Denali

Guide to K’esugi Ridge Trail System North Little Coal Creek Trail: K’esugi Ridge Trail (Little Coal Creek Tr. to Ermine Hill Tr. jct.) Allowable Uses: Hiking Distance: 10.8 miles Elevation Gain: 900 ft. (north to south) K'esugi K'esugiRidge RidgeTrail Trail System SystemNorth North (feet) Elevation(feet) Elevation Allowable Uses: Hiking Distance: 3.3 miles Elevation Gain: 1750 feet Difficulty: Moderate in Denali State Park 4000 4000 3500 3500 3000 3000 2500 2500 2000 2000 1500 1500 1000 1000 500 500 Little Coal Creek/ K’esugi Ridge Jct. K’esugi Ridge/ Ermine Hill Jct. 00 11 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 Distance Distance(miles) (miles) Difficulty: Moderate The Trails: Safety and Considerations: Ermine Hill Trail: This trail system offers popular multi-day backpacking trips in south-central Alaska. Hiking is through rolling alpine and subalpine terrain, with outstanding views of Denali and numerous small glacially scoured lakes. Lower elevations are forested. Weather on K’esugi Ridge can change fast. Be prepared with proper clothing and navigation tools in case low clouds move in. Some trails may experience seasonal closures due to high bear concentrations. Please respect closures and always be bear aware while traveling Denali’s trails. Allowable Uses: Hiking Distance: 3.7 miles Elevation Gain: 1300 feet Difficulty: Moderate Connecting the Trails: 17.8 mile traverse from Little Coal Creek Trailhead to Ermine Hill Trailhead. 28.9 mile traverse Little Coal Creek Trailhead to Byers Lake Campground. 37 mile traverse from Little Coal Creek Trailhead to Upper Troublesome Creek Trailhead. Planning Your Route: Most people hike from north to south because of less total elevation gain. Hikers can start from the Little Coal Creek Trailhead and finish at the Ermine Hill Trailhead, Byers Lake Campground, or Upper Troublesome Creek Trailhead (See Guide to K’esugi Ridge Trail System South & Guide to Upper Troublesome Creek Trail for more information). These are all one-way trips, so pickup or drop-off arrangements must be made prior to departure. Day-hikes to timberline are also popular. Park Rules: Open fires are prohibited, please use designated fire rings or a camp stove. Pets must be on a leash while in the trailhead parking lot, and under voice control on trails or in the backcountry. For more information, please contact the Mat-Su Area Parks Office at (907) 745-3975, or visit the following web address: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/denali1.htm