Sanctuary River and Anderson Pass Loop, Alaska

I plan to travel to Alaska in August. Number one on my MUST HIKE list is Chena Dome Trail.

But this one recommended by National Geographic looks intriguing. Especially because there is not much information about it on the internet.

Hiking Denali’s Empty Quarter

To secure a permit for Denali’s vast backcountry, hikers must choose between 87 separate divisions, wait out temporary closures due to bear sightings and river floodings, and nab a pass just one day in advance (you often have to wait 3 days – editor) with no reservations accepted (www.nps.gov/dena).

Consider it minor bureaucratic penance for a chance at wilderness heaven. To choose a route—a challenge in its own right in a 6.1-million-acre (2.5-million-hectare) wildland without trails—pick up the classic Backcountry Companion: Backcountry companion: Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska at the permit office near the park entrance or online ($9; www.earthsonglodge.com).

Opt for the Sanctuary River and Anderson Pass Loop, a weeklong trek that starts when you step off the backpackers’ bus at Sanctuary River on Sheldon’s beloved north slope.

The winding route teeter-totters across both sides of the Alaska Range through Foggy Pass and Easy Pass before ending at the headwaters of the West Fork of Glacier Creek.

You’ll spot grizzly tracks, tufts of wool from Dall sheep, and alder thickets bulldozed by moose, all the while keeping your eyes wide open for the mountain to make an appearance through the clouds.

Need to Know: Old-timer’s guide to bear identification: If it climbs the tree to kill you, it’s a black bear. If it knocks the tree over first, then kills you, it’s a griz.

Alaska – Alaska Range – National Geographic Adventure Magazine

(via The Adventure Blog)

Alpenglow magazine (HTML version)