Rock formations continued from the previous page.

MT. HEALY RIDGE

Lots of folks hike about 2.5 miles up the relatively steep trail to the Healy Overlook but few of them continue along the scenic ridge up in the tundra.

It's actually easier to hike a mile or more along the ridge and back down to the overlook. The trail is good and there is less elevation gain and loss than the lower part of the trail. There are also some cool  rock formations to observe or climb. Like the Savage Alpine Trail, the Healy Ridge Trail goes up and over some of the formations and arcs around others.

Here are photos of some of the rock formations along the ridge:

Above and below:  two examples where the trail goes up and over the rocks

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the rock formations are more colorful or have interesting characteristics like layering:

 

 

COLORFUL OR UNUSUAL INDIVIDUAL ROCKS

I'm even more interested in individual rocks that are different in some way or have pretty colors. There are plenty of those in Denali National Park.

These photos show some of the variety that you can find right along the trails already mentioned:

SAVAGE ALPINE TRAIL

 

Above and below:  quartz-like rock with interesting patterns of algae and/or lichens

 

MT. HEALY RIDGE (IN THE TUNDRA)

Lots of rocks look like this pretty white quartz-y one.

This chunk looks like petrified wood.

Swirls of color and pattern

Above and below:  Streaks of gold

 

Striated gold slab

Pretty combination of gold and pink

Above and below:  golds, greens, blue-grays, a pretty mosaic of minerals and lichens

 

Pretty color mix of rock minerals and lichens

This colorful mix is my favorite.

 

CREEK & RIVER ROCKS

You can also find colorful and interesting rocks in and along Denali's streams. Here are some examples:

Above and below:  crystal clear stream at Teklanika River Campground

 

Above and below:  unusual rocks along the Savage River Loop Trail

If you go to Denali and do any hiking, keep your eyes out for interesting natural details. You can see so much more while walking than cycling or driving.

Next entry:  tips for maximizing your trip to Denali National Park

Happy trails,

Sue
"Runtrails & Company" - Sue Norwood, Jim O'Neil, Cody the ultra Lab, and Casey-pup

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© 2015 Sue Norwood and Jim O'Neil