You are here

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

Share

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!)

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

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.


Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.