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In 1917, Congress created this park for one main reason: to protect Dall sheep. Over time, Congress expanded the park boundaries and added other reasons for its existence, including protection of North America's tallest mountain (Mount McKinley) and to provide a place for wilderness recreation. Today, most people arrive in Denali hoping to see the mountain, view wildlife (such as bears, moose, caribou, sheep, and wolves), and experience the vast wilderness. Denali National Park and Preserve has just one road, the Denali Park Road, and it is the main avenue for visitors to see and experience Denali. As you begin planning a trip to Denali, it's important to understand how the road operates. The road is 92 miles long, and only the first 15 miles are paved. The paved section, leading from the park entrance to Savage River, is the only section that personal vehicles may drive. In the summer, the first 15 miles are open for public (non-commercial) vehicles to drive and buses provide transportation along the rest of the road. In winter, only the first 3 miles of the road are open for public vehicles, and the rest of the road is closed due to snow. Buses do not operate in fall, winter, or spring. Many rural locations in Alaska use a mile marker on a road to denote their physical address (as opposed to a traditional street number). For people who wish to use a GPS device to navigate their way here, you may need to input the latitude and longitude of the park entrance: 63.728443, -148.886572. Denali charges an entrance fee year-round for all visitors ages 16 years and up. Visitors 15 years and under are free. No refunds are given due to inclement weather. Please note that some activities, such as summer bus trips or staying in park campgrounds, have additional costs. Holders of a valid Denali National Park Annual Pass or an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands pass, such as an America the Beautiful Annual Pass, Senior Pass or Access Pass, do not need to pay the park entrance fee. These passes cover entry for the passholder and up to three other adults in their party. Costs for these passes vary. The Senior Pass and Access Pass also provide a 50% nightly discount on camping in Denali. None of these passes influence bus ticket prices, however. Learn more about the America the Beautiful nationwide pass program. Find more specific information on our fees and passes page. Most visitor centers in Denali are open in summer only (roughly mid-May through mid-September). The Murie Science and Learning Center is open to the public in winter only as the Winter Visitor Center. Plan Your Visit
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Last updated: January 29, 2025