Date: September 18, 2012
Contact: Kris Fister, (907) 683-9583
The busy summer season has ended at Denali National Park and Preserve, and visitors can now drive private vehicles on the Denali Park Road as far as the Teklanika Rest Area at Mile 30, weather permitting. Visitors are advised to call ahead for weather and road information, as conditions can change rapidly at this time of the year. The culvert replacement project is still taking place on the paved portion of the road, and visitors should expect minor traffic delays.
Beginning on Monday, October 1 through Sunday, October 7, the park road will be closed to all traffic beyond Park Headquarters (Mile 3) in order to replace a large culvert near Mile 5. Both lanes will be excavated due to the large size of the culvert, making the road and nearby area impassable. The road will reopen on Monday, October 8, weather conditions permitting.
Vault toilets are available at the Mountain Vista Trailhead (Mile 12), Savage River parking area (Mile 15) and the Teklanika Rest Area. Other park facilities west of headquarters, such as campgrounds and restrooms, are closed for the season.
The Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) is open daily from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm to provide park information and backcountry permits.
The Riley Creek Campground (Bear Loop) will remain open for camping, but the water has been turned off for the season. A vault toilet is provided for campers and water can be obtained at the MSLC. Gas, food service and lodging are available in the communities of Healy and Cantwell.
Denali National Park and Preserve collects an entrance fee year-round. The entrance fee of $10 per person (for visitors age 16 and older) is good for seven days. Visitors can pay the entrance fee at the MSLC. The majority of the money collected remains in the park to be used for projects to improve visitor services and facilities. Interagency Federal Recreation Passes such as the Annual, Senior, and Access Pass, and the Denali Annual Pass are also valid for entry into the park and can be purchased at the MSLC.
Additional park information is available on the web or by calling 907-683-9532 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. Stay connected with "DenaliNPS" on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, and iTunes.
