What you need to know about driving the Stampede Trail in Alaska
Stampede Trail is a remote mountain road situated within the Denali National Park, in the U.S. state of Alaska.
How long is Stampede Trail?
The trail, which spans about 18 miles (28km), starts from the George Parks Highway (Alaska Route 3). While the initial 4 miles of the trail are paved, it is drivable in most cars only up to Mile 5. Beyond this point, high clearance and/or four-wheel drive becomes essential. As the trail progresses, it turns into a primitive, remote, and occasionally treacherous hiking path due to the road's deterioration over time. The road concludes at an abandoned antimony mine along Stampede Creek.
Why was the Bus 142 on Stampede Trail famous?
For decades, until 2020, an abandoned vehicle known as the Fairbanks City Transit System Bus 142 rested on the Stampede Trail near Denali National Park. Initially used in the 1960s as a makeshift shelter during road upgrade work, the bus was eventually forsaken and over time, mainly attracted local hunters and wildlife. However, its fame skyrocketed after Christopher McCandless, an American hitchhiker, inhabited the bus from April to August 1992. His tragic story, culminating in his death due to starvation, was later chronicled in Jon Krakauer's "Death of an Innocent" article and subsequently in the bestseller "Into the Wild." Sean Penn's 2007 movie further immortalized the tale. On June 18, 2020, the iconic Bus 142 was airlifted to the University of Alaska Museum of the North for preservation and display.
Navigating the Stampede Trail
Visitors to the trail should be prepared for potentially challenging conditions. The trail is predominantly level but can become extremely muddy and waterlogged after rainfall. Two river crossings further add to its complexity. Contrary to some maps, Stampede Road doesn't reach the Toklat River, limiting its utility for vehicular access. However, the trail offers rewards in the form of spectacular views, including the potential sight of Mt. McKinley on clear days. Additionally, the region teems with wildlife such as moose, foxes, caribou, and bears. Travelers should also anticipate encountering large numbers of mosquitoes, particularly in static conditions.
When was Stampede Trail built?
The origins of the Stampede Trail trace back to the 1930s when it was established as a mining trail. In 1961, Yutan Construction aimed to upgrade the trail to accommodate trucks for ore transport from nearby mines. However, the project was halted in 1963, and despite intersecting several rivers, no bridges were ever built.