Oxbow Loop Trail

The feel

The Oxbow Loop is a rustic trail that contours along the west bank of the Nenana River, with views from high above the water. It wanders in and out of spruce forest and eventually drops down to the edge of the river, with walk-in access to a gravel bar.

Along the way you pass squirrel middens, which look like brown heaps with holes, and drunken spruces whose tops bend down. At the narrowest point of the oxbow, a short trail connects the two sides of the loop. The trail is easy underfoot and a top pick for families.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 1.5 miles, with about 101 ft of gain. Rated easy, along the west bank of the Nenana River through spruce forest, with a drop to the river edge and a gravel bar.

Time

0.5 hour to 1 hour round trip.

Parking

Limited day parking for personal vehicles at the Tsenesdghaas Na' trailhead, 6 miles south of the park entrance, near a bridge over the Nenana River.

Kids

Easy and a top pick for families. The gravel bar is a spacious spot for kids to run around, picnic and throw rocks in the river.

Mingo says

Plan a picnic at the gravel bar, where the rafts bounce by on the river. At the large overlook with the wooden deck, turn right to start the loop.

Before you go

• Drive south on the George Parks Highway 6 miles from the Park Road to the trailhead signage, on your left.
• If you reach the bridge across the Nenana River and the Denali Park Village, you have gone too far.
• Day parking at the trailhead is limited.

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