Top 7 Hiking Trails outside the boundary of Denali National Park, Alaska.

Enjoy the view after hike in Denali, Alaska

If you're looking for the top 7 hikes near Denali National Park, Alaska but outside the park boundaries, here are seven amazing hikes in the surrounding area, including Healy and Cantwell:

1. Bison Gulch Trail (Healy, AK)

·       Distance: ~6 miles round trip

·       Difficulty: Strenuous

·       Highlights: A steep, unmarked trail with incredible views of the Nenana River Valley and the Alaska Range. One of the best ridge hikes just outside the park, popular with locals.

·       Trailhead Location: Parks Highway (AK-3), Mile 248

·       Directions: Park in the pullout just north of Healy on Parks Highway. The unmarked trail starts on the east side of the road and climbs steeply up the ridge.

2. Panorama Peak (Healy, AK)

·       Distance: ~7 miles round trip

·       Difficulty: Strenuous

·       Highlights: A challenging off-trail hike with incredible 360-degree views of Healy, the tundra, and the mountains. Less crowded and a great backcountry experience.

·       Trailhead Location: Healy Spur Road, near the Otto Lake area

·       Directions: There’s no official trailhead—most hikers park near Otto Lake or Healy Spur Road and head uphill along the ridgeline.

3. Stampede Trail (Healy, AK)

·       Distance: Varies (~10-20 miles round trip)

·       Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

·       Highlights: This historic trail, made famous by “Into the Wild”, follows an old mining road through remote wilderness. You won’t find official trail markers, but it offers a true Alaskan backcountry experience. Note: The infamous "Magic Bus" was removed, but the route is still a popular adventure.

·       Trailhead Location: End of Stampede Road, ~8 miles west of Parks Highway in Healy

·       Directions: Drive west on Stampede Road from Healy. The road eventually turns to dirt; park near the end where the trail begins.

4. Otto Lake & Dry Creek Trail (Healy, AK)

·       Distance: ~4-5 miles round trip

·       Difficulty: Easy to moderate

·       Highlights: A great hidden gem near Healy, offering a peaceful hike along Otto Lake, with views of the Alaska Range and a chance to see moose, beavers, and other wildlife.

·       Trailhead Location: Otto Lake Road, near the Denali Lakeview Inn

·       Directions: Park near Otto Lake and follow the gravel road/trail leading north toward Dry Creek.

5. Healy Overlook Trail (Healy, AK)

·       Distance: ~6 miles round trip

·       Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

·       Highlights: A locals’ favorite, this hike climbs up the hills above Healy, offering breathtaking views of the Nenana River Valley and surrounding mountains.

·       Trailhead Location: Behind the Totem Inn in Healy

·       Directions: Park at the Totem Inn or nearby. The trail begins behind the inn and climbs uphill to the ridgeline.

6. Jack River Trail (Cantwell, AK)

·       Distance: ~8-10 miles round trip

·       Difficulty: Moderate

·       Highlights: A remote, off-trail hike along the Jack River, perfect for exploring wild backcountry scenery with chances to see caribou, bears, and moose.

·       Trailhead Location: Cantwell, just past the Jack River Bridge on the Old Parks Highway

·       Directions: Drive to Old Parks Highway in Cantwell, cross the Jack River Bridge, and park in a pullout. The trail starts on the south side of the bridge.

7. Nenana Ridge Trail (Healy, AK)

·       Distance: ~5-7 miles round trip

·       Difficulty: Moderate

·       Highlights: A less-traveled trail that follows Nenana Ridge, offering stunning valley views and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.

·       Trailhead Location: Near Mile 251 of the Parks Highway

·       Directions: Park in a pullout along the Parks Highway near Mile 251 and follow the ridge uphill.

These hikes offer a variety of epic views, solitude, and rugged Alaskan beauty without needing to enter Denali National Park. Let me know if you need more details or trailhead locations! 🚶‍♂️🏔️

Bonus:  If you're up for more adventure, you can explore parts of the Denali Highway, which has multiple short but stunning hikes with

unparalleled tundra views and solitude.

We hope you enjoyed this article on the Top 7 Hiking Trails outside the boundary of Denali National Park, Alaska.