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- Dec 11, 2015
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After all plans for a weekend on the Denali Highway with friends fell through, my friend Josh and I decided on a trip to Denali NP for couple nights. We left Friday evening and a couple hours later we rolled into the park. At this point in
the year, private vehicles can drive in as far as Mile 31 next to the Teklanika River. On Friday evening, we drove almost all the way in, looked for grizzlies along the Teklanika and Sanctuary Rivers, then turned around and camped at Riley Creek CG near the Park entrance.
![upload_2017-5-21_22-33-28.png upload_2017-5-21_22-33-28.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54772-496d620c03ecd6be98fd80fba8565b03.jpg)
We saw the usual assortment of wildlife on the drive in and out, including this willow ptarmigan and a ton of snowshoe hares.
![upload_2017-5-21_22-43-41.png upload_2017-5-21_22-43-41.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54774-f039998b0618175d702d7e8de059d3d0.jpg)
We also saw a bull moose and a short time later, this cow moose and her yearling.
![upload_2017-5-21_22-45-48.png upload_2017-5-21_22-45-48.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54775-a7b628340000c599e19b768ded638166.jpg)
The late light provided a great view of the west flanks of Mt. Healy and the parking area near Savage River.
![upload_2017-5-21_22-46-16.png upload_2017-5-21_22-46-16.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54776-67bfc2c91b2a489687cdb5e289d66127.jpg)
Josh isn't used to us camping in a campground. I fell asleep listening to a great horned owl nearby.
![upload_2017-5-21_22-51-37.png upload_2017-5-21_22-51-37.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54777-3a04ded398361bd6a193656ebb5e39ef.jpg)
The wildlife sightings continue to mount as this pine squirrel gorges on spruce cones.
![upload_2017-5-21_22-55-9.png upload_2017-5-21_22-55-9.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54778-baf56d12e5efe73503da52e68e18d0c7.jpg)
After breakfast, we hit the back country office and pick up a permit for a night in the park. After a short drive, we head out. Within minutes, we are among the wild creatures of the park.![upload_2017-5-21_22-58-43.png upload_2017-5-21_22-58-43.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54779-d515b7a0416f2a6bc69d6b3ef6708ee8.jpg)
These caribou meet up with a few others and hardly seem bothered as we pass.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-0-27.png upload_2017-5-21_23-0-27.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54780-cf31640f914e0e8e5c26fcd654a1fb07.jpg)
The day looks promising as we start up to Primrose Ridge.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-1-7.png upload_2017-5-21_23-1-7.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54781-ee46f2138137b4c7c428c3ceab4a24fa.jpg)
We reach our campsite, drop the packs and head up to Primrose Ridge. As we climb, we run into this rock ptarmigan.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-2-24.png upload_2017-5-21_23-2-24.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54782-a01f2716e96c7df46e811600e1263944.jpg)
As the day progresses, storms roll across the valley south of us.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-4-38.png upload_2017-5-21_23-4-38.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54783-5f9f91efa4bfbcc75ac88109ca9803d9.jpg)
![upload_2017-5-21_23-5-19.png upload_2017-5-21_23-5-19.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54784-340a9100e733d40b5592bc89a58ab527.jpg)
We avoided the storms for most of the afternoon. Between storms, we were treated to great views of the Alaska Range, including this view of Double Mountain.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-6-8.png upload_2017-5-21_23-6-8.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54785-5b93c6669c36aff0a66ea1a3d271a8f5.jpg)
The great expanse of Double Mountain with the Sanctuary River running before it.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-8-33.png upload_2017-5-21_23-8-33.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54786-bd8e9726aad9397e8c991a3721ca7b42.jpg)
Josh works his way along the outcrops.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-13-24.png upload_2017-5-21_23-13-24.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54787-1500f1addf5b8d3f82971353042efeb3.jpg)
Eventually we reach some benches and stop for a quick break.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-14-31.png upload_2017-5-21_23-14-31.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54788-325d6bb9c69e6ad12d726101bffae738.jpg)
The flatter terrain as we near the top of Primrose Ridge.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-16-48.png upload_2017-5-21_23-16-48.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54789-a9d726bfca256ededafdbf3d68374919.jpg)
The view to the southwest across the Sanctuary River and to the Teklanika River.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-17-46.png upload_2017-5-21_23-17-46.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54790-1560577456575aa0abeda473fc880762.jpg)
The view to the southeast. A section of the park road is visible.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-19-28.png upload_2017-5-21_23-19-28.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54791-fb877490185ddbed71e64ca1a784b0ed.jpg)
Three caribou look down on us.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-21-13.png upload_2017-5-21_23-21-13.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54792-70bc889012869326e7e95185b2a5ceef.jpg)
One of the tors near the crest of the ridge.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-21-38.png upload_2017-5-21_23-21-38.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54793-d8032c4049a59a9ea7a88736e402ed17.jpg)
Once the storm from the north started hitting us, we headed down. Along the way, we ran into this rock ptarmigan.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-23-51.png upload_2017-5-21_23-23-51.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54794-f10a488873e16733ecd8d47ba78499cd.jpg)
Just above our campsite, this willow ptarmigan was chattering away.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-24-50.png upload_2017-5-21_23-24-50.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54796-938080f12c535c7268901f4047f84e5b.jpg)
Some remnant hail from the storm.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-25-49.png upload_2017-5-21_23-25-49.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54797-69b8963767926be02ab4bd79beaf0989.jpg)
The sunset shining up the Sanctuary valley.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-26-16.png upload_2017-5-21_23-26-16.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54799-fa64d6b93b90681bd2f922af0fce821f.jpg)
Moderate winds hit us most of the night and into the morning. It kept the mosquitoes at bay and dried out some of the gear.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-27-10.png upload_2017-5-21_23-27-10.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54800-e00ce9dbf1a77772bc2e73a61ed006fe.jpg)
It is hard to see but there's a trace of new snow near the ridge top.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-28-46.png upload_2017-5-21_23-28-46.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54801-d123d1772f4d9909bed9f5c15b517709.jpg)
We packed up and headed down. We found this moose antler along the way down.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-34-50.png upload_2017-5-21_23-34-50.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54805-d991133f736aa43e4887daa3ee1406a5.jpg)
A view up toward our campsite, which had been on the bench to the far right.
Although Denali Park's low country is pretty low (~3000 feet), winter was just leaving.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-33-50.png upload_2017-5-21_23-33-50.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54804-65c3f4db5daa44b4194d79da6cd1651a.jpg)
Some moose damage.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-36-4.png upload_2017-5-21_23-36-4.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54806-0092b17887c8a8c864647256628086fd.jpg)
We reached the van, threw our gear in, talked to some tourists from India and started the drive out.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-37-21.png upload_2017-5-21_23-37-21.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54807-1641592148553cd54da715ec4432e408.jpg)
After crossing over Savage River, we spotted this youngster poking along the river.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-38-43.png upload_2017-5-21_23-38-43.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54808-f86fb78f5614ec9b4f725fdbf466c019.jpg)
She eventually headed toward the road.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-39-22.png upload_2017-5-21_23-39-22.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54809-a31d5175b1092d8143e50be2538a50e5.jpg)
We eventually came upon this willow ptarmigan playing chicken.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-40-24.png upload_2017-5-21_23-40-24.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54810-24b7314bdcf42be6d50376bbfddc51fe.jpg)
Soon after leaving the ptarmigan, this girl showed up.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-41-12.png upload_2017-5-21_23-41-12.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54811-401e9b33126c909e773b240da757382a.jpg)
She walked onto the road and stood between us and a tourist bus for 5-10 minutes before walking off into the willows.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-42-50.png upload_2017-5-21_23-42-50.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54812-32229a8b9cae82e247fa7499d6807b08.jpg)
After we left the park and headed north, we drove back into the spring season. It was a dramatic contrast with all the greenery compared to the late winter in the park.
the year, private vehicles can drive in as far as Mile 31 next to the Teklanika River. On Friday evening, we drove almost all the way in, looked for grizzlies along the Teklanika and Sanctuary Rivers, then turned around and camped at Riley Creek CG near the Park entrance.
![upload_2017-5-21_22-33-28.png upload_2017-5-21_22-33-28.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54772-496d620c03ecd6be98fd80fba8565b03.jpg)
We saw the usual assortment of wildlife on the drive in and out, including this willow ptarmigan and a ton of snowshoe hares.
![upload_2017-5-21_22-43-41.png upload_2017-5-21_22-43-41.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54774-f039998b0618175d702d7e8de059d3d0.jpg)
We also saw a bull moose and a short time later, this cow moose and her yearling.
![upload_2017-5-21_22-45-48.png upload_2017-5-21_22-45-48.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54775-a7b628340000c599e19b768ded638166.jpg)
The late light provided a great view of the west flanks of Mt. Healy and the parking area near Savage River.
![upload_2017-5-21_22-46-16.png upload_2017-5-21_22-46-16.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54776-67bfc2c91b2a489687cdb5e289d66127.jpg)
Josh isn't used to us camping in a campground. I fell asleep listening to a great horned owl nearby.
![upload_2017-5-21_22-51-37.png upload_2017-5-21_22-51-37.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54777-3a04ded398361bd6a193656ebb5e39ef.jpg)
The wildlife sightings continue to mount as this pine squirrel gorges on spruce cones.
![upload_2017-5-21_22-55-9.png upload_2017-5-21_22-55-9.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54778-baf56d12e5efe73503da52e68e18d0c7.jpg)
After breakfast, we hit the back country office and pick up a permit for a night in the park. After a short drive, we head out. Within minutes, we are among the wild creatures of the park.
![upload_2017-5-21_22-58-43.png upload_2017-5-21_22-58-43.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54779-d515b7a0416f2a6bc69d6b3ef6708ee8.jpg)
These caribou meet up with a few others and hardly seem bothered as we pass.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-0-27.png upload_2017-5-21_23-0-27.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54780-cf31640f914e0e8e5c26fcd654a1fb07.jpg)
The day looks promising as we start up to Primrose Ridge.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-1-7.png upload_2017-5-21_23-1-7.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54781-ee46f2138137b4c7c428c3ceab4a24fa.jpg)
We reach our campsite, drop the packs and head up to Primrose Ridge. As we climb, we run into this rock ptarmigan.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-2-24.png upload_2017-5-21_23-2-24.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54782-a01f2716e96c7df46e811600e1263944.jpg)
As the day progresses, storms roll across the valley south of us.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-4-38.png upload_2017-5-21_23-4-38.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54783-5f9f91efa4bfbcc75ac88109ca9803d9.jpg)
![upload_2017-5-21_23-5-19.png upload_2017-5-21_23-5-19.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54784-340a9100e733d40b5592bc89a58ab527.jpg)
We avoided the storms for most of the afternoon. Between storms, we were treated to great views of the Alaska Range, including this view of Double Mountain.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-6-8.png upload_2017-5-21_23-6-8.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54785-5b93c6669c36aff0a66ea1a3d271a8f5.jpg)
The great expanse of Double Mountain with the Sanctuary River running before it.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-8-33.png upload_2017-5-21_23-8-33.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54786-bd8e9726aad9397e8c991a3721ca7b42.jpg)
Josh works his way along the outcrops.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-13-24.png upload_2017-5-21_23-13-24.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54787-1500f1addf5b8d3f82971353042efeb3.jpg)
Eventually we reach some benches and stop for a quick break.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-14-31.png upload_2017-5-21_23-14-31.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54788-325d6bb9c69e6ad12d726101bffae738.jpg)
The flatter terrain as we near the top of Primrose Ridge.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-16-48.png upload_2017-5-21_23-16-48.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54789-a9d726bfca256ededafdbf3d68374919.jpg)
The view to the southwest across the Sanctuary River and to the Teklanika River.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-17-46.png upload_2017-5-21_23-17-46.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54790-1560577456575aa0abeda473fc880762.jpg)
The view to the southeast. A section of the park road is visible.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-19-28.png upload_2017-5-21_23-19-28.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54791-fb877490185ddbed71e64ca1a784b0ed.jpg)
Three caribou look down on us.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-21-13.png upload_2017-5-21_23-21-13.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54792-70bc889012869326e7e95185b2a5ceef.jpg)
One of the tors near the crest of the ridge.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-21-38.png upload_2017-5-21_23-21-38.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54793-d8032c4049a59a9ea7a88736e402ed17.jpg)
Once the storm from the north started hitting us, we headed down. Along the way, we ran into this rock ptarmigan.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-23-51.png upload_2017-5-21_23-23-51.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54794-f10a488873e16733ecd8d47ba78499cd.jpg)
Just above our campsite, this willow ptarmigan was chattering away.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-24-50.png upload_2017-5-21_23-24-50.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54796-938080f12c535c7268901f4047f84e5b.jpg)
Some remnant hail from the storm.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-25-49.png upload_2017-5-21_23-25-49.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54797-69b8963767926be02ab4bd79beaf0989.jpg)
The sunset shining up the Sanctuary valley.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-26-16.png upload_2017-5-21_23-26-16.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54799-fa64d6b93b90681bd2f922af0fce821f.jpg)
Moderate winds hit us most of the night and into the morning. It kept the mosquitoes at bay and dried out some of the gear.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-27-10.png upload_2017-5-21_23-27-10.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54800-e00ce9dbf1a77772bc2e73a61ed006fe.jpg)
It is hard to see but there's a trace of new snow near the ridge top.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-28-46.png upload_2017-5-21_23-28-46.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54801-d123d1772f4d9909bed9f5c15b517709.jpg)
We packed up and headed down. We found this moose antler along the way down.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-34-50.png upload_2017-5-21_23-34-50.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54805-d991133f736aa43e4887daa3ee1406a5.jpg)
A view up toward our campsite, which had been on the bench to the far right.
Although Denali Park's low country is pretty low (~3000 feet), winter was just leaving.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-33-50.png upload_2017-5-21_23-33-50.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54804-65c3f4db5daa44b4194d79da6cd1651a.jpg)
Some moose damage.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-36-4.png upload_2017-5-21_23-36-4.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54806-0092b17887c8a8c864647256628086fd.jpg)
We reached the van, threw our gear in, talked to some tourists from India and started the drive out.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-37-21.png upload_2017-5-21_23-37-21.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54807-1641592148553cd54da715ec4432e408.jpg)
After crossing over Savage River, we spotted this youngster poking along the river.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-38-43.png upload_2017-5-21_23-38-43.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54808-f86fb78f5614ec9b4f725fdbf466c019.jpg)
She eventually headed toward the road.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-39-22.png upload_2017-5-21_23-39-22.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54809-a31d5175b1092d8143e50be2538a50e5.jpg)
We eventually came upon this willow ptarmigan playing chicken.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-40-24.png upload_2017-5-21_23-40-24.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54810-24b7314bdcf42be6d50376bbfddc51fe.jpg)
Soon after leaving the ptarmigan, this girl showed up.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-41-12.png upload_2017-5-21_23-41-12.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54811-401e9b33126c909e773b240da757382a.jpg)
She walked onto the road and stood between us and a tourist bus for 5-10 minutes before walking off into the willows.
![upload_2017-5-21_23-42-50.png upload_2017-5-21_23-42-50.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/54/54812-32229a8b9cae82e247fa7499d6807b08.jpg)
After we left the park and headed north, we drove back into the spring season. It was a dramatic contrast with all the greenery compared to the late winter in the park.
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