The Triple Lakes Trail in Denali was one of my favorite hikes that we went on on our trip to Alaska. As one of the best hikes in Denali National Park, you have some truly stunning scenery as well as the chance to see wildlife along the way. Remember to bring your bear spray because it's not uncommon to run into either grizzly or black bears on the hike. Moose are also often seen along this trail, so remember to give them a lot of space if you happen to see one!
Everything you need to know about the Triple Lakes Trail in Denali
The Triple Lakes Trail in Denali is an amazing hike–here's what you need to know!
[vc_cta h2="Quick stats"]Distance: 9.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Elevation gain: 1000 feet[/vc_cta]
Map of Triple Lakes Trail
How long is the Triple Lakes Trail?
The Triple Lakes Trail in Denali is 9.5 miles long one-way and takes about four to five hours to complete. The trail, which is one of the longest Denali National Park hikes, travels between the Denali Visitors Center and the Park Highway Trailhead. While the Triple Lakes Trail is intended to serve as a point-to-point hike, some visitors prefer to turn it into a round-trip journey and walk the trail back and out, covering a total distance of 19 miles. For those who are short on time or do not wish to hike as far, there is also a shortened six-mile version of the Triple Lakes hike that offers incredible views without as much work.
How difficult is the Triple Lakes Trail?
The Triple Lakes Trail in Denali is generally considered to be a moderate to challenging route, given its length and significant elevation changes. Regardless of which trailhead you start with, you will experience steep inclines and declines throughout the trail. That being said, it's generally recommended that visitors begin their hike at the Park Highway Trailhead, as this direction is considered to be a bit easier. If you start at the Denali Visitors Center, you'll be immediately greeted with a quite long and challenging ascent, as opposed to the several smaller ones that are present in the opposite direction. Although, if you choose to hike the trail back and out, it doesn't really matter, as you'll experience the trail in both directions. Overall, the Triple Lakes Trail in Denali undergoes an elevation change of 1,850 feet, with the highest point measuring 2,840 feet above sea level.
How do I get to the trailhead for the Triple Lakes Trail?
The recommended starting trailhead for the Triple Lakes Trail in Denali is the Park Highway Trailhead, which is located just north of the Nenana Bridge on the west side of Highway 3, also known as Parks Highway. Upon approaching the entrance to the park, you simply need to drive past it and stay on Parks Highway for six miles. Once there, you'll see a pull-out parking lot situated just before the bridge on the right-hand side of the road. To confirm that you're in the correct location, look for the "Welcome to Denali National Park" sign that is located across the road from the pull-out. You'll find the trailhead for Triple Lakes just to the right side of the bridge.
Meanwhile, the Denali Visitor Center is located closer to the park's entrance along Park Road. Upon entering Denali National Park, you simply need to drive 1.5 miles up the road, and you'll see the Visitor Center on your right. The Triple Lakes trailhead here can be found behind the Visitor Center and is accessed via the McKinley Station Trail, which is another popular spot for hiking in Denali.
What do I need to know about wildlife on the Triple Lakes Trail?
When hiking in Denali National Park, it's important to keep an eye out for wildlife, as bears, moose, and wolves are all known to be active in the area. As a general rule, always make sure to maintain your distance and steer clear of any wild animals you may come across. For bears, it's especially important that you make your presence known while hiking; loud noises, singing, and group chatter are all great ways to keep them at bay. It's also a good idea to carry bear spray with you as a precaution when hiking the Triple Lakes Trail in Denali.
How to hike the Triple Lakes Trail
If you plan on hiking the Triple Lakes Trail in Denali point-to-point, you'll want to devise an entrance/exit strategy before heading out. Unfortunately, the park doesn't offer a shuttle service for this hike, so you'll be on your own, navigating to and from each trailhead. If you have enough people to do so, the best thing to do is bring two cars and leave one at each trailhead. Otherwise, you can inquire with your hotel to see if they offer transportation. During the summer months, you may also be able to hire a taxi for drop-off and pick-up within the park.
While you can hike the Triple Lakes Trail in Denali from either direction, it's recommended that you begin at the Park Highway Trailhead. This trailhead can be found next to Nenana Bridge along Highway 3, also known as Parks Highway. When coming from the park's entrance, you'll want to stay on Highway 3 for roughly six miles until you come to the bridge. You'll see a pull-off parking lot on the right side of the road, and across the street will be a "Welcome to Denali National Park" sign. The actual trailhead lies just after the pull-off, on the right side of the bridge.
[vc_cta h2="National park essentials" color="pink"]National parks pass
National parks journal
National parks shirts
National Geographic's Atlas of the National Parks[/vc_cta]
The first 0.25 miles of the Triple Lakes Trail in Denali begins as a moderate ascent that switches to a gentler one once you cross the park's railroad tracks. (A quick note about these tracks, they are operational, so be careful!) It's about a mile from here to the first lake, where you'll have the opportunity to explore a side path that leads up close to the lake and its beaver dam. Be on the lookout, as many visitors spot beavers in this lake!
From here, it's a short, flat quarter-of-a-mile hike to the second lake, where you will again be able to explore a side trail that leads to the water's edge. As you depart this lake, you'll notice that the trail begins to rise and fall, experiencing ascents and descents along the 1.2 miles to lake number three. At this lake, you'll again have the opportunity to check out the water before continuing along your way. If you plan on hiking the shorter version of Triple Lakes Trail in Denali, this is where you will want to turn around and head back.
If you opt to continue on, you'll hike for another 1.5 miles along your steepest ascent to a popular lookout spot that offers incredible views of the two closest lakes. This will be your most challenging ascent, but also your last - as it's all downhill from here!
[vc_cta h2="Hiking essentials" color="pink"]Recommended hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 Gore-tex
Recommended jacket: The North Face Antora Jacket
Recommended hiking poles: Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles
Recommended day pack: Osprey Daylite Pack[/vc_cta]
Once you leave the lookout, you'll begin your final descent down to the Denali Visitors Center, one of the best things to do in Denali National Park. Along this section of the hike, you'll travel a total of 4.4 miles, passing over Riley Creek via a suspension bridge and Hines Creek via a wooden bridge. These bridges, which reside at miles 8.8 and 9.2, respectively, mark the final stretch of the Triple Lakes Trail in Denali. From here, you'll be on a very wide path that leads back to the Visitor Center. As you travel along this popular Denali National Park hiking path, be sure to keep an eye out for directional signs, as several other trails cross paths here.
Have any questions about hiking the Triple Lakes Trail in Denali? Let me know in the comments!
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