Ranger Hikes and Other Winter Recreation Opportunities Available at Denali National Park

Date: December 27, 2012
Contact: Kris Fister, [phone]

DENALI PARK, Alaska: Park rangers at Denali National Park and Preserve invite the public to join them in exploring the park on weekend hikes this winter. The hikes will be done on snowshoes when snow conditions are favorable, and will take place on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning on Saturday, January 5. Hikers will meet at 1:00 pm at the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC), located at Mile 1.3 on the Park Road just west of the traffic circle.

The hikes will take place on trails in the park's entrance area, providing opportunities to experience and learn about the winter environment of the park and interior Alaska. A limited number of snowshoes are available for use during the hike, and those interested in participating are encouraged to bring their own equipment. The hikes will last for 2 to 3 hours. Participants are advised to dress warmly and bring lunch or snacks. The hikes will not take place if temperatures are colder than -10ºF.

The Murie Science and Learning Center is a source of information and inspiration for winter visitors wishing to experience and learn more about the park. A winter trails map depicting ski and snowshoe routes of varying difficulties and lengths is available for those who want to explore the park on their own. Visitors can view exhibits on winter ecology, wildlife and park research, watch documentary videos about Denali, and warm up after a ski or hike. Plug-ins are available in the parking lot. The MSLC is open daily from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Denali National Park and Preserve collects an entrance fee year-round. The entrance fee of $10 per person is good for seven days (visitors age 15 or younger are free). 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 information on winter activities is available on the park website at www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/winter-activities.htm or by calling [phone] from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Stay connected with "DenaliNPS" on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, and iTunes - links to these social media sites are available at www.nps.gov/dena.

 www.nps.gov