CUA: Winter Activities- Guided

People hiking in the snow

Guided Winter Activities

This commercial use authorization permits for guided frontcountry hiking and park road access during the winter season.

Park Specific Stipulations: Guided Winter Activities

Permitted Activities

The Guided Winter Activities Commercial Use Authorization permits road-based transportation and specific incidental activities from September 24- May 10. Incidental activities include short-duration hiking or snowshoeing on designated trails and visits to the Dog Sled Kennels and Mountain Vista Area.
 

Authorized Activity

Details

Driving the park road to Mountain Vista (Mile 12.5)
  • Road typically opens mid February
  • Driving beyond mile 12.5 is prohibited, even if the road is open to the public
  • Hiking/ snowshoeing the Mountain Vista trail is permitted
  • No group size limit
Guided hiking/ snowshoeing on designated trails
  • Group size limit is 12 inclusive of guide
  • Up to 4 groups per day
  • Groups must be staggered by 15 minutes
  • Designated trails: McKinley Station, Roadside Bike, Roadside Trail, Rock Creek Trail, Triple Lakes Trail
Visit the Dog Sled Kennels
  • No group size limit
  • During the winter and early spring, the park dogs are often away from the kennels on extended backcountry operations
  • All visitors must receive a 10-minute Kennels Safety briefing from a ranger before interacting with the dogs
  • If the gate is closed at the kennels, access to the area is strictly prohibited

Authorized Areas

Specified front country trails, driving the park road as far as Mountain Vista, and visiting the Kennels.

Group Size

Total group size is 12, inclusive of CUA holder and employees (guides) except at Mountain Vista and the Kennels.

Guide Certification

  • Basic first-aid, CPR, and Leave No Trace certifications are required for Denali CUA holders. No additional certifications are required for this activity.

Safety and Resource Protection

  • The CUA holder or guide must remain with their clients for the duration of the trip.
  • The CUA holder must provide all clients with an orientation prior to the trip which emphasizes safe practices in extreme winter conditions.
  • Passengers may exit at plowed roadside pullouts, but no guided activities are allowed
  • Vehicles must have two-way emergency communication (e.g., satellite phone or messaging device). Cell service is unreliable past mile 3.

Additional Regulations and Considerations

  • Road closures may occur due to weather or road conditions. Call (907) 683-9532 for updates.
  • There is no guarantee of the condition of the trails as weather can change unexpectedly. Groups may have to break their own trails.
  • Minimize idling. Consider engine-off air heaters for interior heat. Extended idling is allowed at Denali Visitor Center; no plug-ins are available at Mountain Vista.

Unauthorized Activities

  • Overnight use is prohibited.
  • The Horseshoe Lake trail is prohibited.

Download or print these stipulations. CUA holders and their employees are responsible for knowing and following all rules.
 

 

More Information

 

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Last updated: March 26, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 9
Denali Park, AK 99755

Phone:

907 683-9532
A ranger is available 9 am to 4 pm daily (except on major holidays). If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller.

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