You’ve booked your hotel, gotten the time off, and packed gear for cool-weather hikes in the park. But don’t forget that you’ll need nutritious, energy-providing snacks for the trip too. 

The Best Hiking Snacks to Pack

1. Jerky

Jerky has gotten gourmet, with brands offering tasty dried meat snacks from the traditional beef and pork to lamb, bison, wild boar, and venison. This snack is tasty, provides sodium and protein for grueling hikes, and doesn’t need to be refrigerated. As a bonus, it also won’t get smashed in your pack.

2. Nut Butter or Nuts

Like jerky, nut butter comes in an amazing array of flavors and combinations. Beyond the staple peanut butter, you can try cashew, almond, macadamia nut, and chocolate combinations. Nuts have proteins that help boost energy, repair tired muscles, and regulate your metabolism.

Nut butter comes in individual packets that are easily packed, work well on the trail, and are delicious with an apple or banana. Dried nuts will offer the same benefits—just avoid salted varieties, which may make you too thirsty. 

3. Granola

The typical granola mix has carbohydrates in the grains, fat and protein in nuts and seeds, and a bit of sugar in dried fruits. All of these can help you quash hunger and boost energy on the trail. It is easily packed and tasty, comes in many varieties, and is readily available in most stores— maybe even in your hotel restaurant or gift shop. 

4. Veggies & Hummus

While this snack takes a little more preparation, it is a good choice for fiber, nutrients, protein, and carbohydrates. While on the trail, carrots, celery, peppers, and radishes are fine for several hours without refrigeration, as is hummus. 

5. Energy Bars

Energy bars are many hikers’ go-to packable snack, and for good reason. Bars are formulated to fuel athletes, combining protein and carbs for energy and muscle maintenance. Choose brands that have minimal ingredients and not too much sugar, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

To make the most of your Denali trip, pack snacks to fuel your hikes. For hotel accommodations near the park, choose the Totem Inn in Healy. This second-generation, Alaska-owned inn is 11 miles north of the park’s entrance and offers a restaurant, lounge, fitness room, and cozy accommodations. A hot breakfast is included year-round. Call (907) 683-6500 for reservations or visit the website to see pictures and rates.