Recent warm temperatures and lower than average levels of snow and ice on some sections of the road have helped the park’s road crew in its efforts to reopen parts of Denali’s main access road. The portion of the road between the Savage River (Mile 15) and the Teklanika River Rest Area at Mile 30 opened for travel by private vehicles on Sunday, April 15th.
Visitors have reported numerous wildlife sightings along the first fifteen miles of the road, including caribou, moose, wolves, ptarmigan and snowshoe hare. There have been no reports of bears.
Weather conditions can change rapidly at this time of the year, so the road may open and close several times over the next few weeks.
The road will be open for travel to Mile 30 through Friday, May 18th. Beginning on Saturday, May 19th, the shuttle bus system will begin its seasonal operations, providing access beyond the Savage River to destinations further west on the park road. The first fifteen miles of the park road will continue to be open for travel by park visitors in private vehicles throughout the summer season.
Other facilities west of the park headquarters (Mile 3), including campgrounds, are scheduled to open later in May.
Visitor information and backcountry permits are available at the Murie Science and Learning Center (Mile 1.3) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. The Riley Creek Campground is open for free camping until mid-May, but water and sewer services are currently not available. A vault toilet is provided for campers in the open loop, and water can be obtained at the Murie Science and Learning Center.
Additional information can be obtained by calling the park at 907-683-2294 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily or on the web at www.nps.gov/dena.
