Everyone wants to get a view of the big one when they come to Alaska. Mt. Mckinley, also known as Denali, is the tallest peak in North America. Kesugi ridge offers the best vantage point from which to view this massive mountain and its neighbors.

If you like wide open tundra, endless exploration, alpine lakes and jaw dropping views then this trip will leave you satisfied! There are great wildlife spotting opportunities including moose, bear, caribou and beaver.

We've added a bonus feature to this trip that's sure to be a highlight. At the end of our trek we take a 90 minute flightsee trip around Denali!

This summer will be our first year to offer this great trip. We've scheduled this one at the end of summer when the crowds are less, the air is crisp and the fall colors ablaze. We are only offering this trip once this summer so be sure to sign up early as it will fill fast.

Kesugi Ridge Itinerary

Day 1
We get an early start and make the drive from Anchorage to Kesugi Ridge by chartered van. One of the great things about Alaska is that the trip starts as soon as you hit the road. The drive to the trailhead takes us through some beautiful country. After getting our gear squared away, we shoulder our packs and head up the ridge. Our first day is a bit of an uphill hump, so we take our time and enjoy the hike. Once above the treeline we are rewarded with beautiful rolling tundra. We have our choice of a couple of lovely lakes for our first camp from which (weather gods permitting) include awesome views of Denali.

Day 2-3
We spend the next three days working our way down this beautiful and varied ridge. Although there is a trail much of the way, we will have the option for plenty of side trips to explore the endless tundra, rock formations and more. As we pass by one of several lakes on our journey there's a good chance we might spot some of the beavers who live there.

Day 4
Reluctantly we leave the high country and descend off the ridge near Byers Lake where our van awaits. We take a short ride to Talkeetna where we check into rooms at the Roadhouse. Hot showers and cold beers are the order of business.

Day 5
We awaken to the smells pouring out of the Roadhouse bakery. Whether you go for a stack of flapjacks or a delicious omellete, you will dsicover why the Roadhouse breakfasts are the best deal in town.

You really can’t come to the Denali country without doing a flightseeing tour. To appreciate the scale of this place you need to see it from the air. After breakfast we embark on an hour and a half flight with K2 Aviation will get us up close and personal with Denali and it’s neighbors. We will fly all the way around Denali for an intimate look at the mountain we have been viewing from afar. This is sure to be a highlight of the trip.

Once we get our land legs back we’ll have some lunch in Talkeetna. Then we board our van for the ride back to Anchorage and connecting flights home.

Contact us if you would like to know more about this trip.