Triple Lakes Trail

The feel

This is the longest trail in Denali, running 9.5 miles between the Tsenesdghaas Na' Trailhead at Mile 231 on Highway 3 and the Denali Visitor Center. Walking south from the visitor center, bridges cross two large creeks. The path winds through spruce forest for a little over a mile, then climbs steeply for about a quarter-mile.

From there it rises gradually for several miles along a ridge, with views of Riley Creek below and distant mountains. The trail bends southeast around its midpoint and looks down on the first of the three lakes. It then descends around the middle lake and rises and falls over the last two miles or so. Most of it is taiga forest with periodic views of the surrounding valleys.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Point to point, 9.5 miles, with about 1,000 feet of elevation change. The high point is near the middle, so you climb and descend whichever way you go. The surface mixes compacted gravel, soil, rocks, roots and planks over marshy ground, with grades up to 20% at times and a width of about 24 inches.

Time

4 to 5 hours one way.

Parking

Limited day parking at the southern trailhead, 6 miles south of the Denali Park Road entrance.

Kids

Rated hard.

Hazards

Steep sections and grades up to 20%. Part of the trail lies in designated Wilderness.

Mingo says

Hike half of it and turn around if you cannot arrange a ride. The northernmost lake is about 2.5 miles from the southern trailhead on a moderate trail.

Before you go

• Arrange your own ride back, because no shuttle runs between the southern trailhead and the Denali Visitor Center.
• Keep groups to 12 or fewer in the Wilderness stretch between Mile 231 and the Hines Creek pedestrian bridge near Mile 237.
• To start from the north, take the McKinley Station Trail from the Denali Visitor Center, under 1 mile, to reach the trail.

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