Denali State Park Backpacking Trips

Do you want the ultimate Denali wilderness experience? Join us for a 4-day backpacking trip on Kesugi Ridge in Denali State Park. More than a guided hike, this is a chance to experience the wonders of Denali with the people who know it best. Find out why Alaskans consider this one of the best hikes in the state! No previous experience is necessary, but you should be in good shape, ready for adventure, and able to carry a 35-pound pack up moderate hills.

  • Fantastic naturalist guides
  • Unparalleled views of Denali, the continent’s highest peak
  • Abundant wildlife
  • Small groups
  • Educational, sustainable, and responsible. We’re Adventure Green Alaska certified!

4-day Denali Alpine Trek

Our trip begins along Little Coal Creek in the birch and spruce woodlands of the Chulitna Valley’s lush boreal forest. As you make the long, steady ascent to treeline, you are rewarded with increasingly spectacular views of the Alaska Range’s icy giants. We’ll take our time reaching our first alpine camp as civilization recedes into the distance. The trail leads us 18 miles along the ridge and down to Ermine Hill Trailhead. We carry our backpacks several trail miles each day, then drop the packs for side trips to explore alpine lakes and granite hoodoos, pick wild blueberries, photograph Denali, see your guide’s favorite secret spots, and make your own discoveries. This allows you to find your right balance of challenge, rest, and free time. Your guide will keep you safe and comfortable, serve you wonderful meals, and help you to understand and appreciate the landscape and wildlife around you.

PRIVATE TRIPS: $1295 per person, two person minimum . When booking, you can opt to open the trip up for others to join. If you do and someone joins, meeting the three-person minimum for a group trip, the rate goes down to the group trip rate for everyone.

Trip Details

Backpacking Trips Include:

  • Lunch and dinner on the first day, breakfast and lunch on the last day, and all meals in between.
  • Tents, cooking gear, trekking poles
  • Safety, first aid, and communications
  • Help in preparation, including a gear list and travel advice.

Backpacking Trips DO NOT Include:

  • Personal gear: Clothing, sleeping bag and pads, backpack. Some backpacks are available for rent.
  • Trip begins in Denali State Park or Talkeetna. Get there in your own car or on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage or Fairbanks.
  • Van pickup in Anchorage is available at extra cost.
  • Guide gratuities

Backpacking Frequently Asked Questions

Our Trips

Check out our popular trips.

take a denali hiking trip with alaska nature guides

Denali Wilderness Hike

Byers Lake Nature Walk

custom hiking trips in talkeetna and denali alaska

Custom Trips

Scroll to Top