Trail Running at Triple Lakes Trail, Denali National Park

3 years ago

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Exercise-Aerobics Exercise-Running/Athletics Nature-Forest Nature-Lake Nature-Mountain

Trail Running at Triple Lakes Trail, Denali National Park

Parking in the Riley Creek Campground in the northeastern corner of Denali National Park along the Healy River, trail runners will follow the McKinley Station Trail southwest until it meets up with the Triple Lakes Trail when it crosses a channel off of the Healy River. The trail continues to meander southwest, crossing this channel once more before beginning to unapologetically climb via switchbacks east from 1800 ft to 2800 ft. At this point, about a quarter way through the entire out-and-back trail, you-- thank goodness-- start to descend back down to 1800 feet. The turn-around point can be found just beyond the McKinley Park train tracks, at the border of the George Parks Highway with the Healy River on your right. Because you didn’t sign up for an easy day in the park, the trail then turns right around and marches you back to your beginning trailhead. Keep your head on a swivel for dangerous wildlife on the trail (and be sure to keep your bear spray with you), though you’re most likely to spot docile muskrat and berry bushes along your route. Address: 63.73319, -148.89682 18.5 miles total 3,690 ft elevation gain Photos courtesy of unsplash.com