Explore Denali's Winter Trails (U.S. National Park Service)

See the Real Denali

Most visitors see the park during its short summer window (June–August). A winter visit is a chance to see what the park looks like during the rest of the year!

Whether you just take a short walk through the woods or stay for a lengthy ski or snowshoe adventure, you'll have a chance to experience the "real" Denali. Along the way, you'll notice some of the things that make this such a beautiful part of the world:

Low-angle sunlight: Photographers talk about the "golden hour," when the sun is low in the sky at dawn or dusk and the landscape gets a gentle golden or reddish hue. This far north, the sun hangs low in the sky most of the time that it is up, meaning the landscape often has a magical, soft light on it.
Tranquility: With just a few visitors coming each day in winter, this is an opportunity to feel like you're in an incredibly remote and peaceful world, just a few minutes away from the winter visitor center.
Stars: With short days and long nights, star gazing is possible from early evening through late morning. The Big Dipper, Orion, and other constellations become vivid thanks to very little light pollution.

Choosing a Winter Trail

Trails in Denali were made with hiking in mind, and many are narrow, steep, and challenging to ski. Easier places to ski include the Riley Creek Campground, Roadside Bike Trail, Spruce Forest Loop, Morino Loop, and the Park Road past where it is closed to vehicles. A Winter Loop including the McKinley Station Trail and Roadside Bike Trail is occasionally groomed for skiing when snow depth allows.

For hikers, frequently used winter trails, such as the McKinley Station Trail and Horseshoe Lake Trail, are more likely to have well-packed snow. Even these trails, however, include slopes that can be slippery in snowy and icy conditions. Strenuous trails such as the Triple Lakes Trail and Rock Creek Trail are rarely traveled in winter, so you are likely to encounter deep snow. Ask about current conditions at the Winter Visitor Center to find out if snowshoes or ice grippers are recommended for a trail you plan to hike.

View a winter trail map PDF.

Depending on conditions and your interest, you could spend all day exploring Denali under your own power. We suggest preparing for at least a half-hour, so you can really get a sense of the stillness and peacefulness that is Alaska in winter.

You'll find various winter trails in Denali that are good for skiing, snowshoeing, or just hiking on foot.

We have snowshoes that visitors may borrow for free from the Winter Visitor Center. Skiers must bring their own equipment.

Trail conditions can vary quite a bit, so be sure to stop in the visitor center for advice before heading out.

Working animals are allowed anywhere in Denali. This means, for example, that you may ski-jor with your dog (ski-joring is where a dog is in a harness and helps pull you as you cross-country ski).

Pets may also be walked on the park road and some trails, on a 6' or shorter leash. Learn more about visiting Denali with pets.

There are no special fees for recreating in the park, although there is an overall park entrance fee.

The Murie Science and Learning Center serves as Denali's Winter Visitor Center, from mid-September through mid-May each year.

It's a great starting point to get trail maps and learn about conditions before setting off, or warm up by the fire after some time spent outdoors.

We consider "winter" to start by October, although in some years there isn't very much snow until November or even December. Once snow has arrived, it usually stays until April.

Trails are of course always hike-able, even when there is no snow.

Technically, Denali never closes—so if you wish to ski or hike by moonlight, you are welcome to do so. For safety's sake, however, we suggest you do the majority of your recreation during daylight hours.

In the darkest part of winter (i.e., mid-December), sunrise isn't until around 10:30 am and sunset is around 3 pm.

All trails in Denali can be uneven terrain once snow falls and boots pack down a path on them. The Denali Park Road is plowed in winter as far as Park Headquarters, and the snow is groomed for several miles beyond that point. The snow will sometimes remain loose or unconsolidated, however, so use caution if proceeding beyond Park Headquarters.

Last updated: October 27, 2026

Contact Us

See the Real Denali

Choosing a Winter Trail