Current Conditions

Winter 2024-2025

The "winter" season begins on September 13, 2024, when summer bus trips stop running. The season continues through spring to mid-May, when summer operations resume.

Facilities and services in the park are limited during the winter season (mid-September to mid-May). The Winter Visitor Center, located at mile 1.4 on the park road, is open daily from 9:30am - 5:00pm, except for major holidays. Next door to the Winter Visitor Center, you will find the Indoor Picnic Area (opening October 1). The Indoor Picnic Area is a place to warm up and eat your own food (no services provided).

The Sled Dog Kennels are open on Saturdays and Sundays only from 1:00pm - 4:00pm, though the dogs might be out in the park training or on patrol. The Sled Dog Kennels are located at mile 3 on the park road.

Being prepared is key when exploring Denali in the winter. Bring plenty of food, water, and additional layers to ensure a comfortable experience.

Entrance Fees and Passes

Entrance fees to Denali are required. You may pay your park entrance fees online or in person upon arrival to the entrance area of the park (credit cards only, no cash). You must be able to show a park pass or proof of online purchase (on a mobile device or printed receipt) if asked by a park ranger. Discounted or free annual and lifetime passes are also available to select groups; learn more about fees and passes in Denali.

Summer 2025

The "summer" season begins in mid-May. For information on planning a trip, visit the plan your visit webpage for park operations, bus resrevations, and resources for lodging and external activities.

Conditions on the Denali Park Road

The map below illustrates which parts of the park road are open to private vehicles (thick green line), open to bus traffic (thin black line, summer only), or closed (thin red line). Icons also indicate which park campgrounds are open.

Other red areas on the map show wildlife closures, which are closed to all entry due to nesting or denning activity or sites where a bear or wolf is feeding on a carcass. Temporary wildlife closures (lasting less than 24 hours) may also be in place and not appear on the map; always check at the visitor center upon arrival for the latest information before hiking.