Denali National Park: Savage River Loop
On a tight travel schedule? Sample Denali on a rugged 3.8-mile loop to a rocky playground of Dall sheep and panoramas of North America's tallest peak.
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MORE PARK INFO: Denali National Park, (907) 683-2294; nps.gov/dena/.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.1
Waypoints
SVR001
Location: 63.739162, -149.291138
From parking lot, head N on main trail
SVR002
Location: 63.740803, -149.290985
Turn R onto unmaintained trail; begin steady climb, looking for grouse in surrounding brush
SVR003
Location: 63.740196, -149.288162
Hike past jagged rocks as views of Savage River Valley and Mt. McKinley emerge
SVR004
Location: 63.739376, -149.278748
Traverse granite rock outcroppings; keep a watchful eye (and ear) for rockslides
SVR005
Location: 63.743305, -149.268005
Hit saddle; watch arctic ground squirrels scurry across trail. Caution: Bears seek shelter here on windy days
SVR006
Location: 63.739887, -149.277802
Listen for marmots whistling across a valley with postcard views; veer R @ junction to continue loop
SVR007
Location: 63.742294, -149.289841
Descend ridge through low brush, follow trail to river
SVR008
Location: 63.751404, -149.291489
Turn L to hike alongside Savage River
SVR009
Location: 63.74926, -149.293869
Cross bridge, continue up hillside on rough trail
SVR010
Location: 63.748936, -149.291855
Snap photos of Dall sheep grazing on the hillsides
SVR011
Location: 63.742676, -149.29277
Pass riverside picnic area, a popular hangout for willow ptarmigan; continue on maintained trail to parking lot
