National Park Service Accepting Entries for 2008 Denali Road Lottery in July and Entry Dates Change to June in 2009

Date: June 17, 2008
Contact: Kris Fister, 907-683-9583

THIS IS AN OLD PRESS RELEASE. FOR CURRENT ROAD LOTTERY INFORMATION, VISIT: www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/road-lottery.htm.




This year’s annual road lottery in Denali National Park and Preserve is taking place on September 12, 13, 14, and 15 (Friday through Monday), weather permitting. Up to 400 vehicles per day will be issued permits through a lottery system to travel the Denali Park Road after the park’s shuttle bus system ceases operations for the season. If weather permits, the road could be open for its entire 92-mile length, offering exceptional opportunities for experiencing the heart of the park in its autumn splendor.

For 2008, lottery entries will be accepted by mail and must be postmarked July 1through 31, 2008. Entries postmarked before or after these dates will not be accepted. Each lottery entry must include a check or money order for $10 made payable to the “National Park Service”. Do not send cash. The entry fee is non-refundable.

The drawing will take place during the second week of August. Entries must be received by that time in order to be included. Applicants are advised to mail entries early so that they arrive in time to be included in the drawing. Entries that arrive after the drawing will be returned. The names of people selected for permits will be posted on the park’s website shortly after the drawing.

On the envelope, entrants must include:

· A legible return address, including a first and last name. This is how entrants will be notified whether they have been selected or not.

· Choice of dates, in order of preference, written on the back of the envelope. If no dates are provided, dates of September 12, 13, 14, and 15 will be assigned in that order.

Only one entry per person is allowed, and duplicate entries will be disqualified. Entries received without an application fee will be returned. Entries should be sent to:

Road Lottery
Denali National Park and Preserve
P.O. Box 588
Talkeetna, AK 99676

All applicants will be notified by mail on the status of their entry, and those who are selected for permits will also receive a letter confirming the day of their permit, with additional information on how to obtain the road permit and prepare for their visit to the park. A $25, non-refundable fee will be required on the day the permit is picked up at the park. In addition, permit holders must pay the park entrance fee of $20 per vehicle unless they have a federal recreation pass such as the Denali Annual Pass or the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (Annual, Senior, Access, or Volunteer).

Permits are transferable, i.e. the person who was awarded the permit can give it to someone else if they are not able to participate that weekend.

The possibility of inclement weather in September is always a factor. Some years the road has only been partially open because of snow. Lottery participants are encouraged to visit the park website for updated road and weather information the day before or the morning of their permit. The Riley Creek, Savage River, and Teklanika River campgrounds will be open through the weekend, weather permitting.

**Please note: Beginning with the 2009 road lottery, the entry period will change to June 1-30, 2009. The new time frame will allow the National Park Service to notify individuals on the status of their road lottery entries a month earlier than in previous years, which will facilitate travel planning for those who obtain permits.

Lottery information is available on the park website at www.nps.gov/dena/whatsnew.htm or by calling park headquarters at [phone] from 8 a.m. -4:30 p.m. daily.

-NPS -