Little Coal Creek Trailhead (Kesugi)

The feel

Little Coal Creek is the north access to Kesugi Ridge in Denali State Park, with a free trailhead and free backcountry camping. Curry and Kesugi Ridges form a 35 mile long north-south alpine ridge, the backbone of the park's eastern half, and the trail system is split into North and South sections.

The trailhead has a vault toilet. Once you are out in the backcountry there are no facilities, so you pack everything in and out.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Dispersed backcountry camping at the north Kesugi Ridge access. The trailhead has a vault toilet.

Fees and reservations

Free. First come, first served.

Bathrooms and water

Vault toilet at the trailhead. No facilities in the backcountry.

Season and access

June through September.

Mingo says

Go between June and September, the season for this trailhead. Use the trailhead toilet before you head out, because the backcountry has none.

Before you go

• Pack out everything you pack in.
• Download the Kesugi North trail map before you start.
• Call the DNR Public Information Center at (907) 269-8400 for park information.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.