Permits & Reservations

 

Entrance Fees

There is an entrance fee for any visitor traveling to Denali. In addition, there are sometimes costs associated with the other reservations or permits described below.

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.

Fees and Passes Details

 

What Activities Require a Reservation?

Advance reservations are recommended for just two specific activities:

• Riding a bus
• Camping

Most other activities in the park either do not require reservations, or can only be reserved once you are physically here.

 

 

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 complex and there is information you need from us, and that we need from you, before you visit.

Some permitted activities have a fee involved, while other permits are free. The Superintendent’s Compendium identifies all activities that require a permit.

 

 

Special Use Permits

A special park use is a short-term activity that takes place in a park area and typically provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization, or a First Amendment cause, rather than the public at large. These permits are issued and approved only after National Park Service staff determine that the activity will not impair park values, resources, and visitor enjoyment.

 

 

Scattering of Ashes

All areas are open to scattering of human ashes (cremains) without a permit except for developed areas, campgrounds, and park facilities. The excepted areas or other circumstances require a permit or authorization.

Other Activities

Any 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 reservation or permit.