News Release

Denali Announces Private Vehicle Access for Park Road in 2021

Date: March 19, 2021
Contact: Paul Ollig, [phone]

Denali National Park and Preserve (Denali) will be implementing an opportunity for private vehicles to access usually restricted portions of the Denali Park Road (Park Road) during the 2021 summer season, via a reservation system. This opportunity is in response to the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Starting on Thursday, May 20, 2021, and continuing daily through September 12, 2021, the public will have access to the Park Road beyond the Savage River Check Station (mile marker 15) to the Teklanika Rest Stop (mile marker 30) via a $25 permit called the Teklanika Road Permit. The Teklanika Road Permit will be available for reservations through www.recreation.gov beginning Tuesday, April 20, at 10 AM ADT. This system allows the public to reserve one of a limited number of daily scheduled entries to the Park Road by private vehicle. 

Park Road access for private vehicles without a Teklanika Road Permit will be allowed as far as the Savage River Check Station, similar to typical summer operations. Tour, transit, and camper bus service begins May 20. Reservations for bus service further into the park for the 2021 season can be made through reservedenali.com. 

“This plan allows unique access to the park during this summer season while we all continue to manage the impacts of the ongoing pandemic,” said Brooke Merrell, Acting Superintendent. “The park is committed to safely providing the awe-inspiring experiences the public has come to expect from Denali, while doing our best to help support local communities during these challenging times.”  

Visitors can find the most up-to-date information regarding Denali’s operations, including details about how this timed-entry system works, on the park’s Current Conditions webpage.