Stretching across Alaska’s Denali State Park, the Kesugi Ridge Trail offers backpackers an encounter with a land that refuses to stay still. The ridge stands firm against wind and weather, its rocky spine leading hikers through shifting forests, open tundra, and panoramic summits where the views refuse to end. This 27-mile loop challenges stamina with roughly 3,200 feet of elevation gain, carving a path through terrain that demands attention and respect.

Starting at the Carter Lake Trailhead, the trail first threads through spruce and birch trees, their branches whispering ancient Alaska into your ear. Shadows shift as sunlight breaks through the forest canopy, the path a steady push as roots and rocks test your footing. As you climb higher, the trees thin, replaced by open ridge lines that dare you to glance around. To the north, Denali looms—a silent fortress, its peak often capped with clouds that drift like slow-moving sentinels. To the south, the Alaska Range extends, rocky shoulders rolling into the distance under vast blue skies.

The ridge itself is a series of ups and downs, each climb rewarded by views that stretch toward horizons stubbornly distant. Wind gusts have their say here, pushing hikers forward or forcing momentary pauses to steady every step. Along the way, alpine wildflowers peek through cracks in the rock in summer, while birdcalls fill the airy heights. Streams thread valleys below, their cold voices daring travelers to keep moving.

Preparation is key. Water sources exist but can be sparse and unpredictable, so carry at least two liters and a filtration system. The trail’s rocky and uneven path demands sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. Weather shifts quickly; layers are essential. Spring and fall bring biting winds and unpredictable rain, summer offers long, mostly dry days but beware of mosquitos around water sources.

The trail rewards hikers who arrive early for each day’s leg, using morning light to catch the full expanse of the valley below before afternoon clouds roll in. Campsites vary from open ridge camps to sheltered forest spots – choosing wisely impacts rest and recovery. Scatters of tree stumps tell of past forest fires, reminders that this landscape is fiercely itself and constantly changing.

Backpacking Kesugi Ridge is more than a hike; it’s a dialogue with a land that commands patience and readiness. The rewards? Sweeping views that connect you to Alaska’s epic scale, a test of endurance over terrain that never feels tamed, and an experience that stays with you long after your boots hit the trailhead once again.