News Release

Denali Modifies Operations To Implement Local Health Guidance

Date: April 14, 2020
Contact: G.W. Hitchcock, [phone]

In response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, as well as recent health mandates and travel restrictions issued by the state of Alaska, Denali National Park and Preserve (Denali) is announcing modifications to operations in support of federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Effectively immediately, Denali is closing the Denali Park Road (Park Road) to recreational access. This closure will remove public access to all areas accessed via the Park Road beyond mile marker 0.

This decision will not impact the following:

• Travel through the park along George Parks Highway
• Access to the Post Office located near the entrance of the park
• Subsistence activities currently provided for under the Alaska National Interests Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) in the Preserve portions of the park
• Community recreation accessed by means other than the Park Road

This decision was enacted to support recent health mandates issued by the state of Alaska, particularly Health Mandates #11 and #12, which require Alaskans “remain at their place of residence and practice social distancing” and which prohibit “all in-state travel between communities … unless travel is to support critical infrastructure, or for critical personal needs.” This decision will be reviewed for rescission as state mandates are updated and additional guidance is issued.

“This was a difficult decision for the park,” said Denice Swanke, Acting Superintendent, “but in light of continued visitation to the park from areas of known community spread, including Anchorage and Fairbanks, these changes are necessary to support the Governor’s health mandates and travel restrictions, and to keep our staff and the surrounding communities safe. We are working closely with local communities, our business partners, and the state, to be ready for visitors when this crisis is over, and to support whatever level of visitation is considered safe until then. Park and contractor crews are continuing their efforts to open and maintain the Park Road for future access.”

Learn more about NPS operations nationwide during this pandemic