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Post by Chuck the Mauler on Dec 31, 2017 5:14:05 GMT -8
I'll try this here. We are in the process of route planning for our Denali trip in 2018. We have decided it would be best to go the end of July to get (potentially) the best weather, least amount of bugs, etc as well as to fit everyone's schedule best.
As I research online I'm not finding a ton of info. I have maps and have been scouring google earth but was hoping to hear from folks who have spent time there in the backcountry. We are planning a 6 or 7 day trip.
Which units do you prefer? Why?
What other tips? Shuttles from Anchorage? Campground to stay at in the park pre backpack trip? Food or showers before and after? You get the idea.....
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Post by johntpenca on Jan 1, 2018 23:49:55 GMT -8
Try to be more specific on your goals. Seems like you are just talking about a hike. Rent a car in Anchorage and drive to the park or take the train. July is a bit early. We have Alaskans here that know more than I. www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm |
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Post by Chuck the Mauler on Jan 2, 2018 5:12:12 GMT -8
I've read the NPS pages. I'm not sure how to be more specific. Reading through the info they're are no extended "backpacking trips" listed or talked about. So, I have chosen a few units that sound interesting to me but am looking to see if anyone here has done a similar 6 or 7 day trip there. What they liked or didn't like.
As far as timeframe everything I have read said the end of July is best (bugs, weather, etc..) and the end of August is the end of summer there. But we're open as far as timeframe. I plan to be in Glacier and the Tetons at the end of August/early September. Other than that I'm open.
Johntp, have you backpacker there? If so, which units? Wha'd you like/dislike about the units you backpacked?
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Post by bumknees on Jan 4, 2018 13:33:47 GMT -8
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Post by Chuck the Mauler on Jan 4, 2018 13:53:30 GMT -8
I wish the link worked....would love to see those pics
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Post by bumknees on Jan 4, 2018 14:26:11 GMT -8
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kayman
Trail Wise!
Loving Retired Life
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Post by kayman on Feb 8, 2018 5:53:31 GMT -8
I don’t know much about the backcountry zones but here’s something we did instead.
Back in 2002 we did a 4 day backpacking trip on Kesugi ridge outside the National Park in Denali State Park. We were extremely lucky to have good weather and had views of Denali every day.
After that hike we spent one night in a motel to clean up and next day we rode one of the Denali buses out to Wonder Lake and camped there for 4 days. We used Wonder Lake as a base camp to do day hikes. From there you can catch one of the buses and get off anywhere along the road to hike and explore. Then later in the day catch another bus back to Wonder Lake.
We weren’t as lucky on the weather these 4 days but we did get in some good hikes in more locations than if we were restricted to a few backcountry zones.
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Post by Chuck the Mauler on Feb 8, 2018 17:26:25 GMT -8
Thanks for your reply. We have chosen the Kesugi Ridge as a 4+ day backpacking trip and not sure what to do the remainder of the trip. I will look into your suggestions. Peace
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christye
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Livin the Life
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Post by christye on Mar 21, 2018 13:30:12 GMT -8
I live just on the border of unit 61. Keep in mind bugs will still be here in July. I use odorless garlic geltabs and it works pretty well. By July you will have endless sunlight  Great time to visit. |
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Great time to visit.