Wedged between the Talkeetna Mountains to the east and the spectacular Alaska Range and Mount McKinley to the west is Denali State Park, Alaska’s third largest. Down the park’s middle runs George Parks Highway, the major link between Anchorage and Fairbanks.

A little exploration reveals a landscape varying from wetlands and small lakes to forest to alpine tundra. The 35-mile-long north-south Curry and Kesugi Ridges form the backbone of the eastern half of the park, where alpine plants dominate.

Although the mixed habitat supports a variety of wildlife, including common loons, moose, black and brown bears, beavers, and marten, few are seen because of thick vegetation. Denali comprises forests of cottonwood, white spruce, and paper birch with an understory of alder, cow parsnip, tall grasses, currants, and spiny devil’s club.

Backpackers and day-hikers access Kesugi and Curry Ridges from several trailheads. The most motherly, Little Coal Creek Trail, Mile 163.9, gains only 715 feet and offers the easiest access to the alpine.