Hiking without a trail
Denali National Park has few maintained trails. A single road leads 91.6 miles into the interior of the park. Anywhere you like, you can get off the park bus (cars are not allowed) and walk.
We set out for a nearby ridge, to the right of distant snow-capped mountains. Soon we found that what looked like a little creek was a rushing river, as much as four feet deep. Looking for somewhere to ford the river, we got lost in the thick, yellow-leaved bushes. Several times we tried to decide on a new destination, only to end up tromping through a muddy swamp. I grew happier and happier to be lost right in the middle of this scenery, just another animal roaming through the park.
Working our way back to the park road, we found a thin trail, leading down to a footbridge across a branch of the river. Continuing downstream, we found ourselves stranded at the edge of an island, with no way out but to retrace our footsteps. Instead, I tried to jump over the river — and got my boots soaking wet. Almost immediately, my wool socks rubbed against my heels and gave me blisters.
The bears must be much better at hiking without a trail.
Just glancing at that photo, I don’t think any of the ridges pictured (aside from the one with the road at the far left) can accurately be described as “nearby”.
Comment by Lab Lemming — September 20, 2006 @ 7:36 am
LL, You are observant! I took this picture while crossing the river on the park road. The starting point of the hike was a few miles to the left, from which point the river really did look small, and the ridge that is just barely visible at it’s tip on the right-hand side looked “close-by” to a not-so-experienced hiker like me.
Comment by drshellie — September 20, 2006 @ 9:11 pm
I was wondering about that distance thing too - thinking you must be an amazing hiker. I also wondered about the bears - nice photo of the footprints! How many have you seen?
Comment by Holly — September 21, 2006 @ 6:42 pm
I think we saw one in Denali from very far away, from the park bus. We saw MANY more bears on Admiralty Island… I’ll do a “bear post” soon.
Comment by drshellie — September 21, 2006 @ 8:14 pm