Date: October 29, 2015
Contact: Kathleen Kelly, (907) 683-9504
For many visitors, winter is their favorite season to enjoy Denali National Park and Preserve. The park is less visited but still very much open and alive with activity. Beautiful backcountry areas can be reached on snowshoes, skis, fat-tire bicycles, skijoring or mushing on the Denali Park Road. At lower elevations you may even be able to explore with hiking boots! There are opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the park.
Moose, wolves, lynx, snowshoe hares and other wildlife remain active through the winter. Their stories are told by the tracks left in the snow. For those visitors who are prepared, winter is an enchanting time to explore the park. It may provide the greatest chance to experience Denali in its most wild and peaceful moments.
Running water, restrooms, a warm fireplace and permits for overnight stays in the backcountry are available daily 9 am - 4:30 pm at the Winter Visitor Center (Murie Science and Learning Center) at Mile 1.4 of the Denali Park Road. The center shows a variety of park movies on demand such as The Heartbeats of Denali and features interpretative displays including the new dinosaur track exhibit.
Snowshoeing is easy to learn and opens up a new way to see the beauty of nature during its quietest season. Snowshoes are available for loan at the center free of charge.
The historic park kennel is open daily 9 am to 4:30 pm with parking at headquarters at mile 3.4 of the Park Road. Inquire at the Winter Visitor Center about team whereabouts before you set out.
Throughout the winter, camping in the Bear Loop of Riley Creek Campground is free on a first-come basis. Gas, food and lodging are available year-round in the communities of Healy and Cantwell.
