Location: Mile 147 off Parks Highway
Distance: 5 miles around lake, see below for more details
Difficulty: Easy
This is a flat, easy hike around a lake. It is family friendly, easy to access, and there are campgrounds and a day use area, as well as a public use cabin, nearby. However, if you head south from the trailhead, be aware that you can only hike out one mile before you get to the bridge. The bridge itself is fine although it is rickety, but it's the section right after the bridge that is impassible. We learned this the hard way and next time, we will explore the northern route.
The north section also connects to Cascade Lake Trail, which connects to the southern part of Kesugi Ridge.
This photo was taken in May 2020.
Denali Roadside Trail
Location: Denali National Park
Distance: Two miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
Mostly flat trail following the Denali Park Highway. You can also connect this to the bike trail to double the distance. We chose this trail because it's one of the only ones that allows dogs. Nice and quiet escape if you don't want to deal with the hustle and bustle of tours and tourists. We saw a moose and then watched from across the street as it showed signs of irritation towards some tourists not giving it adequate space and taking pictures. Always be aware of both moose and bear, and carry bear spray!
The pic is from July 2024.
Ermine Hill Trail
Location: Mile 156.5 off Parks Highway
Distance: 3.7 miles one way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy
We did this one way after Kesugi Ridge North. It did not seem very steep, but we took the switchbacks to avoid intense incline (and because our legs were already fatigued). This is a nice trail because it gives you access to the north and south sides of the ridge. Two thumbs up!
This pic is from August 2017.
Kesugi Ridge North
Location: Mile 163.9 off Parks Highway (or 156.5 via Ermine Hill)
Distance: 3.3 to Little Coal Creek, 10.8 along the ridge, and 3.7 on Ermine Hill Trail for 17.8 total
Difficulty: Moderate due to incline to Little Coal Creek
We started at Little Coal Creek because we wanted to go up the slope on day one rather than down it on day two. It was very hot the weekend we decided to go, which made the incline somewhat difficult. However, once up to the ridge, the trail is easy and has spectacular views of Denali. Once you complete the north side of the ridge, you can exit at Ermine Hill or continue south 11.2 miles to Cascade Trail (which leads to Byers Lake). We decided to exit via Ermine because we had already gotten a lot of sun, but it is on our list for next summer! Two thumbs up!
This pic is from August 2017.
Location: Mile 156.5 off Parks Highway
Distance: 3.7 miles one way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy
We did this one way after Kesugi Ridge North. It did not seem very steep, but we took the switchbacks to avoid intense incline (and because our legs were already fatigued). This is a nice trail because it gives you access to the north and south sides of the ridge. Two thumbs up!
This pic is from August 2017.
Kesugi Ridge North
Location: Mile 163.9 off Parks Highway (or 156.5 via Ermine Hill)
Distance: 3.3 to Little Coal Creek, 10.8 along the ridge, and 3.7 on Ermine Hill Trail for 17.8 total
Difficulty: Moderate due to incline to Little Coal Creek
We started at Little Coal Creek because we wanted to go up the slope on day one rather than down it on day two. It was very hot the weekend we decided to go, which made the incline somewhat difficult. However, once up to the ridge, the trail is easy and has spectacular views of Denali. Once you complete the north side of the ridge, you can exit at Ermine Hill or continue south 11.2 miles to Cascade Trail (which leads to Byers Lake). We decided to exit via Ermine because we had already gotten a lot of sun, but it is on our list for next summer! Two thumbs up!
This pic is from August 2017.
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