"Reflection Pond" by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
DenaliBackcountry Camping Guide 2006 |
Backcountry Camping Guide to Denali National Park & Preserve (NP&PRES) in Alaska. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
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National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Denali National Park and Preserve
Backcountry Camping Guide
Michael Larson Photo
Getting a Permit
Getting Started
This brochure contains information vital to the success of your
backcountry trip in Denali National Park and Preserve. The following
paragraphs will outline the Denali backcountry permit system, the
steps required to obtain your permit, and some important tips for a
safe and memorable wilderness experience.
Denali’s Trailless Wilderness
Traveling and camping in this expansive terrain is special. The lack
of developed trails, bridges, or campsites means that you are free
to determine your own route and discover Denali for yourself. How
ever, with this freedom comes responsibility – responsibility for your
self and for the wilderness. Self-reliance is paramount. You must
be prepared to travel cross-country through remote terrain in harsh
weather, and rescue yourself in the event of problems. It is also your
responsibility to help protect the special resources and opportuni
ties that are present at Denali by carefully following the principles of
Leave No Trace so that your travels do not diminish the experience
of those who follow you.
Backcountry Unit System
The 6 million acres of Denali National Park and Preserve is divided
into 87 separate backcountry units (see map on reverse side). Fortytwo units within the Denali Wilderness have a limit on the number of
individual people that can camp in each unit per night. During peak
summer visitation many of these units are heavily used, so please
come to the Backcountry Information Center with several alternative
trip itineraries. Don’t become discouraged if your first choice is not
available. Remember, there are 6 million acres to choose from, and
all of the units offer excellent wilderness trips!
Pay attention to the following requirements when planning a trek
through Denali’s backcountry:
Leave No Trace and Safety
Permits are available at the Backcountry Information Center
(BIC) located adjacent to the Wilderness Access Center (WAC).
Allow approximately one hour for the permit process, which
consists of five basic steps:
Step 1: Plan Your Itinerary
recognition that you understand all backcountry rules and regu
lations. Violations of the conditions of the permit may result in
adverse impacts to park resources and legal consequences.
Visit www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/backcountry, and use
this guide, maps, as well as other available references to pre
plan several alternative itineraries prior to your arrival in the
park. Building flexibility into your plans is very important because
certain units may be unavailable at the time you wish to obtain
your permit. Remember to be conservative when predicting your
daily mileage. There are no trails, and travel can be slow and
difficult in brushy areas or when fording glacier rivers. Upon your
arrival at the Backcountry Information Center, several additional
resources such as unit description guides, local maps, and
knowledgeable staff will be available to assist you in planning
your trip.
Step 2: Watch Backcountry Video
This informative 30-minute video is presented at the BIC and
before and after BIC hours at the WAC and answers many ques
tions you might have about negotiating the Denali backcountry.
It covers topics such as campsite selection, bear and wildlife
encounters, river crossings, Leave No Trace principles, Bear
Resistant Food Containers (BRFCs), and much more. All mem
bers of your party must view this program.
Step 3: Attend Safety Talk
Following the video, all party members must be present for a
brief safety talk to receive the backcountry permit and BRFC
required for proper food storage. You must sign your permit in
•
Forty-two backcountry units within the Denali Wilderness
have a specific quota.
•
Unit availability determines where you may camp each night
and you must camp in the unit for which you have a permit.
•
Maximum 7 consecutive nights in a single unit.
•
Maximum 30 nights in the backcountry (various units).
•
Permits are issued only in person (no telephone reserva
tions), and no more than 24 hours in advance of the first day
of your trip.
• Gravel River Bars: these flat, rocky surfaces characterize
most major rivers in the park and provide good travel routes.
•
All party members must be present to receive a permit.
•
•
Permits are not required for day hiking in the backcountry.
Wet Tundra: this terrain is marshy and interspersed with
hummocks. Travel can be slow and tiring.
•
Dry Tundra: dry tundra generally exists at higher elevations
and affords good, solid footing and limited brush.
•
Brushy Tundra: typically occurs in bands or thickets between
2500-3500 ft, and often limits visibility and travel speed.
•
Glacial Moraine: located at the base of glaciers and often
denoted on maps by stippled areas, a moraine consists of
ice covered with dirt and debris. Travel is rough and timeconsuming.
Wildlife of Denali
Step 4: Delineate Your Map
Unit boundaries and wildlife closures are not marked in the
backcountry. It is your responsibility to know their location. Fif
teen minute (1 in = 1 mile) USGS topographic quad maps are
strongly recommended and are available for purchase at the
BIC or Alaska Geographic Bookstore. After obtaining the proper
map(s), delineate unit boundaries and wildlife closure boundar
ies so that you will know where to hike and camp during your trip.
Bears
Symbolic of the Alaskan wilderness, both grizzly bears and black
bears inhabit the park and may be encountered in the backcountry.
To keep these magnificent creatures wild and enhance your per
sonal safety, keep the following in mind:
For more information on the bus system, visit
www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/visiting-denali.htm
•
Make noise while hiking to alert bears of your presence.
•
Bear Resistant Food Containers are required in most units
and are lent to visitors at no cost. They must be stored 100
yards (91 m) from cooking areas and tent sites.
•
Be alert for bears and alter your activities to avoid them.
•
Never run from a bear.
depending on rainfall and temperatures. Glacial rivers generally run
lower in early morning hours, so plan accordingly. Trekking poles or
walking sticks are recommended for crossing.
•
Pepper spray can be carried as an added precaution. How
ever, it is useful only as a last resort in the event of an emer
gency, and should not be viewed as substitute for proper
backcountry behavior. Visitors must educate themselves on
proper bear spray technique and know its limitations.
When you visit the Backcountry Information Center, you will be pro
vided with more detailed information about hiking in bear country.
Bear Resistant Food Container (BRFC)
If you wish to travel the Park Road by bike and camp outside of an
established campground, you must obtain a backcountry permit at
the Backcountry Information Center (BIC) and camp at least 0.5 mile
(1.3 km) from the road with your tent out of view of the road. If you
leave your bicycle overnight, it must be left 25 yards from the road
and out of sight from road traffic. Bikes also must be adequately
marked with the group name, backcountry permit number and date
that they will be picked up. Reservations are required if you wish to
stay overnight in campgrounds along the park road. To make reser
vations, call 1-800-622-7275 or 907-272-7275. Each Camper Bus
can accommodate two bicycles.
These hard plastic portable containers are a vital part of Denali’s
bear/human conflict management program. You must store all food,
garbage, and scented items in a BRFC when camping overnight in
units where they are required. Their consistent use has resulted in
a bear population that does not associate humans or their property
with food sources. A small BRFC weighs 3 lbs. and holds 3-5 days of
food for one person, and the larger BRFC weighs 5 lbs. and carries
7-10 days of food. BRFCs are issued free of charge with backcountry
permits and must be returned within 48 hours following a trip. If
the BRFC is lost or damaged, you may be held responsible for its
replacement. Kevlar or bear-resistant bags are not permitted.
•
Do not feed or allow wildlife to obtain human foods.
•
Maintain a minimum of 300 yards (274 m) distance from
bears.
•
Do not approach or follow wildlife. Maintain a minimum 25
yards (68 m) distance from all other animals.
•
If your presence alters an animal’s behavior, you are too
close.
Critical Wildlife Closures
There are both permanent and temporary wildlife closures every
year in Denali. These areas are restricted to all entry and exist for the
mutual protection of humans and critical wildlife species. It is your
responsibility to recognize and respect the boundaries of these clo
sures. Ask a ranger at the Backcountry Information Center for recent
closure information. Failure to avoid closures may result in a citation.
•
In pristine areas like Denali, avoid camping where others
have camped.
•
Do not move rocks, plants, antlers or artifacts; leave the
area as you found it so that future hikers do not see signs of
your use.
Kim Heacox Photo
Cooking
Drinking Water
Giardia and Cryptosporidium are bacteria found in unfiltered water
and present serious health risks. Take one of the following precau
tions before drinking water from a natural source:
•
Heat water to rolling boil.
•
Use a water filter.
•
Treat with iodine tablets.
Neither pit nor chemical toilets are available in the backcountry. You
must follow these rules for proper waste disposal:
•
Dig a hole at least 6 in (15 cm) deep and at least 100 ft (30
m) away from water for fecal waste disposal.
•
Pack out all sanitation products, including used toilet paper.
Minimum Impact Hiking
Glacier Crossings
Kennan Ward Photo
Glaciers present numerous hazards, and any form of glacier
travel will require extra preparation. If you plan to traverse the
upper ice and snow portions of a glacier, carry appropriate equip
ment, such as ice axe and crampons and know how to use
them. Crossing glacial moraines also presents many potential
hazards, such as debris slides, ice caves, and uneven terrain.
To keep the Denali backcountry in pristine condition for others, please
take care in how you hike.
•
Hike on durable surfaces whenever possible, such as gravel
river bars.
•
Avoid hiking single file; spread out and disperse to prevent
the formation of social trails.
Gear Checklist
The following equipment is highly recommended when venturing out
into the Denali backcountry:
•
Hiking boots (waterproofed) and wool socks.
•
Trekking poles and gaiters for river crossings.
•
Rain jacket and pants (ponchos not recommended).
•
Polypropylene, nylon, or wool clothing (avoid cotton). Be pre
pared for temperatures ranging from 30º to 80º F (-1º to 27º
C) in the summer months.
•
Stove, fuel, cookware and water bottles.
Denali is an amazing place to enjoy winter activities such as snow
shoeing, skiing or dog mushing. During any of these activities, folks
are welcome to camp overnight in the park, though they must acquire
a (free) backcountry permit in person at the winter visitor center.
•
A way to treat water.
•
Compass and map (maps available at BIC).
•
Toilet paper and trowel.
Packrafting
•
Tent with rain fly and waterproof floor (bivouacking is not rec
ommended).
•
Sleeping bag and pad (for any overnight summer trip, protec
tion to 20º F (-7º C) is suggested).
•
Insect repellent and/or head net.
•
Emergency gear, such as first aid kit, knife, and a signaling
device such as a whistle, signal mirror, or flare.
•
Large plastic or waterproof bags to protect the gear inside
your pack.
Camping in Southern Denali
Hiking and camping south of the crest of the Alaska Range requires
additional preparation and skill. This area contains ice fields, sheer
rock, heavily crevassed glaciers, extremely large rivers, and very
dense brush. To obtain permits to camp in these areas, contact the
Talkeetna Ranger Station at 907-733-2231.
Winter Camping
Website
Visit Denali National Park’s backcountry website at www.nps.gov/
dena/planyourvisit/backcountry
Denali is home to sheep, caribou, wolves, foxes, bears, moose,
eagles, ptarmigan, and other wildlife that you are very likely to
encounter in the backcountry. Please keep Denali’s animals wild by
following these guidelines when encountering wildlife:
Camp on durable surfaces whenever possible such as gravel
river bars, and avoid damaging fragile tundra.
Sanitation
Travel by packraft can be both fun and rewarding. Denali’s
backcountry offers many possibilities for combining a day or over
night hike with packrafting. While there are many opportunities for
beginners, the hazards and risks of any whitewater travel are great.
You are responsible for understanding these risks and acquiring the
skill and experience to be self-reliant. Never packraft alone.
Wildlife
•
If you use a water filter, remember that many of Denali’s rivers carry
glacial silt. This silt will quickly clog your water filter and render it
inoperable. The addition of silt-stopper devices is highly recom
mended for any water filter.
Other Information
Bicycle Camping
Your tent must be at least 0.5 mi (0.8 km) away from the
park road and not visible from it or other developed areas.
Campfires are not permitted in the Denali Wilderness. Fuel for porta
ble camp stoves is available for purchase at the Riley Creek Mercan
tile, located next to Riley Creek Campground. When cooking, remain
alert for bears; be ready to pack up and move quickly.
River Crossings
There are no bridges across rivers in the backcountry. You must
negotiate your own river crossings and pack gear accordingly to
keep dry in the event of an accidental swim. Water temperature is
approximately 36º F (2º C), and immersion may result in hypother
mia. Try to cross where the river is braided and dispersed, rather
than concentrated into a single deep, narrow channel. Due to the
high silt content of the water, it is often difficult to ascertain the true
depth of the water. River depths can also vary widely during a trip
•
Access to most park backcountry units requires use of the Visi
tor Transportation System (VTS) of buses. Special Camper Buses
that are built to accommodate people and their large backpacks
depart the WAC several times a day. To secure space for your
party, you should purchase tickets at the WAC soon after obtain
ing your backcountry permit. This bus system will take you to
the start of your hike. When your trip is finished, or if you wish to
move to another part of the park during the course of your trip,
simply return to the park road and the next available VTS bus will
pick you up.
Understandably, many of the most popular units are predominately
dry tundra terrain. However, permits for these units are also the most
difficult to obtain, and sightings of other hikers are more common.
We recommend you consider other less requested units that may
require an initial extra effort to climb above the brushy tundra, but
then offer large areas of dry tundra, as well as exceptional opportu
nities for solitude.
Karen Ward Photo
There are no established campsites in the Denali backcountry. Use
the following guidelines when selecting your campsite:
Step 5: Obtain Camper Bus Ticket
Terrain of Denali
There are five major terrain categories in the Denali backcountry.
Here’s what you can expect:
Camping
w w w . l n t . o r g
For more information contact:
Caching
Kennan Ward Photo
Backcountry Information Center
Denali National Park and Preserve
PO Box 9
Denali Park, AK 99755
For extended backcountry treks, you may cache food and supplies in
bear-proof food lockers located at any established campground area,
the Wilderness Access Center, Toklat Road Camp, or Eielson Visitor
Center. Label food/supplies with party name and date you intend to
retrieve it. Denali National Park is not responsible for caches.
Mountaineering
If you intend to ascend Denali or Mt. Foraker, contact the Talkeetna
Ranger Station at 907-733-2231 or visit www.nps.gov/dena/plany
ourvisit/mountaineering. Applications for permits must be received
at least 60 days in advance of your expedition date. Registration is
also recommended for other climbs.
Bob Butterfield Photo
Phone:
May - Sept.
Oct. - April
907-683-9590
907-683-2294
E-mail:
denali_info@nps.gov
Backcountry Website:
www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm
Backcountry Units
The
Al a
To Fairbanks
9 0mi
14 5km
sk a
R ai
d
lroa
River
k
Cr
ee
e
NT
ISH
NA
os
A
K
ar
le
G L A C IER
UN
AC
k
as
Al
Th
e
KS G
75
GL
AC
S usitn a
DENALI
S TAT E PA R K
IER
S
it
us
na
R iv e
r
S
o
To k
D
U
T
H
H
IL
L
si t
S
Talkeetn
North
R
S
P
3
East
0
Rive
a
ltn
r s v ill e
Ro a
d
Trapper
Creek
20 Kilometers
10
0
20 Miles
10
Denali
National Park
Talkeetna
r
Pe
te
Unpaved
road
Please
Note
Ri
Trail
indicator
BRFC
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Triple Lakes
X
Riley Creek
X
Jenny Creek
X
Upper Savage
X
Upper Sanctuary
X
Upper Teklanika
X
Upper East Fork
X
Polychrome Glaciers
X
East Branch Upper Toklat X
West Branch Upper Toklat X
Stony Dome
X
Sunset/Sunrise Glaciers
X
Mount Eielson
X
McKinley Bar East
X
McKinley Bar West
X
Windy Creek
X
Foggy and Easy Pass
X
Upper Glacier Creek
X
Pirate Creek
X
McGonagall Pass
X
Muddy River
X
Upper Foraker
rec.
West Fork Glacier
X
Mount Healy
X
Healy Ridge
X
Primrose Ridge
X
Mount Wright
X
Sushana River
X
Igloo Mountain
X
Tributary Creek
X
Polychrome Mountain
X
Middle Toklat
X
Quota
12
12
4
6
6
6
4
6
6
6
2
4
4
4
4
8
8
4
4
4
8
unl.
8
4
4
4
4
8
4
4
6
4
Acreage
6,567
79,533
22,740
32,578
67,066
54,011
24,255
23,379
26,250
31,432
8,693
21,077
14,851
17,432
21,094
39,076
88,405
12,471
69,236
25,079
81,830
371,494
64,848
20,424
20,403
9,679
14,412
45,457
27,763
14,960
18,788
29,421
No.
Name
BRFC
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
Stony Hill
X
Mount Galen
X
Moose Creek
X
Jumbo Creek
X
Lower East Fork
X
Lower Toklat
X
Stony Creek
X
Clearwater Fork
X
Spruce Peak
X
Eureka Creek
X
Eldorado Creek
X
Peters Glacier
-Mount McKinley
-Upper Kahiltna
-Mount Foraker
-Herron Glacier
-Stampede
rec.
Southeast Stampede
rec.
Southwest Stampede
rec.
Kantishna Hills
rec.
Moose-McKinley
rec.
McKinley-Birch
rec.
Birch-Foraker Preserve rec.
Heron-Highpower Preserve
Swift Fork
rec.
Bull River
rec.
Ohio Creek
rec.
Eldridge Glacier
-Buckskin Glacier
-Upper Ruth
-Lower Ruth
-Mount Hunter
--
Talkeetna to
14mi
22km
Ranger station
Campground
Denali
This
map is not intended for navigation purposes.
Primitive road
National Preserve
Topographic maps
Airstrip
should be used in the backcountry.
Distance
Talkeetna
Railroad depot
r
To Anchorage
112mi
180km
Name
a
Petersville
R iv
er
E
E
T
er
No.
River
r
ve
Ri
na
Ri v
k
ay
OO
73
na
L
83
ve
ha t
sH
igh
w
R
IE
AC
IL
hi
Ka
K
ic
Pa
rk
R
Fork
Ye ntna River
R
Ch u l i t n a
Rive r
IE
R
k
S
GLACIE
ee
Cr
IN
For
k
rs
85
TA
Yentna
AC
te
Pe
N
C
CIER
U
GL
KA
A
GL
IER
AC
GL
GL
CIER
GLA
A
I LT N
AC
KAH
IE
R
R
IE
AC
NA
OT
TL
DO
GLA
O
H
R
k
M
H
NA
IE
t
Wes
NA
For
3
LT
AC
DENALI
N AT I O N A L P R E S E R V E
k
GL
a
sh
ko
ns
To n t a i
ou
M
79
81
GL
Mount Dall
8756ft
2669m
AC I E R
Mount Goldie
6315ft
1925m
L
BUCKSKIN
RUT
77
Eas
t
HI
LL
84
Avalanche Spire
10105ft
3080m
oa
i lr
PA R K
GL
DA
N
A
DENALI
N AT I O N A L
Ra
KA
YE
82
TN
76
NA
RIS
74
72
GE
a
GE
CHE
46
IT
er
Riv
AC I E R
E GL
Mount Hunter
14573ft
4427m
OS
Ton
zo
na
Mount Foraker
17400ft
5303m
TO K
80
Mount Russell
11670ft
3557m
E
TH TR
RU HEA
IT
PH
OR
T H E G R E AT G
47
RID
ee
Cr
R
GL AC I E R
A
L
K
S
A
GL
H
ELD
AM
71
Mount Eldridge
10433ft
3180m
45
Mount Crosson
12800ft
3901m
a
ar y
o
AC
ON
A
Mount Deception
11768ft
3587m
MOUNT
McKINLEY
78
Fork
R iver
South Peak
20320ft
6193m
ss
Summit
Summit
Lake
For
k
Oh i
GL
RR
Kahiltna Dome
12525ft
3818m
48
RP
North Peak
19470ft
5934m
IE
HE
Swift
SU
R
Bu l l
or
ge
AC
IE
W
ild
e
ern
Paxs
er
GL
86
Mount Mather
12123ft
3695m
nd
8
y
wa
Cantwell
70
West
ou
l i High
iv
ER
BR
IG
R AK
PETE
Mount
Brooks
11940ft
3639m
TRALEI
RA
69
22
ER
RS
ST
FO
A
e
HT
AW
AY
44
Peters Dome
10600ft
3231m
CI
87
b
rea
De
na
Ge
R iv
r
GL
W
i
W
a
N enan
Creek
Foggy
Pass
Riv
er
R
ER
ACI
16
y
nd
Chu
litn
a
r
DRO
MUL
17
23
WEST FORK GLACIE
y
d
18
ER
LAC I
ake
For
22
N
A
E
G
T
20
k
R
8
Cant
well
Cr e ek
wa
ter
Cre
ek
h
Birc
For
k
Mo
19
R il e
er
13
k
10
12
2
R iv
C re e
a r w ater
21
y
C re e k
er
R iv
Cr
ee
Cle
Eielson
Visitor
Center
9
7
SU N S E
p er
n
B ir
ch
11
E
n
River
River
ddy
Mu
rro
der
ea
15
y
S lip
He
Wi l
ar
ess
bo
ar
und
34
Creek
Fork
1
e River
Wonder Lake
McKinley
35
36
4
Savag
Wonder
Lake
Polychrome
Overlook
33
ose
Yanert
6
er
Mo
Riley Creek
Entrance Area
3
5
R iv
Kantishna
HR O M
POLYC CIER
GL A
43
Backcountry Desk
Park
Headquarters
H i n e s C re e k
Igloo Creek
29
t
31
Toklat
River
24
er
R iv
41
D E N A L I N AT I O N A L PA R K W I L D E R N E S S
KI
CH
AT
30
To
k la
32
Savage
River
u ar y
k
25
26
S a nc t
r
ek
Cre
66
Fork
Ton
zon
a
River
Fork
cie
ry
ek
Cre
DENALI
NATIONAL
PRES ER VE
68
ft
ee
27
Teklanika
River
39
40
Cr
Otter Lake
Sw
i
C
42
River
Spectacle
Lake
Big
Lake
ve
r
Creek
pe
Ri
3
Sanctuary
River
er
R iv
y
Gla
le
l ip
Old Cache
Lake
PA R K
r
in
28
37
38
lat
N AT I O N A L
cK
Bea
M
paw
k
To
Foraker
DENALI
S
Highpower
ar
Be
E as t
River
65
Sprucefish
Lake
62
Cr
ek
64
67
H e aly
HI
LL
S
63
Healy
Medical clinic
River
Teklanika
Be
ar
Trail
de
pe
am
t
S
Chilchukabena
Lake
ee
R iv
er
aw
age
Sav
Lake
Minchumina
rp
To
k
Cre
Be
a
Minchumina
61
C re
a
l at
hn
ek
Starr
Lake
t is
River
n
Ka
er
R iv
M
ud
ve
r
dy
a
nan
Ne
Ri
Picnic area
3
Quota
A creage
No.
Name
4
4
4
2
6
6
4
12
12
12
12
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
30,119
22,769
19,732
8,195
29,421
68,476
45,130
82,532
32,317
16,127
32,542
75,233
50,011
24,480
32,008
177,513
121,934
21,864
25,367
322,355
312,189
311,395
282,635
410,396
155,143
84,464
39,887
177,309
99,896
104,656
96,070
39,752
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
Tokositna Glacier
Middle Kahiltna
Little Switzerland
Upper Yentna-Lacuna
Lower Kahiltna
Dall-Yentna Preserve
Yentna River Preserve
Mount Dall Preserve
Kitchatna Preserve
Mount Mather
Mount Brooks
BRFC
Quota
Acreage
-rec.
--rec.
-rec.
rec.
rec.
---
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
unl.
144,861
11,905
121,150
124,748
144,403
69,480
130,689
197,565
247,423
41,368
97,065
X = BRFC required
rec. = BRFC recommended
Ri v
er