To enjoy the wilderness of Denali National Park, get off the shuttle bus and take a hike! However, even though it will be a day hike rather than a backpack, it is very, very highly recommended that hikers stop by the BIC (Backcountry Information Center) to watch the Bear Safety Video and listen to the ranger's safety talk. Denali NP is a trailess wilderness with braided rivers, spongy tundra, tussacks, wild animals including moose, wolf, and grizzly bears, loose scree, steep slopes, and many possible dangers. Be aware that hiking can be quite slow in Denali. Check out these possible route ideas at the BIC on the topo maps and discuss with the helpful rangers there. Also check with park rangers regarding the current wildlife and habitat closure areas and the current legal distances from wildlife. A day pack is a necessity packed with rain jacket and pants; wool or fleece hat;warm gloves; thermal shirt; fleece jacket or wool sweater; extra socks; sun hat; sun block; mosquito repellent; 2 liters of water; water purification method; snacks and lunch; compass; map of the park; binoculars; camera ;and small first aid kit. Layers on, layers off; layers on, layers off! Hikers have been known to easily use all the articles in that pack. Also carry a ditty bag containing toilet paper and several ziplock bags to carry out used toilet paper. Leave no trace! OK! Ready to hike? Here are some possible areas to explore after checking these areas on topo maps and chatting about them with rangers. After checking out hiking areas with the rangers and topo maps at the BIC, your shuttle bus drivers are your next best resource for getting off at a good vantage point to begin a hike. Talk to them at the rest stop or the entrance before your planned jump off point. The National Geographic Denali National Park Trails Illustrated Map is a great overall map of the park to purchase. When hiking in Denali, always study landmarks on the way out on your hike so that you can follow them back! ALWAYS make a lot of noise in the brush, be careful of ravines, and scout constantly for bears. Watch for stopped buses.... they may be stopped for bears. Scope the area if there is a stopped bus. Scope the area all the time anyway to check for bears. Moose, particularly mama moose with calves, can also be extremely dangerous. Keep away from them! All miles are approximate, not exact. Get a copy of the bus schedule at the WAC (Wilderness Access Center). 1. SAVAGE RIVER HIKE Mile 15 Check out Savage River at the BIC with ranger and topos. Hike the river bars south of the Savage River bridge. Be prepared for caribou, lynx, bears, ptarmigan, porcupines, foxes, and whatever else might be wandering this area. 2. PRIMROSE RIDGE Mile 16-18 Check out Primrose Ridge at the BIC with ranger and topos. Tell the driver you want to go up Primrose Ridge. Access could be from the SSTs (sweet smelling toilets) which are the turnaround for the History Tours . Study your access to the ridge and choose a route through the lowest willow possible. Picnic among marmots and dall sheep up on Primrose Ridge. 3.TATLER CREEK Mile 37-38 Check out Tatler Creek at the BIC with ranger and topos. Get off at Tatler Creek. Make lots of noise as this can be a bear corridor and the creek noises can muffle your voices. Look for marmots and pika in the rocks above the creek. 4. CATHEDRAL MOUNTAIN  Mile 38 Study a topo map with rangers to understand the Igloo wolf closure and Sable bear closure east and west of Cathedral Mt. and to map out the best way to cross the Igloo Creek from the road. Bears are often present around Cathedral Mt. Loose scree is present. However, views, dall sheep, and the turrets of Cathedral are the reward. 5. SABLE PASS CLOSURE ROAD WALK Mile 38 Get off the bus at the eastern most Sable closure side at Cathedral Mt. Ask the driver to drop you at the Sable Closure sign that has nails to prevent more bear chewing. This area is CLOSED, so you cannot leave the road. It is a glorious road hike heading 5 miles west to the end of the closure. The mountain can be seen if it is out. Watch for bears and for stopped buses that may be a clue there is a bear by the road. Pick up another bus going in either direction at the end of the closure over East Fork River. 6.HIGHWAY PASS TUNDRA HIKE Mile 60 Stop the bus any where that looks inviting on Highway Pass. Check for bears before you get off. Hike the tundra in any direction. If the mountain is out, hike toward the mountain! 7. STONY DOME Mile 63 Check out Stony Dome at the BIC with ranger and topos. The wildflowers can be awesome. This is a popular area for bears, so be bear aware. Caribou are often in the area. When the mountain is out, this is amazing. 8.THOROFARE PASS TUNDRA HIKE Mile 64 Get off the bus around Thororfare Pass. Check for bears before you get off. Hike the tundra around the Thorofare Pass area. 9. THORO MOUNTAIN TRAIL CLIMB Mile 65 Talk to the ranger in Eielson about this hike. From Eielson Visitor Center cross the road and follow the trail up Thoro Mountain. Awesome views of McKinley peak when it is out. Wander around on the ridge, but keep a clear sense of how you got up so you can find that spot to get down! 10. THOROFARE RIVER HIKE Talk to the ranger at Eielson about this hike. From Eielson Visitor Center there is a trail down to the Thorofare River. It's about a 700 ft. climb down and after exploring the river, climb up the same trail. Slippery when wet! Watch for bears! Always, everywhere watch for wild life, especially bears, and follow the instructions from the safety video at BIC. Have fun and enjoy the wilderness that is Denali!