Denali Park Road Open to Mile 30 on Sept. 23, 2009

Date: September 23, 2009
Contact: Kris Fister, 907-683-9583

Denali National Park and Preserve experienced its first significant snowfall of the season yesterday, with snow accumulations ranging from two inches at Headquarters to almost two feet at the Eielson Visitor Center. In spite of this first taste of winter, the Denali Park Road is open for travel by private vehicles to the Teklanika River Rest Area at Mile 30, weather permitting. The road will remain open to the rest area until snow closes it for the season at park headquarters (Mile 3). Visitors are advised to call ahead for weather and road information, as conditions can change rapidly at this time of the year.

Vault toilets at the East Savage River parking area (Mile 15) and some of the chemical toilets at the Teklanika River Rest Area are open and available for visitors. Other park facilities west of headquarters, such as campgrounds and restrooms, are closed for the season.

Beginning Wednesday, September 23 the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) begins functioning as the winter visitor center. The MSLC is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to provide park information and backcountry permits.

The Bear Loop of the Riley Creek Campground at Mile 0.2 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 Murie Science and Learning Center. Gas, food service and lodging are available year-round 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 or $20 per vehicle is good for seven days. 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. Visitors can pay entrance fees at the Murie Science and Learning Center.

Information is available on the park website at www.nps.gov/dena or by calling [phone] from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily.

-NPS-