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A quick jaunt to the peaceful Horseshoe Lake often provides visitors with views of wildlife.


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Map Key

1.6

Miles

2.6

KM

91%

Runnable

1,725' 526 m

High

1,497' 456 m

Low

133' 41 m

Up

275' 84 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · Views · Wildlife

Description

The journey to Horseshoe Lake is a relatively popular one within the park, but considering the fact that most people enjoy Denali from the bus without ever stepping onto a trail, the "crowds" on this trail rarely exceed what you can count on two hands.

Nonetheless, this trail provides visitors who do choose to run the perfect excuse to get out of the car after a long day's drive, stretch their legs, and, hopefully, experience some of the stunning wildlife for which Denali National Park and Preserve is known.

Starting at the Horseshoe Lake Trail Parking Area, follow the trail north through beautiful boreal forests to the lakeshore. While at the lake, keep your eyes peeled for full-racked bull moose as this can be a popular spot for them to cool off in the summertime.

After enjoying the lake, simply return the way you came to reach the parking area.

This content was contributed by author Ike Waits. For a comprehensive running guide to Denali National Park and to see more by Ike, click here.

Flora & Fauna

Moose and beaver are known to frequent this area. Bring your camera!

Contacts

Shared By:

Ike Waits

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#13582

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#145

in Alaska

#13,582

Overall
2 Views Last Month
520 Since Sep 15, 2016
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100%
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Photos

Peering down over Horseshoe Lake. with permission from Rumiana Koynova-Tenchova
Sep 9, 2016 near Healy, AK
Beaver Dam at Horseshoe Lake Traial, Denali
Sep 12, 2018 near Healy, AK
Horseshoe lake in the evening.
Jul 26, 2021 near Healy, AK
Walk out to the rushing waters of the Nenana River on northside of this trail!
Sep 15, 2020 near Healy, AK
Southwest corner of Horseshoe Lake.
Sep 15, 2020 near Healy, AK
Entrance of Horseshoe Lake Trailhead, looking back towards railroad tracks
Sep 15, 2020 near Healy, AK

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