Alaska is seen by many as the last great wilderness of the United States. With thousands of square miles of undeveloped land, it’s no wonder this rugged landscape calls to adventurous individuals who want to really get away from it all. Hiking Alaska’s Stampede Trail can be an exhilarating and difficult task, but is worth the effort given the amazing sights you will see.
Located partially in Denali National Park, the Stampede Trail has become something of a pilgrimage for many outdoor enthusiasts, leading to a small, rusting, green vehicle known simply as Bus 142. Made famous by the John Krakauer novel Into the Wild, this is the abandoned bus in which hiker Chris McCandless lived and died in 1992. It has become a popular destination, even more so since the 2007 film which chronicled Chris’ life and death in the Alaskan Wilderness.
The trek to Bus 142 is not an easy one. A person in decent shape can expect to spend three days making the 40 mile round trip to what is called the “Magic Bus.” It can be very wet, though it is mostly level ground. Be prepared for river crossings and possible bear encounters. The area is also known for its swarms of mosquitoes. It’s definitely an intense expedition, suited to those who crave challenge.
You will be crossing a number of rivers, like the Teklanika and the Savage, which can be very cold and at times swift enough to take a hiker off their feet. The water can be above the knees so bring water shoes to change into, or take off your socks to keep them dry and wear just your boots. Don’t go barefoot — the slippery rocks will be too difficult to traverse without shoes, not to mention the risk of cuts and abrasions.
Hiking Alaska’s Stampede Trail can be grueling, but you will be rewarded with amazing sights of the Alaskan wilderness. Caribou, bears, beavers, and more thrive in this region, and you will have the memorable experience of trekking through one of the last bastions of true wilderness in America.
Featured Image from Paxson Woelber/Unsplash
