Date: April 4, 2017
Contact: Katherine Belcher, (907) 683-9583
With the arrival of spring and warmer temperatures, it is the perfect time of year to visit Denali National Park and Preserve and join us as we celebrate National Park Week April 15-23.
Throughout 2017, Denali will celebrate its 100th birthday and we are encouraging visitors to explore the park by bicycle! Park rangers will lead bike rides at 1 p.m. on April 15 and April 22. Best of all, weekends during National Park Week are free! This means visitors are not required to pay the $10-per-person entry fee April 15-16 and April 22-23.
The bike rides will take place on the Denali Park Road from the Teklanika rest stop to the beginning of the Igloo canyon (roundtrip 10 miles). For a more moderate ride there will be an option to turn around in the Igloo forest just past the Teklanika bridge (roundtrip three miles).
Bring bikes, helmets, snacks and water for a great day in the park rain or shine. The ranger will make stops along the route to point out plants and animals and discuss natural or cultural history information. Participants will gather for the start of the bike ride at the covered shelter at Teklanika rest stop, which is 29 miles inside the park. The speed limit on the Park Road is 35 mph (except when posted lower), and visitors are encouraged to leave the park entrance no later than noon to be at Teklanika rest stop in time for the bike ride.
This bike ride is a great way to celebrate Denali's 100th birthday and participate in the park’s Human Hundred Challenge. We are encouraging visitors to log at least 100 human powered miles in 2017 to commemorate the park’s historic birthday milestone.
Be advised, this program is contingent on road conditions. If the road is closed east of Teklanika rest stop due to snow or ice the bike program will be re-routed if conditions allow. If the road is closed at the Headquarters gate the bike program will be canceled. Check in at the Murie Science and Learning Center for updates on road conditions seven days a week 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or call park information at 907-683-6532.
Learn more about planning a late winter/spring visit to Denali.
