In response to the continuing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, Denali National Park will open up a usually restricted portion of the Denali Park Road to private vehicles this summer (2021). Private vehicle access to the Denali Park Road will be offered via a reservation system.
Private Vehicle Access to Denali Park Road’s Usually Restricted Portions in Summer 2021
Visitors will have access to the Denali Park Road all the way to the Teklanika Rest Stop (mile 30), beyond the Savage River Check Station (mile 15), which is usually the end of private vehicle access. Private vehicle access to the Denali Park Road’s first 30 miles will be possible every day from Thursday, May 20, 2021 through Sunday, September 12, 2021. This is twice as far as in regular years.
This will, however, require visitors to get a $25 permit in advance. Called the Teklanika Road Permit, it can be reserved on Recreation.gov, starting on Tuesday, April 20 at 10 a.m. ADT.
This new and this-year-only system will allow people to reserve one of a limited number of daily scheduled entries by private vehicle to the Denali Park Road beyond the Savage River. These permits are expected to go quickly, so it is recommended to try and grab one right away.
“This plan allows unique access to the park during this summer season while we all continue to manage the impacts of the ongoing pandemic. The park is committed to safely providing the awe-inspiring experiences the public has come to expect from Denali, while doing our best to help support local communities during these challenging times.”
Brooke Merrell, Acting Denali National Park Superintendent
Other Ways to Experience Denali National Park
Private vehicle access to the Denali Park Road up to the Savage River Check Station will remain as it’s been in typical summers. You don’t need a special permit for that, but you will, of course, have to pay the park entrance fee to see Denali and its abundant wildlife.
All usual tour, transit and camper service starts on May 20 as well. To go further into the heart of Denali National Park—beyond the Savage River Check Station (no permit) or beyond the Teklanika Rest Stop (with this new private vehicle permit)—you can make bus service reservations for the 2021 season via Reserve Denali.
You can find more information about operations in Denali National Park, including this one-time timed-entry system for the first 30 miles of the Park Road, on the park’s webpage.