Alpenglow- Denali National Park and Preserve Newsletter
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Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Official newspaper Autumn 2016 to Spring 2017 Alpenglow PHOTO COURTESY MENNO BOERMANS The "Edge of the World" near the 14,200-foot camp on Denali's popular West Buttress route has a dramatic 5,000-foot drop to the Northeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. Superintendent Greeting Denali Celebrates its Next Century The year 2016 was special as the Park staff and community groups are Several special events are being planned National Park Service marked its working together to host events to for that Sunday to commemorate the 100th birthday. Special events were held commemorate the 100th anniversary of the specific date of the park's 100th birthday. in Denali and other parks across the park's establishment on Feb. 26, 1917. Among the honored guests in attendance country to mark the milestone. is expected to be Charlie Sheldon, a At a Solstice Luminary Stroll, you can descendant of Charles Sheldon, who was The year 2017 will be just as exciting as ski, snowshoe, or stroll down a trail lit by among the leading advocates lobbying Denali celebrates its own centennial in luminaria (candles) on a snowy winter's Congress to create the park in 1917. More February. night. This family-friendly at http://go.nps.gov/Winterfest event begins in the early evening of The park offers year-round activities Wed Dec 21 at the Winter Visitor Center As a highlight of its Centennial for people of all ages. I encourage (Murie Science and Learning Center) at å outreach this winter, the park will visitors, neighbors and partners to take Mile 1.4 of the Denali Park Road. host screenings of An American Ascent in advantage of the incredibly diverse, wild Trails are appropriate for all levels of skiing or snowshoeing ability. Hot drinks February in Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali Park, and amazing landscape that is Denali. will be provided afterward. and Fairbanks. Please watch for emerging As we move into a new century of Mark your calendars now for Denali details on the park website and social media Denali Winterfest 2017 is set for stewardship, the staff — in conjunction Summerfest on Sat June 10, 2017. feeds about event locations and times. Sat Feb 25 and Sun Feb 26. This with a host of partners — is planning The day will feature free events including community-wide event offers something Narrated by Shelton Johnson, the many events to highlight the park, musical performances, food, children's for all ages, interests, and abilities. Events at activities, and more. acclaimed 2015 film sheds light on a which is an integral part of the the park typically include guided skiing and complex relationship that "minority Denali community and the snowshoe walks, activities for kids, exhibits, Learn more about all of Denali's majority"populations have with wild places. landscape of Alaska. guest speakers, dog sled rides, hot drinks Centennial events and initiatives at http:// The documentary features nine African- and light refreshments. go.nps.gov/Denali100 A special relationship exists between American climbers on a grueling expedition the park and its visitors, volunteers and led by the National Outdoor Leadership neighbors. As we look to the future, School (NOLS) on America's biggest and We're Open Year Round How Far May I Drive? we will continue to make connections − % baddest mountain. Learn more at with future conservationists and Throughout the off-season, Road crews begin plowing beyond www.anamericanascent.com stakeholders; remain relevant in camping in the Bear Loop of Riley Creek Park Headquarters (Mile 3.4) in February. our communities; engage and Campground is free on a first-come basis. Weather permitting, access opens to encourage youth; and support our Fees may apply in Spring Mountain Vista (Mile 12) by mid-February, partners as we fulfill our mission to QUICK CONTENTS the Savage River (Mile 15) as early as preserve and protect. Winter Visitor Center the first weekend in April, and the i Local Services, Tours, Flightseeing ............. 2 Running water, restrooms, a warm Teklanika River (Mile 30) a week or two Park Rules and Safety Advisories .............. 3 Enjoy your visit. fireplace, and permits for overnight stays thereafter. May 19 is the last day of off-season Winter Recreation Opportunities ............. 4 in the backcountry are available daily road adventures beyond Mile 15. That's the Trails for Skis and Snowshoes .................. 5 Don Striker 9 am to 4:30 pm at the Murie Science day before regular schedules of shuttles and Superintendent Artist-in-Residence Program ..................... 7 and Learning Center at Mile 1.4 tours begin venturing farther into the park. of the Denali Park Road. Trails for Hiking the Entrance Area ........... 8 Winter Visitor Centers Historic Sled Dog Kennels National Park Service Murie Science and Learning Center U.S. Department of the Interior Mile 1.4 Park Road Open 9 am to 4:30 pm daily. Open Daily to Winter Visitors Offers general information, exhibits, presentations, backcountry permits, In autumn, visitors are welcome to watch the The historic Sled Dog Kennels are open Denali National Park and Preserve Alaska Geographic Bookstore. park sled dogs train for winter by pulling a daily 9 am to 4:30 pm, with parking at P.O. Box 9 Learn more at www.nps.gov/rlc/murie cart on roads and loops of the Riley Creek headquarters at Mile 3.4. As you arrive, Denali Park, AK 99755 907 683-2294 Campground near the park entrance. be sure to check in with kennels staff and Please check with staff at the Winter read all posted safety information. E-mail Visitor Center to learn the kennels Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station [email protected] training schedule for the day. • For the safety of your pets, please leave B Street in Talkeetna them in your vehicle while you visit the Open 9 am to 4:30 pm daily. Website sled dogs. Offers mountaineering information for the www.nps.gov/dena Alaska Range, general information, exhibits, • Keep children at your side at all times. Phone Alaska Geographic Bookstore. 907 733-2231 • If any dog acts excited (jumping, barking, 907 683-9532, information line pacing) or nervous, please visit Entrance Fees 907 683-2294, park business another dog. Seven-day Pass: for age 16 and older, $10 907 683-9649, TTY • Help train the park dogs to have good Denali Annual Pass: $40 manners. They should not jump on you, America the Beautiful Interagency Passes: Summer bus, campsite reservations chew on fingers, or eat any human food. Annual, $80 800 622-7275 Nationwide NPS PHOTO / JENNIFER RAFFAELI 907 272-7275 International Senior, $10 Autumn training with a cart. www.reservedenali.com Access, Free Annual Military Pass, Free Please stop your vehicle if you see a Emergency Your Fees at Work team approaching. Ensure that pets Dial 911 A portion of entrance fee dollars collected are safely inside vehicles if you see in Denali helps to pay for projects such as or hear dog teams. For your safety, Corrections or suggestions? informational signs, campground improvements, kennel staff discourages walking pets [email protected] trail erosion mitigation, and operational costs for in the campground while dog teams are the Artist-in-Residence program. training. Stay connected @ In winter, visitors to the kennels may see twitter.com/DenaliNPS www.facebook.com/DenaliNPS teams harnessing up and preparing to leave www.flickr.com/photos/DenaliNPS on a run, returning from a run, or loading NPS PHOTO / DANIEL LEIFHEIT www.youtube.com/user/DenaliNPS and unloading a dog truck that is used to drive to distant trailheads. This busy time Complete a Junior Ranger Activity Book The National Park Service cares for special of year, it's wise to ask at the Winter Visitor while you're visiting the park. Then show places saved by the American people Center about team whereabouts your work to a park ranger, take an oath, so that all may experience our heritage. before you set out. and receive a badge. Learn more at http://go.usa.gov/DLj Local Services Planning a Group Visit Accessibility Gas and Propane For current and complete lists of businesses that Welcome to Denali Reception – Most restrooms are wheelchair Available at gas stations are authorized to offer guided activities in the Alaska Geographic staff can provide an accessible. Park films are open- 13 miles north in Healy, and park, please visit http://www.nps.gov/dena/ exclusive welcome and orientation to captioned. Please advise staff of 29 miles south in Cantwell. planyourvisit/business-with-park.htm Denali for visiting groups at the needs when making a reservation. Murie Science and Learning Center. Find more information at Medical Staff will provide a short presentation http://go.usa.gov/gg54 The closest physicians and hospitals Dog Sledding based on the interests and time schedule are in Fairbanks. One concessioner offers overnight dog sled passenger of your group. For availability and pricing, Alaska Railroad Healy: Interior Community service and overnight dog sled-supported ski trips. please call 907 683-6432. You can travel to Denali by rail from Health Center, located in the Denali Dog Sled Expeditions (Healy, AK) Fairbanks, Anchorage, or Talkeetna. Tri-Valley Community Center, 907 683-2863 Guided Winter Explorations – Call 800 544-0552, or 907 683- 13 miles north of the park on www.earthsonglodge.com Alaska Geographic staff can facilitate 2233 in Denali, or 907 265-2683 Healy Spur Road. Clinic hours are fun and educational Denali experiences in Anchorage. 9 am to 5 pm weekdays. 907 683-2211. for visiting winter groups through Banks Glacier Landing Scenic Air Services hiking, snowshoeing and skiing (skis not Talkeetna: Sunshine The closest bank is in Healy, provided).