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A short, gravel trail surrounded by tundra and views.


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Map Key

0.4

Miles

0.6

KM

Loop

3,731' 1,137 m

High

3,662' 1,116 m

Low

62' 19 m

Up

69' 21 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Great views and an easy path make this a quick and enjoyable loop for families.

The area, including the Eielson Visitor Center, is frequented by bears, be aware and make noise as you travel. If proceeding toward the river, pay special attention to the brush that may provide concealment.

When traveling by bus, plan to be back at the visitor center more than an hour before the last return bus is scheduled for the best chance of securing a spot. Buses arrive every 30 minutes.

Description

Enjoy following this easy gravel trail as it meanders around the Eielson Visitor Center. This is the perfect trail from which to enjoy the tundra and take in the views. Add the optional Tundra Spur for a bit more hiking and a different vantage point to enjoy the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Though short, this is a great way to stretch your legs and get familiar with the surrounding tundra ecosystem.

This content was contributed by author Ike Waits. For a comprehensive hiking guide to Denali National Park and to see more by Ike, click here.

Flora & Fauna

Caribou, grizzly bears, hoary marmots, golden eagles, and more may all be sighted in the area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ike Waits

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#30381

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#258

in Alaska

#30,381

Overall
2 Views Last Month
708 Since Sep 13, 2016
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Photos

A view from near Eielson Visitor Center, Denali National Park: Photo Credit: NPS Photo/Tim Rains.
Sep 7, 2016 near Healy, AK
Denali National Park. with permission from David Broome
Sep 13, 2016 near Healy, AK
Denali National Park.
Oct 22, 2015 near Healy, AK
Fall colors across the Tundra near Eielson Visitor Center. with permission from David Broome
Sep 7, 2016 near Healy, AK
Denali peeks out of the clouds.
Sep 15, 2016 near Healy, AK
A storm blowing into Denali NP.
Oct 22, 2015 near Healy, AK

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Check-Ins

Jul 2, 2021
Scott Meier
Sep 10, 2020
Tom Herr
Short hike by the visitor center. Saw a ptarmigan with white on bottom half. 0.4mi
Jun 3, 2019
Jason Draper
Sep 6, 2017
Amit Pandey
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