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Home » Going to Denali National Park? Check Ahead – the First Serious Snow of the Winter Has Fallen

Going to Denali National Park? Check Ahead – the First Serious Snow of the Winter Has Fallen

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Published Date

September 24, 2009
Denali National Park scene.

Photo of Denali National Park by Unhindered by Talent via Creative Commons and flickr.

September visits to Denali National Park and Preserve offer their own rewards, but it's important to check ahead about road and weather conditions. The park has reported the first significant snowfall of the season, and that has resulted in a few changes for travel in the park.

Recent snow accumulations ranged from two inches at Park Headquarters to almost two feet at the Eielson Visitor Center. Here's an update from the park on facilities and road conditions:

In spite of this first taste of winter, the Denali Park Road is open for travel by private vehicles to the Teklanika River Rest Area at Mile 30, weather permitting. The road will remain open to the rest area until snow closes it for the season at park headquarters (Mile 3). Visitors are advised to call ahead for weather and road information, as conditions can change rapidly at this time of the year.

Vault toilets at the East Savage River parking area (Mile 15) and some of the chemical toilets at the Teklanika River Rest Area are open and available for visitors. Other park facilities west of headquarters, such as campgrounds and restrooms, are closed for the season.

Beginning Wednesday, September 23 the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) begins functioning as the winter visitor center. The MSLC is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to provide park information and backcountry permits.

The Bear Loop of the Riley Creek Campground at Mile 0.2 will remain open for camping, but the water has been turned off for the season. A vault toilet is provided for campers and water can be obtained at the Murie Science and Learning Center. Gas, food service and lodging are available year-round in the communities of Healy and Cantwell.

For current information about the park, you can check the park website at www.nps.gov/dena or call (907) 683-2294 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily. Don't forget about the time difference (Alaska is four hours earlier than Eastern time!)

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Comments

Submitted by raybane on September 24, 2009 - 4:50pm.

My wife and I recently returned from a cruise to southeastern Alaska. There was a distinct hint of winter in the air. It comes early and fast around Denali. Pretty soon they will be able to shift from the wheeled cart to a real sled for exercising the park dog team.


Submitted by admin on September 25, 2009 - 4:37pm.

I live next to Denali Park and am watching snow fall right right now. I doubt the road will be open past headquarters much longer if it currently is. My biking weekend may turn into a snowshoe/ski weekend. The moose are rutting, the ptarmigan are molting, and the cranes are traveling. With the recent autumnal equinox we welcome the winter.


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