Available in June 2020 only. Travel the Denali Park Road through taiga forest and open tundra out to Mile 30, Teklanika Rest Area. This is a unique summer opportunity to take in Denali’s scenery from a private vehicle and watch for wildlife, big and small, along the way. Visitors may pause to watch wildlife from their vehicle, but must follow wildlife viewing rules and the terms of the permit for duration of time at a viewing stop. Plan for two hours of drive-time round trip. Travel is on a two-lane winding, gravel road.
For more information check out the park's current conditions webpage for answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
One private vehicle reservation per day; reservation holder must be in vehicle at time of entry.
Select a date to see a list of times
The permit holder must be in the vehicle at the time of entry at the Savage River Check Station at Mile 15 of the park road.
Permit holders must check in at the Savage River Check Station within 45 minutes after their ticket start time. Plan for a 30-minute drive from park entrance to Savage River (Mile 15).
Vehicles must be east of the Savage River Check Station by 10:00 p.m. Once vehicles have left the restricted section of road, there is no reentry.
All permit holders and drivers must watch the 4-minute video on Rules of Driving the Denali Park Road.
Vehicles may not park on the road or road shoulder. Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only. No overnight parking.
Speed limit is 35 mph unless otherwise posted.
Drive with your headlights on and stay to the right.
When passing pedestrians, bicycles, road workers and heavy equipment, pass at no more than 10 mph or a “no dust” speed, whichever is lower.
Be aware of common road hazards such as limited visibility and rough or slick road surfaces.
It is your responsibility to comply with Denali National Park’s mandated distances from wildlife. Stay 300 yards (300m) away from bears and 25 yards (25m) from all other animals, dens, and nests.
A brief stop for wildlife viewing, photo opportunity or other reasons is allowed; however, all occupants must remain in the vehicle. If your pet disturbs wildlife when you pause to view animal(s), you must continue driving to prevent your pet from harassing wildlife.
Report all emergencies or hazards to park rangers.
Check the Current Conditions webpage for road status. Permits will not be rescheduled or refunded for inclement weather.
Pets that fit inside your vehicle are welcome. Leashed pets (6' or shorter leash) may be walked on the park road, in parking lots, or on campground roads. Tethered pets may not be left unattended. In general, pets are not permitted on park trails nor off-trail; the exceptions to this rule are the Roadside Trail and the Bike Path.