Easy hikes and walks around Denali Park

Built in 2005, the Denali Visitor Center and its surrounding campus are definitely worth a stop, either at the beginning or end of your trip. The center itself is the National Park Service's primary welcome and information center. Surrounding facilities include a restaurant, gift shop, bag check, bus stop, and train depot. The visitor center is open only during the summer and is located near the park entrance. During the summer, you can explore the exhibits, watch the park film, pay park admission, and speak with a ranger. During the fall, winter, and spring, the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) serves as the park's winter visitor center. https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/the-denali-visitor-center.htm

The Denali Visitor Center, located right at the entrance to Denali National Park, is the perfect starting point for your adventure in this rugged and fascinating landscape of Alaska. Here you will not only get useful information about the hiking trails and the wildlife, but you can also watch the park film Heartbeats of Denali, which will introduce you to the different facets of this breathtaking place. The exhibition in the center also gives you insights into the unique flora and fauna of the region. The area around the visitor center offers access to several popular hiking trails such as the Horseshoe Lake Trail and the Mt. Healy Overlook Trail. The Mt. Healy Overlook in particular rewards you after a steep climb with an impressive panoramic view of the park's vast landscape. There are also nearby trails for quieter hikes that lead through the dense forests and along the rivers and are ideal for relaxed exploration. A special highlight are the ranger-led tours and presentations that give you insights into the history of the park and its natural wonders. The Denali Visitor Center is not only an information point, but also a place that lets you immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere and the pristine nature of the wilderness - perfect for getting in the mood for the great Denali adventure.

Large beaver dam, with a bit of luck you can also see the beaver.

Some beaver dams just above the main Horseshoe Lake have created a few separate small ponds. You can go to the end of this tiny spur trail to see the dams up close and get next to the edge of the water.

This cable and wooden suspension bridge over Hines Creek is a scenic spot and a nice place to rest and take in the views. Whether its your final destination on a stroll from the Visitor Center or Train Depot, or quick a stop along the way to the Triple Lakes, this bridge is a lovely spot in Denali National Park.

The furthest point of the Horseshoe Lake Trail takes you out to the banks of the Nenana River, which marks the eastern boundary of the park. Across the river you can see the town of Glitter Gulch.

One incredibly unique experience at Denali National Park is visiting the sled dog headquarters and kennels. The kennels are open daily and while the limited parking can fill up quickly, there is a free shuttle from the park entrance. You can also hike to the kennels via the Rocky Creek and Roadside Trails. During the peak season (June-September), rain or shine, there are three, 30-minute demonstrations per day where Rangers and dogs show visitors a traditional Alaskan mode of travel and educate visitors about the dogs. If you visit the park during the winter, you might see the rangers and dogs preparing for, or returning from, multi-day trips in the park. You should stop by the Visitor Center first, however, to ask if the dogs are there before going.

Horseshoe Lake is a beautiful, easily accessible lake where you get fantastic views and ample wildlife viewing opportunities. At this particular point you get great views down to the south end of the lake. You can often see beaver, moose, birds, and other animals on the lush banks. This particular spot is a great place to rest and take some photos before continuing on this popular hike.