Photographing“The Great One”
Located about 2.5hours north of Anchorage, Alaska is North Americas largest peak; Denali. Formerly known as Mt. McKinley, Denali rises 20,310ft (6190m) above sea level. It is a location that is on many photographers bucket list. Denali is notorious for being covered in clouds and only 30% of people who travel to the area are able to catch a glimpse of Denali peak. This group is appropriately known as the “30% Club”.
The seasons greatly effect how your photographs will look. In late June through July the wildflowers bloom making some very interesting images. in September the fall colors begin to peak making the scenery breathtaking.
Below is a list of places that, if visible, will provide spectacular views and photograph opportunities of the mountain.
Denali view South
Location: Denali State Park
Address: Mile 135.2 Parks Highway
Open: Mid-June until late fall.
Accessibility: Easy (Short walk)
Located in Denali State park, the South View Offers breathtaking views of Denali and the Alaska Range. The South View is directly off the Parks Highway at mile post 135.2 and is clearly marked with a road sign. There is a lot of parking and there are 2 different viewpoints. The first view is directly across from the parking lot. If you follow the trail to the right you can climb a hill and will be treated to an even better view with some more interpretive signs.
Curry Ridge Trail
Location: Denali State Park (K’esugi Ken Campground)
Address: Mile 135.4 Parks Highway
Open: Mid-June until late fall.
Accessibility: Hard (Strenuous hike)
Located by the K’esugi Ken campground in Denali State park is the Curry Ridge Trail. The trailhead is right across from a daily parking area and the fee is $5. This trail is about 6.5 miles return and climbs about 1000ft up to curry ridge.
When you reach the top above tree-line you are treated with spectacular view of Denali. There are also some good viewpoints along the way.
This is a bit of a challenging hike and while the trail is mostly well maintained, it can still be muddy any time of the year. There are a decent amount of bears in the area so be cautious and take bear spray.
Moose Flats Loop Trail
Location: Denali State Park (K’esugi Ken Campground)
Address: Mile 135.4 Parks Highway
Open: Mid-June until late fall.
Accessibility: Easy (Short walk)
Located at the same parking lot in K’esugi Campground as the Curry Ridge Trial, The Moose Flats Trail loop offers amazing views of Denali. The trail is only about a half mile long and goes by some small ponds. This trail is definitely worth checking out, to take an easy stroll to a nice viewpoint.
The parking area is equipped with picnic tables that provide an excellent place to have lunch as you take in views of the mountain.
Denali view North
Location: Denali State Park
Address: Mile 162.7 Parks Highway
Open: Mid-June until late fall.
Accessibility: Easy
The North Viewpoint is right at the north edge of Denali state park. The viewpoint has a parking lot and picnic tables. The views of the mountain are directly across from the parking lot making it very easy to hop out of your car to go see the mountain.
Denali NAtional Park
Location: Denali National
Address: Parks Highway
Open: Mid-May until mid-September.
Accessibility: Easy
Denali National park has some stunning views of the mountain from the park road. Only the fist few miles are accessible by personal vehicle . To get farther into the park you must take a bus. But even if you don’t get to see the mountain, the bus ride is well worth it as you may see a lot of spectacular wildlife.