Dress in layers. Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear. Let others know the route plan. Alaskans take pride in minimum-impact hiking and camping, to protect the fragile northern environment for generations to come. Those not experienced in low-impact hiking, and those unfamiliar with certain areas, should consider hiring a guide.
Assisted hikes are available using horses, llamas, or other pack animals.
Those choosing to go it alone should check on current trail conditions, weather forecasts and probable presence of wildlife. Dogs likely to chase wildlife should be left home. Bear attacks are relatively rare, so it is best to be smart about it, but not obsessed, Quinley says. It's far more dangerous driving your car to Denali than hiking all summer in the park, he says. Remember that bears love salmon streams and berry patches.