Curry Ridge Trail | Denali State Park Hike Recap
- Sara Burda
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
“Curry Ridge doesn’t rush you. It gives you room to move, to think, and to connect—with the trail, with each other, and maybe with a quieter part of yourself too.” -TrailMates Community
Trail Details: Curry Ridge Trail – Denali State Park
Date: June 15, 2025
Distance: 6.6 miles out & back
Elevation gain: ~1,400 ft
Rated moderate – The trail starts mellow—dirt path, tree cover, that cool forest air. But don’t get too comfy. The incline creeps up, and your legs will know you’re earning those views.
🥾 First Steps
Our TrailMates leader, Leo Overdyun kicked off through cool, shaded forest, the trail gently climbing as we chatted and got to know each other. From the top? You can see the entire Alaska Range, Byers Lake, and valleys that look like they were pulled straight out of a postcard. Breaks were ample for every one to have a chance to take it all in. 😍
A few people had never done Curry Ridge before. For one hiker, it was their first ever group hike. There were nerves—but also support, encouragement, and more “you got this!” moments than we could count. We paused often, not because we had to—but because we wanted to. To breathe, to listen, to take it all in. Curry Ridge doesn’t rush you. It offers you space to move, to think, to connect.
Somewhere along the way, someone said:
“I didn’t think I was outdoorsy enough for something like this… turns out I just needed the right people.”
That’s the thing—TrailMates isn’t about crushing miles or wearing the right gear. It’s about showing up, joining the walk, and letting the trail (and the people) do their thing. You don’t need to be a “hiker.” You just need to want to go. We’ve got space for you, exactly as you are.
💬 Trail Talk
Nature has a way of quieting the noise, and when you combine that with kind people and zero expectations… it’s kinda magic.
“This is the most peaceful I’ve felt in weeks.”
The group vibe was classic TrailMates: supportive, fun, a little goofy, and open-hearted. A few folks swapped stories from past hikes.
Others simply walked quietly, soaking in the sound of wind in the trees and taking in the quiet sounds of boots hitting the dirt.
Whether you need the connection with others or need time to re-fill your cup, our community has something for everyone.
🏔️ The Payoff
As we reached the open ridgeline, the views exploded—snow-dusted peaks stretching across the horizon, Byers Lake shimmering far below. It was the kind of view that makes everyone stop mid-sentence and just stand there for a moment. No one was looking at their phone, unless to capture the views of course!
At the summit, we kicked off our packs and settled in for a longer pause. One person laid back on the rocks and said,
“Reaching the top wasn’t just about the views—it was about the climb, the company, and that shared feeling of accomplishment that makes it all worthwhile.”
💚 If You’ve Been Nervous to Join…
You’re not alone. We hear it all the time:
“I’m not sure I’m experienced enough.”
“What if I’m the slowest one?”
“What if I don’t know anyone?”
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to “be outdoorsy” to belong here. There’s no pace requirement, no gear checklist, no judgment. We move together, support each other, and take breaks when we need to. The hardest part is showing up. But we promise—it’s worth it.
🌱 Why It Matters
This wasn’t just a Saturday hike. It was a reminder that:
✨ Trying something new is brave.
✨ You’re allowed to show up as you are.
✨ Alaska’s wild beauty is even better when shared.
We’re building something real here—a community where trails turn into friendships, and everyone gets a place at the table (or the trailhead).
👣 Want to hike with us?
Our hikes are free, led by volunteers, and open to all experience levels. If you're looking for connection, adventure, or just a low-pressure way to explore the outdoors—TrailMates might be your people.
🧭 Visit our TrailMates Events Page to RSVP for an upcoming adventure. Spots fill up fast, so don’t wait!
💬 Join our online Basecamp community to stay in the loop and meet other TrailMates.
🌱 Support the Mission
TrailMates hikes are always free to attend, and that’s by design. We want to break down barriers to outdoor connection—but that mission is made possible thanks to community support.
If you’d like to help us keep these events accessible and inclusive, consider making a small donation on our donation page. Every contribution helps fuel the movement.
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