McKinley Station Trail

The feel

The McKinley Station Trail descends from the Denali Visitor Center to Hines and Riley Creeks and passes under the Alaska Railroad trestle. The surface is compacted gravel, with one long, gently sloping hill that drops about 100 ft.

Highlights include historic building remains, geologic features, the trestle and Riley Creek. The steel bridge overhead looks much the same as when it was completed in early 1922. The original park headquarters was cleared here by the park's first ranger, Harry Karstens, in 1921.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Point-to-point, 1.6 miles one way, with 100 ft of gain. Compacted gravel with a maximum grade of 8.5%, rated moderate.

Time

0.5 hour to 1 hour one way.

Kids

Tagged kid-friendly, rated moderate.

Hazards

Stay 25 yards away from all wildlife, except bears, and 300 yards away from bears.

Season and access

The trail runs from the Denali Visitor Center to the Riley Creek Campground or Riley Creek Mercantile.

Mingo says

Because the walk drops away from the visitor center, the way back on the same path is the climb. Link it with the Bike Path for a 3.0-mile loop instead.

Before you go

• The trail ends at the Riley Creek Campground or Riley Creek Mercantile, so decide how you will get back.
• Federal law forbids removing or disturbing historic artifacts, so take only pictures.
• Keep 25 yards from wildlife and 300 yards from bears.

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