Denali Celebrates National Trails Day on June 3, 2017

News Release Date: June 1, 2017

Contact: Kathleen Kelly, [phone]

June is Great Outdoors Month and we are inviting visitors to help us celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday. Join our remarkable trail crew for a great opportunity to learn how trails are built and maintained in a sub-arctic environment while enjoying the natural beauty of Denali National Park and Preserve.
 
Volunteers will help the trail crew lop, cut and haul brush and perform routine maintenance on the Taiga, Horseshoe Lake, Rock Creek and Mount Healy Overlook Trails. Volunteers may choose from a variety of projects ranging from easy to difficult, depending on their skill and comfort level. Participants should expect 2-4 miles of moderate hiking over uneven terrain.
 
The trail crew will meet participants at 9 a.m. in the Denali Visitor Center parking lot, located at Mile 1.2 on the Denali Park Road; volunteers should look for the group in green and grey uniforms. Participants should bring a daypack with water, lunch, snacks and clothing layers, including rain gear. Park staff will provide tools and safety equipment. Volunteers should be back at the parking lot by 2 p.m.
 
Volunteers will receive thank-you gifts including bus vouchers for a future bus ride into the park. Volunteers who need to stay overnight will receive a free tent campsite in the park’s volunteer camp or in Riley Creek Campground. To reserve a campsite call the Denali National Park Volunteer Office at 907-683-504.
 
National Trails Day serves as the kick-off for the park’s 100th Birthday Volunteer Challenge. All Alaskans are invited to celebrate Denali’s 100th birthday in 2017 with 100 hours of service to their communities and to their park. When people engage with their communities and volunteer, everyone benefits. Any Alaskan who reaches 100 hours of volunteering to his or her community this year – at least 10 volunteer hours must be to Denali – will receive a special thank-you gift from the Denali National Park Volunteer Program and a letter of recognition from Superintendent Don Striker.