News Release

Denali to Open Park Road to Mountain Vista on February 14, 2026

Date: February 12, 2026
Contact: Amber Smigiel, Public Affairs Officer, 907-202-0156

DENALI PARK AK (February 12, 2026) – Effective Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Superintendent has authorized opening the Denali Park Road (the park road) to the Mountain Vista Rest Area (mile marker 12) for travel by private vehicles and commercial vehicles with permits. This opening occurs routinely each season, as weather permits.

Visitors should expect to encounter snow and ice on shaded sections of the park road and are encouraged to check the weather before arriving at the park and to come fully prepared for changes to access on short notice.

Mid-winter offers enjoyable conditions for visiting the park, as there is good snow coverage for winter recreational activities coupled with longer days. The Mountain Vista Rest Area is an ideal location for viewing Mount McKinley as well as heading out further into the park via snowshoes, skis, or dog sleds (dog musher trailhead is located just past the Mountain Vista Rest Area, near the road gate). The area has vault toilets and picnic shelters, but other amenities—including additional picnic tables—may be under snow. Park facilities further west, including the Savage River Campground, remain closed until later in the spring.

Travel beyond park headquarters (mile 3) will be weather dependent as plowing the road further west will be a lower priority during and after a snowstorm. Visitors are encouraged to call the park information line at [phone] for updated road and weather information.