Pros of Guided Hikes and Non-Guided Hikes
There are many, many, hiking opportunities in and around Denali National Park. Trails range from short flat walking paths to strenuous multi-day backpacking routes. Many of these opportunities have options for a guide to join you.
Whether you are an experienced hiker or not, guided and non-guided hikes have many benefits. You may want the autonomy of taking a hike by yourself. And yes, the freedom is very nice. I, myself, often prefer a non-guided hike. That being said, there are many benefits of a guided hiking tour. Especially, when you are visiting somewhere. There is much to learn as a passerby; culture, flora, fauna, ecosystems, restaurants, stories and more.
Below I have highlighted the main pros of doing a hike with a guide and without one. Whichever you decide is best for you, make sure you do proper research.
Guided:
Expert guide
You will be led by an expert guide who is trained to assess a group's ability to maintain a good pace, terrain they can do and make sure they are comfortable
Safety equipment/training
Many guided hiking companies require their employees to have completed a wilderness First Aid training. All companies require CPR/first aid training. Guides also carry a Garmin GPS device, which is used for navigation via satellite, it is essential in emergency cases to send messages. Guides also carry bear spray, which can also be used for moose and other animals.
Naturalist
Not only is your guide equipped with safety training and equipment, they are a naturalist. Which means they will teach and show you all about the flora, fauna, and local ecosystem that surrounds you. They will have you try edible plants and berries (and teach you which ones not to eat).
No driving
Guiding companies provide free shuttles to and from your hotel. Often, you can also change your pickup or drop off location to wherever you need to be/want to go whether that is another excursion, a restaurant or a store.
Local Knowledge
Your guides live here, whether it’s just for the summer or year-round. They know which restaurants are worth your money and what excursions are worth your time. They also have the ability to book or give contact information for other excursions.
Navigation Expert
As mentioned before, your guide will have a Garmin GPS device. This allows them to know exactly where you are via satellite. This allows off-trail hikes easier and safer. Guides also use their naturalist skills to navigate through the forest. They are experts in this regard.
Self-Guided:
Autonomy
Without a guide you have total freedom to choose what you want to do. You can choose the difficulty, location and length of your hike. As well as when you do it and how far you want to go.
Control Over Your Schedule
With the autonomy, you can schedule your hike around the rest of your schedule.
Free
Hiking without a guide is free! (aside from any park passes, parking fees, etc…)
No strangers
When you hike by yourself you are only with your group. There’s no pressure to keep up with strangers or having them slow you down. You can take as many or as little rest stops as you’d like. No small talk either (which can be a pro or con depending on who you are).
Access to more trails
Specifically if you have a car while here, you can get to almost any trailhead whether 10 minutes or 2-hours away! You are not limited to where the guided hikes will take you.
There are many benefits to both guided and non-guided hikes. Whether you want to learn from a naturalist or enjoy the autonomy of doing your own hike, you are sure to enjoy the Denali area. If you do decide to go out on your own, make sure to do research about the area you are in. You may need permits, safety equipment, etc… Also if you are an inexperienced hiker I would not recommend going out on your own.
We hope to see you soon!
