Roadside Trail

The feel

The Roadside Trail is a forest path of aspen, birch and spruce that climbs from the Denali Visitor Center to Park Headquarters and the sled dog kennels. The surface is compacted gravel, generally 36 inches wide, and in places it runs close to the park road.

The walk is moderately strenuous and generally uphill from east to west, with a grade of up to 15%. In fall the aspen turn the path golden.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Point-to-point, 1.8 miles one way, with 350 to 400 ft of gain. Compacted gravel generally 36 inches wide, with a grade of up to 15%, generally uphill from east to west.

Time

About 1 hour one way.

Parking

There is no parking at the kennels. Park at the visitor center and ride a free bus if you are going to a sled dog demonstration.

Kids

Tagged kid-friendly, though the route is moderate and runs uphill.

Hazards

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

Cell signal

Cell service reaches just beyond mile 3 on the park road, where the kennels are.

Season and access

The eastern trailhead is at the Denali Visitor Center or Murie Science and Learning Center, via the Taiga Trail. The western trailhead is at Denali Headquarters and the Sled Dog Kennels. The kennels are open year-round.

Mingo says

Fall is the call here, when the path goes golden. In summer, ride a bus to the kennels and walk downhill back to the visitor center.

Before you go

• For a sled dog demonstration, be at the Denali Visitor Center bus stop 40 minutes before it begins.
• If the kennel gate is open, come in; if it is closed, do not enter.
• In winter the dogs are frequently out in the park, so ask at the visitor center first.
• Hiking this trail together with the Rock Creek Trail makes a loop.

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