Pack Your Snowshoes For A Trek With Stunning Denali Views On The Curry Ridge Trail In Alaska
By Megan McDonald|Published February 10, 2021
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Megan McDonald
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Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
If you want to try an intermediate trail that brings you up and over the tree line for some amazing views of Denali and the Alaska Range, the Curry Ridge Trail in Alaska is the perfect one to hike. This non-technical route will take you through some of Alaska’s prettiest backcountry to see views that you’ll remember forever. The next time you’re in the Denali State Park area, be sure to mark this trail off of your bucket list.
If you want to beat the crowds of Denali National Park, but still want epic views, you need to hike the Curry Ridge Trail.
Not to be confused with another trail that sometimes bears this name, the Kesugi Ridge Trail, this trail is short and sweet in comparison, and can be finished in an afternoon. This one can also be hiked all year long, no matter the snowfall.
In fact, after a fresh snow, this is a great hike to do in snowshoes.
Float on top of the snow and get on up faster. While the main trail will most likely be packed down enough to do without snowshoes, when you get to the top you’ll want the extra help.
It’s straightforward and easy to hike, and the trail is well marked and maintained. But it’s steep, and it ascends 1,023 feet over the 3.25 miles up. If you complete this great trail, even slowly, it’s definitely worth the effort.
You don’t want to be caught out without plenty of gear to keep you warm. This hike is in Denali State Park and you are definitely in Alaska backcountry, so be prepared.
Sometimes during the winter, fog or snow clouds can obscure the view.
Be sure to check the weather before you head out, if you want to be wowed with stunning views. If you just want a great workout and the weather’s not great, you may still see a break in the clouds when you get up there.
The daily parking fee for Denali State Park is $5.
Or you can purchase an annual parking pass for $60.00. There’s plenty of parking at the trailhead, so you should be able to find a spot easily, especially in the wintertime.
Grab a loved one, plenty of layers, and get out on this fantastic trail. You’ll get your heart pumping and get bragging rights, especially if our beloved Denali is out to greet you at the top.
Have you ever hiked the Curry Ridge Trail in Alaska? What season did you complete it? Have you tried hiking it in the wintertime? Let us know in the comments below!