For one week this autumn I hiked and biked more than 100 miles through and across the largely deserted western half of Denali National Park. Early snow, vibrant tundra colors, a couple of clear days and lots of wildlife made for an incredible experience to see Denali as few can.
Trips: Denali Autumn 2022
On the Prowl
It is late fall and the search for food is relentless. This large grizzly has been foraging on autumn's last berries and is now searching for ground squirrels and other rodents that burrow in these hills.
River View
A river slices through this autumn valley.
Denali Carribou
A lone carribou keeps watch atop Stony Overlook.
Autumn Poplars
Feeding time
A large, healthy porcupine stocks up on autumn food as winter draws near.
Gorge Creek Panorama
One of the most inspiring vistas in any season, the Gorge Creek, Thorfare River bar and surrounding mountain ranges below Eielson Visitor Center are especially dramatic when cloaked in fog and autumn's colors.
Gorge Creek in Autumn Dress
The Menace
Suspense
Braids
Denali at Surnise, from Savage River
Clear skies allow the early morning sun to paint massive snow-covered Mount Denali a golden hue, rising in the distance more than 50 miles away from Savage River.
Where the Valley and Mountains Meet
Early Wonder
A cow moose feeds in the still waters of Wonder Lake just before sunrise, below Denali's towering peaks.
Autumn Kettle Ponds
Rugged
The Morning After
Last night's storms have cleared and a clear morning reveals the first snow of the season has arrived as the autumn tunda reaches its fiery peak.
Autumn Gorge I
Red Fox
A red fox slides between the branches as it stalks an unsupecting ptarmigan.