Denali NP: how dangerous is the bear situation while hiking?

[tommy_f]

Hey all,
We plan day hikes in Denali, June 2025.
Any insight and advice in regards to the bear situation in the park?
Are there any groups which organize locally and hike together?
I am aware of the precautions needed, yet I am looking for info from folks who actually hiked the area - day trips of up to 5 hours

[ThisIsUs]

Whenever you are in Bear Country (that means Moose, Elk, Cougar, Wolves and more!), there is always an element of risk. Be Bear Aware is our motto in Alberta and we follow it with advise of avoiding anything of attraction odours either left in our cars or on our person including chewing gum, lip gloss not just the obvious foods/ice boxes etc. The more we are encroaching on wildlife territory with house building and expansions the more we are seeing them in our towns/cities never mind just in the wild. We had a cougar in the stairwell of our newest hospital built a few years ago even. Was reported captured and relocated not approached. It's not uncommon to see bears as well as moose in our suburbs at least a handful of times a year.

Appreciate you are asking about Denali specific but applies to anywhere that wildlife frequent and many parks. Become Bear aware and follow that guidance. Above all being well prepped and knowing how to handle any encounters is by far the best you can do. We lost two well versed long time hikers/campers in Alberta not long ago with a bear attack that killed the couple and their dog and they knew what they were doing, and couldn't even use their radio they had in time.

Being in a group surely helps as does avoiding the time frames when they are most active and down at lower elevations. September time for us as bears come down for the berries and also it's the rutting season for elk so we avoid hiking much then to prevent most likely encounters. We also create a lot of noise as we are hiking in known territories.

There's a risk to most things we do in life, just be versed and prepared but above all enjoy the beautiful masterpieces mother nature affords us every where we travel in N.A. We are all truly blessed.

[TruckinRound]

My sister hiked Denali with a friend who’s a wildlife biologist. They always brought bear spray. Last trip they rented a cabin for 2 nights. On day two a Ranger stopped by and warned them to be careful because a Grizzly had just killed a moose nearby.

[Grizz1]

We went to Denali camped in Teklanika Cg in the park. We took the Bus heading to Wonder lake and asked the bus driver to stop ( you can do this anywhere along the route as long as there are no warnings in effect) you get out and just wander off. It was great! We did see a few grizzlies off in the distance and did have spray with us. You just have to find your way back to the road and flag down a bus. Hiking the tundra was an awesome experience and talk about being alone!! It was an experience of a lifetime.

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by Grizz1

We went to Denali camped in Teklanika Cg in the park. We took the Bus heading to Wonder lake and asked the bus driver to stop ( you can do this anywhere along the route as long as there are no warnings in effect) you get out and just wander off. It was great! We did see a few grizzlies off in the distance and did have spray with us. You just have to find your way back to the road and flag down a bus. Hiking the tundra was an awesome experience and talk about being alone!! It was an experience of a lifetime.

This is exactly what we did... stayed in Teklanika campground...got off the bus and just started walking... flagged down another bus when ready to head back. It's sooooo quiet and viewing the expansive area is humbling! This may also answer some of your questions:

https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/dayhiking.htm

[tommy_f]

Originally Posted by ThisIsUs

Whenever you are in Bear Country (that means Moose, Elk, Cougar, Wolves and more!), there is always an element of risk. Be Bear Aware is our motto in Alberta and we follow it with advise of avoiding anything of attraction odours either left in our cars or on our person including chewing gum, lip gloss not just the obvious foods/ice boxes etc. The more we are encroaching on wildlife territory with house building and expansions the more we are seeing them in our towns/cities never mind just in the wild. We had a cougar in the stairwell of our newest hospital built a few years ago even. Was reported captured and relocated not approached. It's not uncommon to see bears as well as moose in our suburbs at least a handful of times a year.

Appreciate you are asking about Denali specific but applies to anywhere that wildlife frequent and many parks. Become Bear aware and follow that guidance. Above all being well prepped and knowing how to handle any encounters is by far the best you can do. We lost two well versed long time hikers/campers in Alberta not long ago with a bear attack that killed the couple and their dog and they knew what they were doing, and couldn't even use their radio they had in time.

Being in a group surely helps as does avoiding the time frames when they are most active and down at lower elevations. September time for us as bears come down for the berries and also it's the rutting season for elk so we avoid hiking much then to prevent most likely encounters. We also create a lot of noise as we are hiking in known territories.

There's a risk to most things we do in life, just be versed and prepared but above all enjoy the beautiful masterpieces mother nature affords us every where we travel in N.A. We are all truly blessed.

Thank you for your detailed and caring response, I'll take it into consideration while hiking in and around the park .

[Triangle Drifter]

I don't doubt the effectiveness of bear spray at close range, but that is it, the bear has to be very very close, like within reach of you for the spray to work.

Never had to use it but we carry one of those air canister boat horns. The thing is hellishly loud. The theory is that long before a bear gets close a blast of that horn is going to scare the living daylights out of it long before it is in range of any bear spray.

[OldBaldFat]

One warning I'll give - if you see a baby bear, back away slowly. Mama bears are extremely upset at anything or anyone they perceive as a possible threat to their young cubs.

Now I've only seen bears in three locations. One in a campground which had a trash dump about 1/4 mile from the camping area.

In Thomaston, CT, we saw one come out and walk across the downtown square, in mid-day.

One of the COE permanent staff had one come sniffing around one day. She had a picture if it standing, and leaning on her sliding glass family room door.

Most I've seen were in Big Bend NP during 4 months as the Chisos Basin Campground host - everything from tiny cubs up to one fellow who was big enough to be an NFL defensive lineman.

The biggest 'bear problem' we had was three adolescents two year olds out on their own for the first time after mama had younger cubs. The older bears stayed away from the campground and lodge area. The young ones had not learned that, and the older bears ran them away from their 'territory' with the best food sources.

Had to respond to one that 'trapped' a maid in a lodge room one day. The cleaning lady locked herself in the bathroom. The commotion of the tourist idiots trying to get a picture of the young bear in the room scared her (the bear).

We cleared the area, and the bear came out and headed to the hills.

Bears can be almost anywhere in this country.

Yes, Alaska has many more. More likely to see one there. But most visitors never see one.

Never try to get closer to one to get a better picture.

[Mr Ted]

If it doesn't kill you it will make you stronger.. Except for Bears.. Bears will kill you...P.S.... Bear spray is a Joke to just make people feel better and spend their Money...

[OldBaldFat]

Two other things.

Bear Spray, Air Horns, etc - are for bears approaching you. There is a heck of a difference between one curious about strange creatures walking on two legs, and one wanting you to leave, maybe even attacking. You will know the difference immediately.

Mostly, if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.

Secondly - ask the rangers about bears the day you want to go on a hike. They keep track of bear activity in the area. If they advise you to not go, DON'T.

[ChrisDParise]

Why don't you call the park and ask?

[terrylane]

If it was me, I would arrange to hike with a person or people who are very familiar and experienced with hiking in bear country. A close encounter with a Grizzly is probably not a happy learning experience.

[Dieselboy]

Surprised no one said to bring a gun. Federal Law allows use of a gun in Denali Natl. Park that can be used for self defense. See Public Law 111-24. Including bear attacks. Alaska also allows no permit concealed or open carry of firearms for those 21+, so have at it.

If you do kill a bear, you are required to notify Park Rangers. Be safe out there.

Please practice and train with your firearms and always practice safe gun handling and storage.

[MtCamper]

I have 70 years living in grizzly country. Never heard of a boat horn, but bear spray is extremely effective, far better than firearms in the hands of most people. Last Canada trip, it was possible to bring bear spray across the border. Buy the large size. Agree with the idea of backing away from any cubs, loudly. You don't want to surprise momma griz. Pro tip: the most dangerous animal in the woods is a cow moose with a calf. Pro tip #2, when you see the babies is NOT the time to take pictures. Pro tip #3, don't carry your bear spray buried in your pack. You can usually smell or hear a griz before you see it. Rotten meat and loud snapping noise. Spray should be in your hand, don't run, back away, then vacate their territory.