This page includes information about: Bus and campground reservations | Backpacking and mountaineering permits | Permits for other special activities | Note on entrance fees Denali charges an entrance fee. In addition, there are sometimes other costs associated with certain types of reservations or permits (although some activities which require a permit, like backpacking, are free). What Do I Need to Reserve in Denali?Advance reservations are recommended for just two specific activities:
Most other activities in the park either do not require reservations of any kind, or can only be reserved once you are physically here. Bus and campground reservations are explained in more detail, below. Bus Tickets and Campground Reservations
Already know what you need? Make bus and/or campground reservations through our concessionaire's website.
Bus and Campground Details
What Activities Require a Permit?Permits are not quite the same thing as reservations, although there are similarities. A permit in Denali is for some kind of very specific activity, like mountaineering or backpacking. Getting a permit for a specific activity usually involves talking to a ranger, too, either because the activity is inherently dangerous or because it's really complex and there is information you need from us, and that we need from you, before you visit.
Most Denali visitors do not do these complicated or dangerous activities, and so most park visitors do not need to worry about "permits." Just focus on bus tickets and campgrounds (if you're camping - if you are looking for lodgings, you must look outside the park, as there are no NPS-run accommodations, just campgrounds). Some permitted activities have a fee involved, while other permits are free. More details are lower on this page, broken out by activity.
Backpacking and Mountaineering Permits
Permits for Commercial Activities
These contracts and permits are issued and administered by the National Park Service (NPS).
Other Permits or Reservations
Other ActivitiesAny activity not mentioned on this page does not require reservations. For example, any ranger program other than Discovery Hikes, or just dayhiking on your own, are activities that do not require any kind of registration, permit or reservations.
Entrance FeesIn addition to permit fees, there is an overall entrance fee for any visitor traveling to Denali. Denali Individual Weekly Pass - $15.00 Admits one individual, 16 years and up. Denali Annual Pass - $45.00 This pass is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. The pass covers the cardholder plus up to three fellow travelers. Up to two names can be written on the pass, meaning it can be used by either cardholder. |
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Last updated: November 1, 2022