Why Choose Kesugi Ridge Trail Day Hike
Here’s what makes this trail special – you get those jaw-dropping Alaska views without killing yourself on a tough trail! After our Denali adventures, we picked this gem for our last hike, and wow, what a great choice! Kesugi Ridge Trail Day Hike is just an hour south of Denali National Park, sitting pretty in Denali State Park.
Quick Tip for Trail Access
There are four ways to get on Kesugi Ridge Trail, but here’s the insider secret – pick the North entrance (Little Coal Creek Trail)!
Why? You’ll pop above the treeline super fast, getting those amazing views with minimal effort. Just remember to bring $5 for parking at the state park lot. Fun fact: we saw payment envelopes overflowing with cash but no staff came to collect them!
Trail Details and What to Expect
While the full Kesugi Ridge Trail runs 47 kilometers (29 miles) point-to-point, you don’t need to tackle all that! We saw some hardcore hikers starting their 5-day trek with huge backpacks. They were dropped off by a shuttle bus from a tour company, and would be picked up at the trail end 5 days later. But for day hikers like us, the Little Coal Creek section is perfect.
More data about Kesugi Ridge Trail day hike and Little Coal Creek Trail can be found on Alltrails app. I highly recommend you get the paid version for hikes in remote area like Alaska.
Trail Highlights
- Easy to follow trail with steady incline
- Gets you above treeline quickly (way faster than most Alaska trails!)
- Bonus treat: wild blueberries everywhere along the trail!!!
- Cool black, shiny rocks at the turnaround point (might be coal!)
- Stunning views without the usual Alaska trail difficulty
- Perfect half-day activity that still feels like a real Alaska adventure
Where to Eat After Kesugi Ridge Trail day hike
We grabbed dinner at Basil Ginger in Wasilla – a fusion spot with Thai-Chinese-Japanese food. Our picks:
- Mongolian beef (huge portions, slightly sweet)
- Sushi platter
- Green curry (thumbs up!)
- Yellow curry (a bit salty) Perfect celebration dinner after an easy but rewarding hike!
Where for A Budget Stay
We picked Eagle River, just 15 minutes from Anchorage. Book early for better deals. Alaska summer accommodations fill up fast, especially during school holidays.
Summer is peak season here, so plan ahead! When our son joined last minute (just a month before), hotel prices had jumped 70%.
Why We Loved Kesugi Ridge Trail Day Hike
This was our final Alaska hike, and it was the perfect way to wrap up our trip. Not every great Alaska view needs a brutal climb! This trail proves you can get those postcard-worthy scenes without the usual grueling effort. Plus, those wild blueberries make for perfect snack breaks!
