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.

 

Bus Tickets and Campground Reservations

Advance reservations are recommended for bus trips and campground stays in Denali. Learn more about your options for transit buses, tour buses, and campgrounds.

Already know what you need? Make bus and/or campground reservations through our concessioner's website.

• Senior and Access pass holders receive a discount on nightly campground fees. These passes do not modify bus ticket prices.
• Buses only operate during the summer season (mid-May to mid-September) and most campgrounds (except for Riley Creek Campground) are open in summer only.
• Bus and campground reservations can be made as early as December 1 of the year before you plan to visit (e.g., December 1, 2023 for a 2024 visit).
• There are no NPS-operated hotels or lodges in Denali. We suggest you visit the local Denali Chamber of Commerce's website to research other lodging options.

 

Discovery Hikes

These ranger-led programs are offered from mid-June through late summer each year (exact dates vary). Discovery hikes take place off-trail in the wilderness and are designed for adventurous visitors. Spaces are limited, but you cannot reserve a spot in advance or remotely. All members of your party must come in person to the Denali Visitor Center one or two days in advance to sign up for a given hike.

Most hikes involve a bus ride (and therefore, the cost of a bus ticket) to reach the hike location, but you do not need to reserve bus tickets before you've signed up for the hike at the visitor center. Learn more about what to expect on a discovery hike.

 

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.

 

Backpacking and Mountaineering

• A free permit is required for backpacking in most of Denali. Learn more about how to obtain a backcountry permit.
• If you plan to climb Denali or Mt. Foraker, you are required to register and pay for a permit 60 days in advance of your climb. Learn about mountaineering in Denali.

Commercial Activities

A business or an individual must obtain either a Concession Contract or a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) prior to conducting any commercial activity in the park.

• Find a list of authorized commercial guides in Denali.
• Learn how to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization to conduct business in Denali.

Filming and Still Photography Permits

Commercial filming and still photography may require a permit and payment of a fee, depending on the nature of the activity. Learn more about permits for filming and still photography.

Special Use Permits

This catch-all category covers permits that may be necessary for a variety of other activities, such as weddings/ceremonies, religious gatherings, first amendment demonstrations, and other events.

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 special use permit or authorization.

Learn how to submit an application for a special use permit.

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.