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About this place
Backpack across Alaska's Kesugi Ridge with sweeping views of Denali and the Alaska Range.
Kesugi Ridge is a 27.4 mile point-to-point trail from Little Coal Creek to Byer's Lake in Alaska's Denali State Park. To get to the trailhead from Anchorage, take the Park's Highway north to the parking area at Little Coal Creek Trailhead at milepost 163.9.
The trail quickly climbs about 1,750 feet in the first 3.3 miles up to the ridge before starting the traverse. After another 10.8 miles, the trail intersects with the Ermine Hill Trail, which leads back to the highway (milepost 156.5) and can cut the trail short. After the intersection, the trail descends back down to the forest before climbing up another 2,000 feet to get back on the ridge again. Pay close attention to where the cairns are, as it can be easy to get lost.
Continue on until ending at Byer's Lake at milepost 147. The southernmost terminus at Troublesome Creek would make it a 36.2 mile trip, but has been closed the last few years.
No permits are required for this hike but you should call ahead to find out about trail conditions. If you're coming from Anchorage, stop off in Talkeetna for a celebratory beer on your way back!
Leave No Trace
