Things to Do For Kids in Denali National Park and Preserve Alaska
Denali National Park and Preserve Alaska offer many activities for children. For example, you can hike the Savage River Loop Trail, explore Marmot Basin, or go horseback riding. You can also take the horseshoe lake trail.
Savage River Loop Trail
The Savage River Loop Trail takes approximately an hour to complete. It is a moderately easy hike. It travels along the Savage River, which carves a canyon between Mount Margaret and Healy Ridge. It has very few uphill sections, and you’ll keep your feet mostly near the river for most of the hike.
There are many scenic views on this hike. It crosses a variety habitats, including the Boreal forest and tundra. The trail begins at the Savage River checkstation, approximately 15 miles from the park’s entrance. The trail is well-developed, and kids will love it. The trail crosses the Savage River downstream, and is an ideal option for families with young children.
Marmot Basin Trail
Denali National Park & Preserve encompasses six million acres of interior wilderness in Alaska. Its highest peak, Denali, stands 20,310 feet above sea level. The park contains a variety of ecosystems, including spruce forests, glaciers, and tundra. It is home to grizzly bears, caribou, and other wildlife. You can enjoy a variety of hiking, biking and fishing opportunities during your visit.
Denali National Park honors the legacy of Ahtna Athabaskan leader Katie John, who fought for subsistence rights and the preservation of her culture. She’s memorialized in the park by a statue of Katie John, who stands in a meadow with her children. Unfortunately, legacy mining has altered stream water quality in some areas of the park. The National Park Service is now attempting to restore streams. Understanding the impact of legacy mining on stream water quality will help prioritize restoration efforts.
Horseshoe Lake Trail
The Horseshoe Lake Trail for kids in Den Ali National Park & Preserve Alaska is an out-and-back trail that loops around the lake. The trail is easy to follow and offers the chance to see wildlife, beaver dams, and other natural features. There is a small parking area at the trailhead.
One of my favorite hikes in Denali National Park was the Horseshoe Lake/Nenana River trail. We walked through willows and spruce trees to reach a beautiful lake in Alaska. We crossed railroad tracks to reach the Nenana River.
Marmot Basin
Denali National Park and Preserve is a stunning 6 million-acre park that spans the interior wilderness of Alaska. Its central feature is Mount McKinley, which stands at 20,310 feet high. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including tundra, spruce forests, and glaciers. The park is also home to grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep. The park’s diverse ecosystem can be explored by backpacking and hiking trips.
The Marmot Basin Trail is a seven-mile wilderness hike that can be done early in the morning. This trail takes you through alpine meadows, offering panoramic views of the park.
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