Entrance Description

Since the construction of Highway 3 in 1972, access to the interior of the park has mainly limited to bus service. Beginning in the early 70's, anyone who wanted to could drive the road after the bus system shut down for the season in mid-September. In those early years, only a few intrepid souls braved the poor roads to get here and drive into the park. As the years went by, the popularity of this opportunity to visit the park in late autumn grew. In the late 80's the "open to all comers" offer became unmanageable when almost 2000 vehicles per day came into the park. There were traffic jams, people camping illegally, problems with pets and wildlife, food storage and sanitation. In 1990, park management decided to implement a lottery where people could apply for a chance to drive the road over a period of four days after the bus season ended. Applications are accepted from May 1st to June 30th and winners are announced on July 15th.

Legend

A: Available for online reservation (click to book entry date)
L: Accepting Lottery Application (click to apply for the lottery)
W: Available at the Facility
R: Reserved
C: Closed
X: Not available