Each September the park hosts a four-day event called "Road Lottery." During these four days, winners of a lottery drawing are given a chance to purchase a single, day-long permit, allowing them to drive as much of the Denali Park Road as weather allows. In years with early snow, the Park Road might open no farther than Savage River (mile 15); in milder years, lottery winners are able to enjoy a trip out to Wonder Lake (mile 85).

The dates of Road Lottery vary each year -- the four-day event always begins the second Friday after Labor Day.

Therefore, in 2010, the Road Lottery dates will be September 17 - 20.

Applicants must apply for the lottery between June 1 - June 30, 2010, to partake in the September 2010 Road Lottery. You may not apply before June 1, 2010.

More application information will appear on this site in spring, 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there vehicle size restrictions?
The Park Road beyond Teklanika Campground narrows significantly. Therefore, vehicles traveling the Park Road during Road Lottery must be within the following maximum dimensions: 22' long x 8' wide x 12' high. This is inclusive of side mirrors and bumpers, and is strictly enforced at the Savage River Checkstation (mile 15) - oversize traffic (i.e., RVs larger than those dimensions) must be bound for Teklanika Campground, and have their campground permit in hand, to travel beyond Savage River.

Where can I camp?
Riley Creek, Savage River and Teklanika River Campgrounds are all open during Road Lottery. You may camp with both an RV and a smaller vehicle to use during Road Lottery - but to fit in a single campsite, the combined vehicle length should not exceed 40'. If your two vehicles exceed 40', consider paying for two sites or look into campgrounds outside the park. Being drawn in the lottery does not guarantee you a campsite in the park - you should consider booking ahead through our reservation concessioner.

Is there a minimum-length stay at Teklanika?
There is no minimum-length stay at Teklanika Campground during Road Lottery. Also, you may camp at Tek with an RV and a tow vehicle, only during the four days of Road Lottery, so long as the combined length of RV and tow vehicle is less than 40'.

Where do I check in for Road Lottery?
Check-in is at the Wilderness Access Center, near the park entrance. You may check in upon arriving in the park, as early as the day before Road Lottery begins. This is a particularly good idea if you stay at Savage or Tek Campgrounds. Lottery winners should remember that they'll need to purchase both the road travel permit ($25) and the park entrance fee ($20/vehicle, unless in possession of a park pass already).

How does the road travel permit work?
If you are drawn in the lottery, you'll be able to purchase a one-day road travel permit. The day will be assigned to you in the drawing - that is why you should specify the dates in your order of preference when applying (see the application guidelines above).

On the day for which you were drawn, the road travel permit will let you drive the entire park road, weather permitting, between 6:00 am and midnight. The road between the entrance and Savage River has no hour restriction - you simply must be east of Savage River by midnight. If staying at Tek Campground, you may begin driving west, into the park, at 7:00 am and must be in your campground by 11:00 pm.

What if the weather is bad?
The possibility of inclement weather in September is always a factor. Some years the road has only been partially opened because of snow. Lottery participants are encouraged to visit the park website for updated road and weather information.

How will I know if I've won?
The drawing will occur in the second week of July. Winners' names will be posted on this webpage. All applicants will be sent a letter in the mail, too, specifying whether or not they've won.

Are road travel permits transferable?
Yes, the person who was awarded the permit can give it to someone else if they are not able to participate that weekend. This can be done simply by giving the new person the confirmation letter that we mail to the person initially awarded the permit.