A Breathtaking Hike Awaits in Denali National Park

Denali National Park and Preserve is an escape into the great outdoors. This park boasts more than 6 million acres of wilderness and is filled with natural wonders, breathtaking scenery, and countless recreational opportunities.

While photography, sightseeing, and wildlife viewing are just a few popular things to do in this park, Denali National Park doesn’t offer many marked trails, and many are short and do not take you far from the park’s entrance. However, there is one trail that I believe should be on every nature lover's bucket list: Horseshoe Lake Trail. This hike isn’t too long, and the views are stunning. Seriously, they’ll take your breath away.

Horseshoe Lake Trail may be one of the most popular trails in Denali National Park. Actually, it may be one of the best trails in Alaska. It is a little over two miles and features a lollipop design. The first part of your journey will be a bit of a climb, and you’ll come to a bench that overlooks the lake. Here, you’ll enjoy some breathtaking views that will inspire you. Take a seat on the bench and stay for a while. This is some of Mother Nature's greatest work.

When you continue your journey, you’ll descend to the lake where the trail splits into two. It doesn’t matter which route you choose as the trail forms a large loop around the lake. As you walk, you’ll come to viewing platforms where you can bask in the stunning scenery surrounding you. Keep an eye out for wildlife as well. You never know what you may spot from here.

This trail is open year-round, and regardless of the season, you can expect pure beauty. Spring and summer are when you’ll see lush, green forests and wildflowers. I particularly love the autumn months when the fall foliage transforms this area. In the winter, this is a beautiful place for a snowshoe adventure. Just bundle up and make sure you are prepared for the harsh winter elements.

Keep in mind that this area is bear country, and it is important that you are prepared for a wildlife encounter before you step onto the trails. Bear spray and bear bells should be a top priority on this hike, even though the distance is short. Always be respectful of any wildlife you may see along your way and give them the space they need. Remember, this is their home — you are their guests.

There are three different access points to the Horseshoe Lake Trail. The most popular is found at a small parking area along Denali Park Road near Mile 1, where the railroad tracks cross the road. The second is near the farthest parking lot from the Denali Visitor Center. The third access point is found right behind the Denali Visitor Center. If you start at the access points near the visitor center, you will add distance to your adventure, and you should plan for approximately four miles round-trip.

Horseshoe Lake Trail is a hike in Denali National Park that you will never forget — the scenery alone is mesmerizing. You can learn more about this hike on the National Park Service website. I also recommend visiting AllTrails for additional information and recent hiker reviews. And if you're looking for more trails or adventurous things to do during your trip, visit our itinerary planner for tons of nearby recommendations!