Event
Afternoon Sled Dog Demonstration
Fee:
Free.Repeating Event
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Type of Event
Note: There is no parking at the kennels. So, although the program begins at 2 pm, please arrive at the Denali Visitor Center by 1:15 pm to board a free bus that will take you to the sled dog kennels. If you plan to hike to the kennels, simply arrive by 2 pm to attend the program.
Description
What and When
Rangers and dogs work together to demonstrate a traditional Alaskan mode of travel. These unique, 30 minute programs include an opportunity to tour the park kennels and visit Denali's Alaskan huskies.
Free buses leave the Denali Visitor Center for the kennels approximately forty (40) minutes before each demonstration. No parking is available at the kennels, so please plan on using the buses or walking the 1.5 miles from the Denali Visitor Center to the kennels.
Some seating is available for the demonstration, and there is plenty of standing room. Programs are given rain or shine, so be prepared with an umbrella or rain coat if skies look forbidding.
No fees or reservations, for either the bus or demonstration, are required.
Demonstrations are given three times daily in peak season (Jun-1 through Sep-1), at 10 am, 2 pm and 4 pm. Check our calendar of events to determine how many daily offerings there are at a given point in the summer. Fewer programs are offered in May and September.
American Sign Language
Our goal is to provide American Sign Language interpretation, when requested, for all ranger programs. Denali is very remote, however, so please request ASL interpretation as early as you can to ensure that we can accommodate your request!
Visiting the Kennels
You don't have to limit your visit to a time when we offer a formal demonstration. The kennels are open to visitors year-round, generally from 9 am—4:30 pm (though hours may vary outside of summer). Safety bulletins are posted at the kennels entrance - please read through these before walking into the kennels. Also, please do not bring pets into the kennels.
In summer (roughly mid-May through mid-September), you can easily reach the Headquarters and sled dog kennels via the free sled dog demonstration bus. Public parking in this area is limited—if you drive yourself to the kennels, do not expect to find a parking spot.
In winter (roughly mid-September through mid-May), the kennels focus on preparing for long patrol trips in the park. You may get to see teams packing or harnessing to leave on a run, teams returning from a run, or you may find very few dogs in the kennel as the rest are out on a run.
Reservation or Registration: No
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