CUA: Guided Hiking Frontcountry- Kantishna/ Wonder Lake

Park Specific Stipulations: Guided Day Hiking- Kantishna and Wonder Lake

Permitted Activities

• Guided Day Hiking and the following incidental activities: naturalist walks, incidental photography, and bird watching.
• Use of the Mile 87.5 Parking Area as a location for the drop off and pick up of unguided visitors.

Designated Areas for Use

Authorized trails and backcountry units in the Kantishna and Wonder Lake area (see map).

Group Size

• A total of two (2) vehicles may be parked at Mile 87.5 Parking Area, including vehicles associated with guided hikes on Blueberry Hill.
• Maximum group size 12, inclusive of guide/ employee, for all guided hiking.

Guide Certification

• Basic first-aid, CPR, and Leave No Trace certifications are required for Denali CUA holders. No additional certifications are required for this activity.

Safety and Resource Protection

Kantishna is a historic mining district with hazards like adits and abandoned explosives. CUA holders must inform staff of these dangers and report any found to NPS. Groups may not enter abandoned buildings, adits, or mine openings.

Additional Regulations and Considerations

Kantishna Area

• Covers Mile 88 to Kantishna Airstrip, including Backcountry Units 41, 42, 43.
• Some access routes cross private land (see Interior Region 11 Alaska Conditions, #11).

Quigley Cabin

• CUA holders receive a key to Quigley Cabin for guided activities. Guides must accompany guests. Avoid 12–3 PM (June 8–Mid September) due to NPS use. Coordinate with other operators. Guides must complete NPS cultural resource training.

Wonder Lake Area

• Only one commercial group per trail at a time (except the evening program).
• Coordination with other operators encouraged.
• Guides must accompany guests.

McKinley Bar Trail

• Max six hikes per week.
• Two vehicles per CUA holder at the trailhead.
• Groups may turn around at the campground bus stop but cannot park at or drive through the campground.

Blueberry Hill

• Hiking limited to the designated knoll to the southeast of the inlet on the north end of Wonder Lake.
• Follow the NPS-designated route.
• Two vehicles per CUA holder at Mile 87.5 parking.

Reflection Pond

• Stay on the trail; no access beyond the pond.
• One vehicle per CUA holder at Reflection Pond parking area.

Wonder Lake Campground Evening Program

• CUA holders may attend with guests.
• Parking determined each spring.

Unauthorized Activities

• Vehicle transportation to and from Kantishna on the Denali Park Road is not authorized as part of this CUA. CUA holders must have an existing road permit to access an inholding.
• Drop off and pick up for unguided visitors east of the Old Park boundary at Mile 88 is prohibited, except as outlined above.
• Parking and staging a vehicle at the Kantishna Airstrip is prohibited.
• Parking or passenger drop-off at the north end of Wonder Lake is prohibited, except for physically disabled individuals. If they cannot walk from the gravel pit, use the east pull-out to off-load, then move the vehicle to Mile 87.5 Parking.

Download or print these stipulations. CUA holders and their employees are responsible for knowing and following all rules.