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Author:
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Backpacker Magazine
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Activity:
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Hiking
ActivitySearchHiking
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State:
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Alaska (AK)
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Distance:
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4.7 mi
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Difficulty:
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5 / 10
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USGS Topo Map:
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Healy C-5, Healy C-6 (Unit 27)
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Rating:
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Unrated
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Perfect for dayhikers staying at the Sanctuary River Campground or backpackers short on time, this moderate 4.7-mile out-and-back climbs through lush spruce forest to a spacious summit with 360-degree views. The hike starts on the west side of the Sanctuary River next to the bridge. Follow the narrow social trail that winds northwest through dense and mossy forest. The path parallels a seasonal creek for the first 0.4 mile.
After half a mile, the forest opens and views of Mount Wright's long ridgeline appear directly to the north. Find a flat spot to set up camp, or continue heading west, picking your way through the wet and spongy tundra on a network of social trails. At mile 0.6 (just east of a set of 3 small lakes), bear right and hike north through dense brush and conifers (make sure to yell "Hey Bear!").
Half a mile later, the route ascends past treeline into tundra and continues to climb. After 1.5 miles, crest a false summit—the rest of the expansive summit pops into view here—and head northwest another 0.7 mile to the official summit. Spend some time on this grassy mountain top savoring views of the Alaska Range before starting the return trip to the Sanctuary River bridge.
Note: There is no established trail system in Denali's backcountry. Map and compass skills are required.
PERMIT: Overnight camping in Denali National Park requires a backcountry permit. Check out the latest fees and more details at nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/bcpermits.htm.
MORE PARK INFO: Denali National Park, (907) 683-2294; nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm.
ZONE INFORMATION: Unit 27.
-Mapped by Kim Phillips and Matt Vellone
TO TRAILHEAD: Go to the Backcountry Information Center to obtain permits and a bear canister, then purchase bus tickets at the Wilderness Access Center. Park at the Riley Creek Campground overflow parking area; take the Camper Bus to the Sanctuary River bridge.
| Position Format: |
Datum: |
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Mount Wright
| Dist: 4.70 mi |
Points: 442 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
Mount Wright
WRT001
Location: 63.722607°, -149.476227°
This 4.7-mile hike starts on the west side of the Sanctuary River next to the bridge. Follow the narrow social trail that heads northwest through lush and mossy spruce forest.
WRT002
Location: 63.724041°, -149.490312°
The trail leaves the thick forest and enters wet and spongy tundra. Follow the network of social trails to the west. Backpackers: Find a flat spot to set up camp.
WRT003
Location: 63.723808°, -149.492437°
Bear right and head north through thick brush and conifers. A set of 3 small lakes lie directly to the west. Look north for up-close views of Mount Wright.
WRT004
Location: 63.726797°, -149.493226°
The climb starts to steepen here.
WRT005
Location: 63.727456°, -149.493628°
Stop in the small clearing and turn around for views of the Alaska Range.
WRT006
Location: 63.729973°, -149.493038°
Look up for views of rock outcrops that dot the false summit.
WRT007
Location: 63.730120°, -149.492952°
Pass a potential campsite.
WRT008
Location: 63.736663°, -149.490323°
Crest the false summit and continue climbing north (the rest of the expansive summit comes into view here).
WRT009
Location: 63.741190°, -149.494094°
Pass one of several sets of boulders that make good wind shelters. Head northwest to reach the official summit.
WRT010
Location: 63.743895°, -149.504353°
Mount Wright (4,275 ft.): The official summit, according to USGS topo maps, is actually a nondescript point on this extremely broad mountaintop. Head east for more views across the Sanctuary River.
WRT011
Location: 63.744941°, -149.495087°
From this vantage point above the Sanctuary River drainage, you'll get prime views of Primrose Ridge to the northeast. From here, head south and retrace your route back to the Sanctuary River bridge.
Sanctuary River
Location: 63.722664°, -149.475646°
Brushy Trail
Location: 63.724079°, -149.490028°
Mount Wright
Location: 63.724062°, -149.490135°
© Kim Phillips
Views to the East
Location: 63.724043°, -149.490243°
© Kim Phillips
Camp
Location: 63.723751°, -149.491433°
© Kim Phillips
Lake
Location: 63.724411°, -149.492984°
© Kim Phillips
Views to the South
Location: 63.726976°, -149.493209°
© Kim Phillips
Trail Views
Location: 63.727465°, -149.493467°
© Kim Phillips
False Summit
Location: 63.731182°, -149.493423°
© Kim Phillips
Views of the Teklanika River Valley
Location: 63.732154°, -149.494353°
© Kim Phillips
Teklanika River
Location: 63.732154°, -149.494353°
© Kim Phillips
Views to the Southeast
Location: 63.732389°, -149.494848°
© Kim Phillips
Wildflowers
Location: 63.733992°, -149.491399°
© Kim Phillips
Views to the Southeast
Location: 63.734086°, -149.491167°
© Kim Phillips
Views from Mount Wright
Location: 63.738342°, -149.491759°
Boulder
Location: 63.739380°, -149.491140°
© Kim Phillips
Grassy Slopes of Mount Wright
Location: 63.739380°, -149.491140°
© Kim Phillips
Summit Views of Primrose Ridge
Location: 63.744918°, -149.494629°
© Kim Phillips
Mount Wright
Location: 63.744957°, -149.494943°
© Kim Phillips
