There are 6 million acres (2.4 million hectares) of landscape within the borders of Denali National Park and Preserve, and two ways to explore on foot: hiking one of the few established trails in the park, or simply setting off and hiking where ever your sense of adventure takes you.

Hiking a trail near Wonder Lake, Denali National Park and Preserve / Rebecca Latson

Most of the established trails are centered around the Denali Visitor Center. A few trails are located further into the park, but some trails - like those in the Eielson and Wonder Lake areas - cannot currently be reached due to the Pretty Rocks Landslide blocking road access at Mile 43.

You can download and print out this simplified map of trails around the Denali Visitor Center.

You can click here for recommended hikes and to download and print out PDF trail guides.

Check out the ranger programs offered during your visit to see if there are any ranger-led hikes for you to join.

While the idea of just taking off and hiking might be exciting to some, and intimidating to others, the prospect is still doable for a day hike.

There is also the even larger adventure of hiking into the backcountry of this national park and preserve the size of Massachusetts. You’ll need a permit for this and plenty of planning, including some lessons on wildlife safety.