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Denali National Park and Preserve

August 5, 2018 - August 11, 2018

Trip Navigation

The McKinley Bar Trail, near the end of the Denali Park Road, takes hikers from Wonder Lake to the McKinley River and the foothills of the Alaska Range. The 2-mile trail offers spectacular views of Denali and the Alaska Range and takes hikers through open tundra, spruce forest, and across several small streams. The work here is physical and rewarding! Trail workers will hike to the work site to perform maintenance duties that include replacing and installing new boardwalk, constructing turnpike, and tread repair. The nature of the work may include up to 5 miles of day hiking, carrying tools and a heavy pack, working in wet areas along the trail.

Meet the Crew Leader for this trip.

Host

National Park Service

Accommodations

Car Camping Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

Day Hiking up to 5 miles per day

Project Rating

Difficult

Minimum Volunteer Age

15

Maximum Group Size

8

Area and Attractions

Denali National Park and Preserve is six million acres of wild land, including two million acres of federally designated Wilderness, bisected by one ribbon of road. Travelers along it see low-elevation taiga give way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America’s tallest peak, 20,310’ Mount Denali. Wild animals large and small roam unfenced lands, living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility and wilderness await. Wildlife sightings in the park are common. Some of the most iconic, large mammals, such as grizzly and black bears, wolves, caribou, moose and Dall’s sheep, can be seen by lucky visitors. Wolverine, lynx, and porcupines are also a rare possibility. Some of the more-often seen small mammals include arctic ground squirrels, red squirrels, foxes and marmots. The bird life of Denali is varied and impressive. Golden eagles and rare, often transitory bald eagles, are among the largest avifauna in the park. The most commonly seen birds include ravens, mew gulls, gray jays, and ptarmigan. With no reptiles and only one amphibian, you are unlikely to see many cold-blooded animals in the park. Fish, too are rarely found, as the rivers and creeks within easy reach of the Park Road are poor habitat, although Wonder Lake does yield arctic grayling and lake trout. Weather can vary widely in the summer in Alaska. The weather might be summy and warm with daytime temperatures in the 70s and nights in the 50s; however, it can snow any month of the year. Participants should be prepared for inclement weather including nights in the 20s and 30s and high in the 40s for 50s. Mosquitos in the area can be intense, however they often diminish in August. Rain gear, hats, gloves, warm layers and a warm sleeping bag are a must.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will stay in Wonder Lake Campground which sits along Wonder Lake and offers spectacular views of the Alaska Range. Mount Denali is visible on clear days. Sites are screened with brush in most cases, and the campground is situated among aspen and spruce trees. Vault toilets and potable water are available. Cooking gear, plates, bowls, cups and utensils will be provided, as well as cookstoves and propane. Plan to live and work together in a group setting where meals will be prepared together. Workers will be in the field for the duration of the work day and should be prepared with food, water, clothing layers and personal items necessary for the day. Showers will be available at the end of the week. Volunteers should bring tents, warm sleeping bags and pads, and personal gear.

Travel

NO Airport Pickup provided for this trip. The closest airport is Fairbanks, AK

Location

Denali National Park and Preserve
Riley Creek Campground, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755 United States
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