Page 60 - Parks Highway Bearfoot

HEALY
Take The Day Off In Healy
Healy has a busy summer nightlife during the long daylight hours. It's the summer home to many seasonal Denali Park employees, and there are bands, restaurants and entertainment.
NENANA RIVER FLOWS NORTH
The Nenana River moves to the east side of the Parks Highway and heads to Healy a t Mile 243. Raft guides end their Nenana River trips in Healy and take visitors back to their hotels and ca rs in sh uttles.
Take The Day Off In Healy
Healy has a busy summer nightlife during the long ...J I: L...j. L.. 101-' a . L , L.. 01- .
BEARFOOT REALITY
STAMPEDE ROAD
The Stampede Road begins at Mile 251 of the Parks Highway, on the west side. The road is paved for a few miles, then turns to packed gravel at an alpine vista. There are local Healy business- es on this section of the road.
Like many Alaskan roads, the Stampede Road was originally a mining trail. The Stampede Trail is typical of many Alaskan "trails" because it gives access to the wilderness and has be- come a hunting trail.
The Stampede Trail gained international fame when traveler Christopher McCandless died in the wilderness here in an abandoned school bus, in 1992. This tragedy was recreated in the book and the film, "Into The Wild."
Often romanticized, the Stampede Trail at the end of the Stampede Road is not a safe place for hikers, and has dangerous water crossings that have resulted in rescues and at least one drown- ing. You can drive to the end ofthe pavement, ride on the 4x4 trail, or go on a tour of the Stampede Road. But venturing further is not advised. There is no cell phone reception on the Stampede Trail.