotels, Denali National Park and Preserve Hotel Deals, Denali National Park and Preserve Hostels, Denali National Park and Preserve Campgrounds, Denali National Park and Preserve Business Hotels, Denali National Park and Preserve Family Hotels, Denali National Park and Preserve Luxury Hotels, Denali National Park and Preserve Resorts, Denali National Park and Preserve Green Hotels, 3-Star Hotels in Denali National Park and Preserve, Pet Friendly Hotels in Denali National Park and Preserve, Charming Hotels in Denali National Park and Preserve, Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Denali National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve Hotels with Kitchenette, Suite Hotels in Denali National Park and Preserve, Hotels with Shuttle in Denali National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve Hotels with a View, Denali National Park and Preserve Hotels with Laundry Facilities, Denali National Park and Preserve Non-Smoking Hotels, Denali National Park and Preserve Hotels with Air Conditioning, Denali National Park and Preserve Hotels with Concierge, All things to do in Denali National Park and Preserve, Mountains in Denali National Park and Preserve, Nature & Wildlife Areas in Denali National Park and Preserve, Biking Trails in Denali National Park and Preserve, Hiking Trails in Denali National Park and Preserve, Bodies of Water in Denali National Park and Preserve, Horseback Riding Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Scenic Drives in Denali National Park and Preserve, Gear Rentals in Denali National Park and Preserve, River Rafting & Tubing in Denali National Park and Preserve, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Adrenaline & Extreme Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Eco Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Fishing Charters & Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Hiking & Camping Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Nature & Wildlife Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Air Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Ski & Snow Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Denali National Park and Preserve, Scenic Railroads in Denali National Park and Preserve, Sightseeing Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Bus Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Walking Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, City Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Helicopter Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Historical & Heritage Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Art Galleries in Denali National Park and Preserve, Speciality & Gift Shops in Denali National Park and Preserve, Architectural Buildings in Denali National Park and Preserve, Mysterious Sites in Denali National Park and Preserve, Farms in Denali National Park and Preserve, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Denali National Park and Preserve, Lookouts in Denali National Park and Preserve, Churches & Cathedrals in Denali National Park and Preserve, Taxis & Shuttles in Denali National Park and Preserve, Theatre & Performances in Denali National Park and Preserve, Dinner Theaters in Denali National Park and Preserve, Visitor Centers in Denali National Park and Preserve, Dog Tracks in Denali National Park and Preserve, Day Trips in Denali National Park and Preserve, Savage River Loop Trail: Tickets & Tours, Wilderness Access Center: Tickets & Tours, Museum of War and Genocide Victims 1992-1995, Skagway Shore Excursion: Yukon Discovery Tour, Blue Cave Small-Group Boat Tour from Dubrovnik, Swiss Cheese, Chocolates and Mountains Small-Group Tour from Zurich, Stonehenge Inner Circle Access Day Trip from London Including Windsor, Guatap Piedra del Peol excursion + Gastronomic tour and cruise on the dam, Florence and Pisa Full Day Tour from Rome, Shopping in Franciacorta Outlet: Private Transfer from Verona. Several top hikes include the Mount Healy Overlook, and the Horseshoe Lake Trail. Located at the Savage River at Mile 15. You will be hiking along an almost flat, compacted dirt and crushed gravel trail through the trees. A great trail with scenic views along the way. The trail surface is rough soil with rocks and roots. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. A ranger is available 9 am to 4 pm daily (except on major holidays). I dont have the elevation profile for the hike starting at Mountain Vista, but from what I know, it shouldnt be as steep from this side. This is the view of Denali from the Mount Healy Overlook, This is the same view but this photo was taken with a 300 mm lens. Check out information for self-guided trail hikes. We have s 2 year old with us..is this trail advisable? Its a nice, easy stroll along the river. And it is the official end of the managed trail. The Mount Healy Overlook Trail heads up Mount Healy from here. Good for a quick walk while waiting on a bus or train. If you do continue onward then the next part of the trail was our favorite part. From the overlook the trail continues down and goes to the Mountain Vista parking lot. If so, how much of Mt. 98% of travelers recommend this experience.