Dragonfly Ridge Trail
Just outside of Denali National Park
Epic Overview
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6/7
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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~2,500 ft.
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~4 miles
Dragonfly Ridge Trail Description
Dragonfly Ridge is one of the coolest “roadside-to-alpine” hikes near Healy — the kind that looks impossible from below and then somehow just keeps going once you’re on it. From the highway, the ridge is studded with brown schist rock towers that seem like they’d force scrambling, but the route threads between these outcrops in a surprisingly hikeable way. You get the fun of a rugged ridgeline without needing to climb your way up it.
That said, this trail is still steep and informal. The path fades in and out as you climb, and it eventually peters out before the true top of the mountain. If you want to keep going to the summit, you’ll need to do some real route-finding — and it’s important to remember exactly which ridge you came up on, because neighboring ridges can be significantly more challenging.
Navigation while below the treeline for this hike can be challenging. For navigation information, look at the “Getting to Dragonfly Ridge Trail” section. Once you’re above treeline, navigation gets easier and the views open up fast. The ridge gives you that full Interior Alaska feeling: sharp rock, big wind, and wide valley views that make the climb worth every step.
Dragonfly Ridge Trail Map
Disclaimer: Since this trail is unofficial, the trail map is based on our memories and could be slightly off here and there. We’ve done our best to make it as accurate as possible.
Getting to the Dragonfly Ridge Trail
Park as for Dragonfly Creek Waterfalls, then hike down to Dragonfly Creek. From here, turn right and start making your way upstream. Hop from one side of the creek to the other, following the path of least resistance until you see trails heading up the ridge on your left (facing upstream). Some of these trails dead-end, and it’s hard to tell which do and which don’t. If the trail you choose dead-ends, go back to the creek and try again or bushwhack your way up the ridge until you find the trail. I don’t recommend doing this hike unless you already have experience hiking off-trail or route finding in the wilderness. Once on the ridge above the treeline, navigation is easier and the trail is more consistent.
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 Dragonfly Ridge 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 Into the Mountains Hike shares the same strenuous nature, stunning views, and alpine ecosystems as Dragonfly Ridge. In fact, it’s possible you’ll end up on Dragonfly Ridge if you take the Into the Mountains Hike!
This is a strenuous hike. Want something easier or off-trail? Click here