Spend a day with us to prepare for your independent trip into Denali National Park!
Denali National Park is a unique and incredible wilderness, especially because it contains very few developed trails. Hiking off-trail is an empowering experience, as the entire park is open to your curiosity and will to explore – it’s the true magic of Denali, and one of the many reasons why this place is so special. However, hiking without the guidance of a trail can be intimidating. At Traverse Alaska, we can help you prepare for an Alaskan adventure in the Park, by empowering you with the necessary skills to make the most of your independent trip into the Denali backcountry.
If you’re planning on riding the shuttle bus into Denali National Park with goals of day hiking—spend a day with us first. We can not only demystify the somewhat complicated shuttle system for you, but can teach skills regarding wildlife safety, off-trail route finding, orienteering, weather expectations, and gear necessities. Our guides have worked and played in Denali for years, and can teach you to read the landscape to understand how to decide where you’ll explore on your own. In addition, you’ll learn all about the geology, history, flora, and fauna of Denali, providing richer context to your adventure. After joining us on a day trip, you’ll feel confident to step off the shuttle bus and explore Denali at your own pace.
If you are planning on backpacking in Denali overnight and need some direction, consider a preparation day with us prior to the start of your trip. Backpacking in Denali is different from overnight trips in the Lower 48, due to the lack of trails and what we like to call “The Alaska Factor” (Thanks Joe Stock!). There are important considerations to take into account when planning a backpacking trip in Alaska, such as specific gear needs, safety tips in bear country, route possibilities, river crossings, and fickle weather patterns – and that’s before we start talking about the permit system in Denali! Although the logistics can seem complicated, we’ll explain everything you need, provide gear lists in advance, clarify how to navigate getting a backcountry permit, and can work with you to ensure that your gear and your skills are ready for the journey. By booking a private day trip with us, you will have a personal guide dedicated to you to help with a “dry run” of your backpacking adventure, so that you feel equipped and comfortable in the Denali wilderness.
Contact us to start planning your adventures in Denali, or anywhere in the state!
To find out more about the backcountry permits in Denali National Park, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm
