CUA: Hiking / Walking Frontcountry

Frontcountry Hiking and Kantishna/ Wonder Lake Hiking

There are two Frontcountry Hiking Commerical Use Authorizations (CUAs) available. Read on for Fontcountry Hiking CUA information in the entrance area (first three miles of the Park Road). The CUA for guided hiking in the Kantishna and Wonder Lake area has seperate information and rules.

Frontcountry Hiking CUA

This permit allows commericial operators to guide day hikes on approved trails in the park's frontcountry. It does not permit vehicle access beyond mile 1.5 of the Park Road.

 

NPS Photo/ Kent Miller

PARK SPECIFIC STIPULATIONS GUIDED DAY HIKING - FRONTCOUNTRY

Permitted Activities

Guided Day Hiking may include the following activities: naturalist walks, incidental photography, and bird watching.

Designated Areas for Use

CUA holders are authorized to conduct one (1) hike per day on the following trails and routes:

• Triple Lakes Trail starting from the Denali Visitor Center (DVC) (Triple Lakes South)
• Triple Lakes Trail starting from the Tsenesdghaas Na’ Trailhead (Triple Lakes North)
• McKinley Station Trail starting from the DVC
• McKinley Station Trail starting from the Riley Creek Day Use Area and Overflow Parking
• Roadside Trail to Rock Creek Trail loop
• Rock Creek to Roadside Trail loop
• Oxbow Trail
• Nenana River Trail

The following connector trails and routes used to access the primary trails listed above are not subject to the one hike per day limits.

• The portions of the Horseshoe Lake Trail from the DVC and the DVC parking area are permitted as connections to the McKinley Station and Roadside Trails.
• Use of the Meadow View and Jonesville Connector Trails and the Spruce Forest and Morino Loops are permitted when using the McKinley Station, Triple Lakes, Roadside, and Rock Creek Trails.
• Use of the Roadside Bike Trail is permitted.

Group Size

• Maximum group size 12 – Triple Lakes, Oxbow, and Nenana River Trails
• Maximum group size 20 – McKinley Station, Rock Creek, Roadside, Meadow View
• Maximum group size 20 – The permitted portions of the Horseshoe Lake and the Spruce Forest, Morino Loop, and the Jonesville Connector Trails.

Guide Certification

• Basic first-aid, CPR, and Leave No Trace certifications are required for Denali CUA holders. No additional certifications are required for this activity.

Unauthorized Activities

• Parking at the Horseshoe Lake Trailhead/Parking Area is prohibited.
• Guides/ employees are prohibited from accompanying clients on any trails not listed above.

Download or print these stipulations. CUA holders and their employees are responsible for knowing and following all rules.

 

Authorized Frontcountry Trails

View Map

 

 

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  Certifications, Insurance, and Resources

  Information on insurance, certifications, maps, stipulations, and required documents.

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  Apply for a CUA

  Watch the video to learn how to apply. Applications are open until April 30th. Allow up to three to six weeks for processing.

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  Commercial Use Authorizations in Denali

  Review the CUAs available in Denali and the stipulations for each service type.

 

Contact the CUA Office

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