Bison Gulch Trail
Just outside of Denali National Park
Epic Overview
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4.5/7
The Northern Epics Quality Score is our trail rating system. We only list and review trails that we personally have hiked. Fortunately, as a guided hiking outfit, we hike a lot.
Why is the Northern Epics Quality Score out of 7 instead of 5 or 10? Because we wanted to. 7 is a fun number!
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~4,000 ft.
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~7 miles
Bison Gulch Trail Description
This trail is a classic example of Interior Alaska hiking: steep, loose underfoot, and almost entirely free of switchbacks. It wastes no time getting down to business — but that’s exactly why it’s the fastest and most direct route to the summit of Mt. Healy.
From the moment you start your hike, you’re above treeline, climbing through open alpine country with the Nenana River canyon dropping away behind you. Even during the grind, all you need to do is lift your head to catch another sweeping view. Because the trail sits deep inside a canyon, the scenery doesn’t fully open up until you gain real elevation — but once you do, it gets dramatic fast. On clear days, the summit may even reward you with a glimpse of Mt. Denali far to the south.
Make no mistake: this is a tough hike, and easily one of the steepest, most demanding routes on the list. But for those willing to tackle the climb, the payoff is pure Alaska — raw, windy ridgelines, big mountain scenery, and a summit that feels like it sits on the edge of the world.
Bison Gulch Trail Map
The parking area for Bison Gulch is located at Mile 243.5 of the George Parks Hwy, about 6.5 miles south of the Denali Park Road entrance. Facing north, the parking lot will be on your right. Park and cross the highway on foot. The trail begins just across the highway from the parking lot.
Getting to the Bison Gulch Trail
Make it a Tour!
Hiking in Denali on your own is beautiful; hiking with Northern Epics is meaningful. We’ll help you notice what most people walk right past—wildlife signs, edible plants and berries, glacial scars, and the living story of this place.
Similar to the Bison Gulch trail: 5-Hour Into the Mountains Hike
The Into the Mountains Hike combines jaw-dropping views, strenuous hiking, and fascinating insights about the land. As with all Northern Epics tours, you’re guided by an expert naturalist — someone who can not only navigate the trail, but paint a picture of it as you hike. Learn the similarities and differences between the boreal forest ecosystems you start in, and the sub-alpine tundra you hike into above the tree line. How the ground squirrels, marmots, and ravens live in this harsh environment, and what makes these ecosystems so unique. The Bison Gulch trail is one of the trails our guides choose from for our Into the Mountains Hike. So if you like everything I just told you about, and want an expert guide to lead the way, give us a call!
This is a strenuous hike. Want something easier or off-trail? Click here