Denali

“Just trying to find a place to go hiking next summer. I am kind of looking at Alaska's Denali NP. Who has been there and what recommendations do you have? I see were there are no trails. How does a backpacker keep from getting lost and how hard is it to hike if there are no trails? Who has been there?”

“WE did an overnight hike there a couple of years ago. It was terrific. LOTS of wildlife. As you may know, they limit access to the backcountry. The park is divided into many small sections. Each section is allowed 12 people a day (sounds like a lot but really isn't). You can't reserve until you get there. There are guidebooks and a website that describes what each section is like. Before you go, read the descriptions, pick out some sections that sound feasible, and then hope you can get the one(s) you want. If you are going to be there several days, you may not get the area you want the first day, but it may open up a couple of days later, so you take another section and then walk or take the camper bus to the one you want when you can. Things to watch out for - river crossings, glaciers, willows. You buy a map at the visitors center when you get your permit. IT won't show vegetation, but it will show where the rivers are and the ridges. If you are high on the ridge, then getting around is easier than if you are wallowing through willows. In some cases, following the river is easiest. The land is very open, for the most part. Plan on low mileages and spend time with binoculars looking for wildlife. You'll likely find it.

The Denali part of our trip is at http://spiriteaglehome.com/ak04%20denali.html

We went in near Polychrome, hiked back around the ridge, camped and then hiked out the next day, emerging a few miles down the road from where we started. There are a lot of game trails through the brush, but no formal trails. Navigation wasn't a problem though; we just kept in mind where the road was and kept track of where we were via the maps.”

“use a MAP, COMPASS, GPS........Take a Shelter, Backpack, Food, All the backpacking gear you always use on a TRAIL. Note I said always USE.
How much experience do you have?”

“E mail me at [email protected] if you are seriious. I have some important information you may want to explore.”