SAVAGE Alpine Trail + Horseshoe Lake Trail - Hiking Denali National Park Day 1

Denali National Park is in beautiful Alaska. It costs $15 per person for a 7 day pass, unless you have an America the Beautiful pass, then it's free. Below is the breakdown of our first day at the D.N.P.:

After stopping at the visitor center to get a map, stamp, bathroom break, and a quick bite at the nearby restaurant, we headed off to hike!

Savage Alpine Trail is 4.2 miles point to point with 1,463 feet of elevation according to AllTrails. We parked on the side of the road by the campground and went up the trail from that side before deciding to turn around at the top and head back due to other hikers warning us of the dangers of hiking the ridge (other half of the trail). This hike was beautiful and steep. After a certain point you will hear the chirps of marmots and if you take a moment, you can watch them eat and play.

Once we were done with the Savage Alpine Trail, we decided to hike the popular Horseshoe Lake Trail. This hike is 2.1 miles with 410 feet of elevation... Basically all at once D: This is the trail where I swear I saw Ryan Merriman and his family! This hike takes you through the woods and alongside a stunning emerald colored lake and the Nenana River. We enjoyed both hikes!

After an enjoyable day at Denali National Park, we worked up quite the appetite. Where better to eat than McKinley Creekside Cafe & Bakery. While we waited for a table, we were able to order drinks and an Alaska cinnamon roll that we decided to share because it was so big! Let me tell you, that was the most delicious cinnamon roll we ever had! So soft and gooey! Each bite had icing melting between the layers. It was drool worthy! It was so good, we decided no matter what we would have to come back! Our waitress, Megan, was absolutely amazing and only there during the summers. Their dinner specials are where it's at! Personally, I would steer clear of the meatloaf, it was a bit disappointing for me. P.S. I hate fish, but Alaskan fish is soooo good! Literally it is the only fish I like.

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