Denali National Park and Preserve Winter 2006 / 2007
VISITOR GUIDE
Denali’s Winter Wonders – See Page 8
Winterfest — page 3
Winter Activities — page 4
2007 Trip Planner— page 12 Table of Contents “You don’t live Activities 3 Winterfest there all winter 4 Winter Activities in the Park do you?” Information (Yes, we do.) “But, what is there to do in 6 Winter Conditions, the wintertime in Denali? Isn’t the park Trekking and Safety closed in winter?” 7 Exploring the Backcountry Paul Anderson prepares The park is open year-round and there is for a winter trek. Feature Stories plenty to do here in winter, as you’ll see by reading the great articles in this Alpenglow! As snow blankets the 8 Denali’s Winter Weather landscape and darkness rules the days, park employees stay very 10 Mushing in Denali busy caring for the park, and for our winter visitors. Though we 11 Planning Your Trip have fewer visitors, we use this slower time to do our planning for next summer, and for the future of this special place. This winter we 2007 Trip Planner are finishing exhibit planning for the new Eielson Visitor Center, which is scheduled to open in 2008. We are also planning next 12 Bus System and Times season’s field studies that will help determine future vehicle limits 14 Camping and Reservation on the Park Road. The studies will quantify the impacts of traffic Information volume and patterns on plants, wildlife, physical resources, and visitors. This information will help us make the best decisions to 15 Denali Institute Programs maintain high-quality visitor experience while protecting park resources for this and future generations of Americans.
Cover Photos: Hoar Frost ©Mike Giannechini Sled Dog ©Denali National Park Kennels Aurora Borealis ©Mike Giannechini In winter, activities are centered at the new Murie Science and Cyclists ©National Park Service photo by Gregg Bailey Learning Center, our Winter Visitor Center. A warm fire invites visitors to sit and chat, make new friends, share their adventures, and learn about Denali in the wintertime. Visitors enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog mushing, and skijoring along the Park Road and on the numerous trails in the entrance area. After January, watch for notices announcing Winterfest, a weekend-long celebration attracting young and old alike to have fun in the snow and enjoy Denali in its most beautiful season. Come join us for the experience of a lifetime!
Paul R. Anderson, Superintendent N a t i o n a l P a r k S e r v i c e p h o t 2 o A c t i v i t i e s WinterfestCome Celebrate Winter in2 Denali007 I N a n t
i evening presentations o ? n f a l
o P dog mushing demonstrations a ? r k
r S
e skijor, classical, and skate ski clinics r ? v m i c e
p ski tours
h ? o a t o avalanche safety training
? t
winter ecology walk i ? o
? snowshoe walks n ? snow sculpture contest ? ice carving demonstration ? events for kids F e
? and much more! a t
All Winterfest activities and programs are free. Food and u
lodging are available in the local area communities of Healy r e and Cantwell. Riley Creek Campground is open to visitors wishing to camp; however, campers are advised that the water S t
and sewer utilities have been shut down for the winter. o r i
Winterfest is sponsored in part by the National Park Service e
together with the Denali Foundation, Doyon/ARAMARK Joint s Venture, and the Alaska Natural History Association. For dates, times and other information, please call 907-683-2294 Ice Carver Carl Eady poses next to his ice art. or visit www.nps.gov/dena. 2 0 0 7 T r i
Common Animal Tracks p Some birds brave the cold, snowy Look for grizzly tracks in the spring when bears
climate to remain year-round residents. are coming out of hibernation. P l a n n e r
Raven Ptarmigan Great-Horned Grizzly Bear Owl
These mammal tracks are commonly seen throughout the park in winter.
Caribou Snowshoe Hare Moose Wolf Lynx 3 N a t i o n a l
P a r k
S e r v i c e p h o t o b y
M i k e
G i a n n e What to do c h i n i in the Winter Viewing the Aurora Some Alaska Native groups believed that the northern lights were caused by spirits playing ball games in the sky. Early explorers believed them to be the reflection of sunlight off the polar ice caps. Modern research reveals that northern lights occur when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, 50 to 100 miles above the Earth’s surface. The best time to watch the aurora is from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Skijoring Consider the joy of skiing. Imagine the thrill of dog mushing. Combine these and you have skijoring, in which skiers harness dog power to the delight of both. Skijoring now enjoys a pop- ularity all its own but traces its roots to Scandinavia, where it developed as a way to train dogs for Nordic-style mushing teams. Skiing Cross-country skiing is a peaceful, rewarding way to explore Denali, whether on an afternoon trip on sled dog trails along the Park Road or on an extended trip into the backcountry. Local creeks such as Riley and Hines (see map back page) freeze up, becoming ideal winter routes for accessing the park on skis. Telemark skiing and snowboarding involve long climbs on foot, but are becoming increasingly popular in Denali. Watching Wildlife Although bears, marmots and ground squirrels cope with winter by sleeping or hibernating, the rest of the park’s year-round residents are active throughout the winter. Moose frequent riparian areas with plentiful willow for browsing, while Dall sheep search for food on high ridges where the wind blows away the snow cover. The best evidence of animal activity is found in tracks left in the snow, where the daily drama of the struggle for survival is recorded for all to see. There’s Wildlife in Winter Too • These are minimum distance restrictions. Any distance that alters the behavior of an animal is too close. • Maintain the distance rules at all times. • Avoid wildlife during sensitive times such as when they are nesting, mating or raising young.
25 yards 300 yards
Caribou, Moose, Dall Sheep, Lynx, Wolf, Fox, Bear 4 Coyote, Bird Nests, Baby Birds, Animal Dens Activities Information Feature Stories 2007 Trip Planner 5
Photo ©Bob Butterfield Photo ©Denali National Park Kennels le; and snow can be too mushy can be too snow le; and travel. for b icyclists can enjoyicyclists portions closed-but-plowed the s impassa k Skiers and snowshoers may snowshoers and snow Skiers favorable find often d b ee onditions at higher elevations, particularly elevations, higher at road the onditions once ehicle traffic; river ice is breaking up, rendering rivers and rivers rendering up, is breaking ice river traffic; ehicle c skijorers and Mushers Teklanika. or River Savage opens to generally Hikers winter. next until harnesses up the hang an of Road. Park the (April to mid-May) mid-May) to (April motor open for is not yet but plowed is being road The v cr Break-Up rtation best suited to northern winter northern to suited best rtation po country permit at the Winter Visitor Center. country Visitor Winter the at permit k ans tr f ver or Teklanika until the first snow, and hikers and snow, first the until Teklanika or ver e road closes in the fall and bus engines are bus engines and fall in the closes e road e o losed wildlife areas. losed wildlife h e is no snow. The road generally road The open to remains e is no snow. or the winter, hiking remains a possibility remains hiking winter, the as long or ain a bac e Ri
nsult with park rangers for an update on conditions. on an update for rangers park with nsult set out from anywhere along this stretch of stretch this along anywhere from set out road, er t f en t ag h y
Be aware that lack of lack that Be aware of is no indication snow h Be prepared to set your own course and be self-sufficient. and course own set your to Be prepared cept c v e mod a len i • Notify of someone date. return expected your and plans your • Co • For Extended Trips: • Obt For Day Trips: a ranger. to talk and Center by• Stop Visitor Winter the talks. or as hikes such activities for • Check of signs for forest activity. surrounding the wildlife • Search h he old Mount McKinley National Park, which includes the McKinleyincludes Mount old he which Park, National temperature; be prepared for winter’s arrival anytime, arrival winter’s for be prepared temperature; mid-October. after cold extreme for and s as t Sa m ex Late Fall/Early Winter mid-October) to (mid-September W landscapes. Dog mushing continues to be an excellent way be an excellent to continues Dog mushing landscapes. to 10. See Denali. page like regions wilderness remote explore Dog Mushing of cultures Native in the Developed and Greenland Canada, by adopted was mushing dog Alaska, as explorers European t Snowshoeing an activity was snowshoeing recreational A popular today, part ofessential many for living groups. winter Native northern frame, the form to bent and split was wood birch Locally, of strips thin woven were which upon babiche. or moose hide, of lengths different served as today, snowshoes Historically, traveling for is ideal shoe flatter A longer, purposes. different an up-turned in very with shoe a shorter whereas snow, deep rougher across trail, an existing over traveling for is better toe brushy through or terrain, areas. Park Road. Contact the park directly park the Contact Road. Park for further clarification. Snowmachining for additions park 1980 in the is allowed use Snowmachine (where trapping and as hunting such activities traditional use is Snowmachine legal). are activities in those allowed not t Other Seasons Winter Conditions Winter weather in Denali can be extreme, and The following measurements are provided as proximity to the Alaska Range creates unpredictable general reference only. They were taken at Denali and highly variable conditions. Many winter visitors National Park Headquarters, which is often milder are unprepared for the reality of deep, lasting than much of the park. cold weather. 70 60 8pm
t 60 7pm
i 55 e
t 6pm
h 50
50 e n s 5pm e s 40 n r
e 45 u h h
S 4pm
a
30 c F
40 d n 3pm I n s 20 a e n
35
i 2pm e
e r 10 s h i g
t 30 1pm r e p
0 n D e noon u 25 D S e -10
r 11am f u w 20 o t
-20 o 10am s a n r r 15 S e -30 u 9am p 10 o
-40 H
m 8am e
T -50 5 7am -60 0 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Oct 21 Nov 21 Dec 21 Jan 21 Feb 21 Mar 21 Average Extreme Average High Daylight Night
Safety Concerns Traveling alone increases your risk dramatically. Overflow, thin ice, and weak snow bridges Any incident which immobilizes a solo traveler along streams and rivers can cause an unexpected could easily become fatal. Traveling in groups is icy plunge. Carry dry socks, clothes, and emergency recommended. firestarter in a waterproof container. Avalanches result from a combination of Hypothermia, the critical lowering of the body’s snowpack, weather, and terrain factors which core temperature, is signaled by these early are frequently present in Denali backcountry. symptoms: shivering, numbness, slurred speech, Be aware of the dangers and avoid suspect slopes loss of coordination, drowsiness, and exhaustion. and drainages. Avoid hypothermia by eating plenty of high- Frostbite occurs quickly at temperatures below calorie foods, drinking plenty of water, and staying freezing. Drink plenty of water and protect skin dry. Layer clothing for your level of activity to from exposure to cold. minimize sweating. Overconfidence can be the biggest danger. Be Moose may fiercely guard winter trails, aware of the exertion required to travel in snow. Do particularly in deep snow years. Make every not count on going more than a few miles each day. effort to give moose the right-of-way. Winter Trekking There are no groomed trails in Denali. Visitors Intermediate: Sled Dog Trail should be self-reliant, able to scout their own From Park Headquarters all the way to Wonder routes and find their own way back. Nevertheless, Lake, this approximately 85-mile trail runs parallel there are numerous unmarked routes suitable for to and often joins the Park Road. snowshoeing, skiing, skijoring, and mushing. Advanced: Backcountry Novice: Park Road Look for other routes that wander across ridgelines Unplowed past Park Headquarters, the road is an and along creek valleys such as Riley, Hines, excellent route into the park, and the best alternative Rock, and Triple lakes. Be careful: winds or when snow levels are too low to cover natural hazards sudden snowstorms may quickly erase even well- elsewhere. The Riley Creek Campground Loop and established tracks. Routes are not marked. Winter 6 roadside multi-use path also serve the novice well. visitors must rely on their own navigational ability. A c t
Emergencies What to Bring i v Developed Areas: Dial 911. Be prepared to give your
The level of self-reliance required of winter travelers i
location as Denali National Park and Preserve. t
sets Denali’s visitors apart from adventurers elsewhere. i Backcountry: There are no phones west of Park Headquarters Visitors should take the cold seriously and arrive prepared e and cell phone service is unreliable. In late winter, a s
with quality gear and the knowledge of how to use it.
ranger is stationed at Wonder Lake Ranger Station. Rangers
do not initiate searches without a specific request. Notify Clothing O Wind gear and neck gaiter someone of your planned itinerary and expected time of O Cold-weather parka with hood I return. Self-reliance and ability to self-rescue are essential. n Wool/fleece pants and shirt
O f O Wool/fleece jacket and hat o O Balaclava or other face mask r m O Wool/fleece mittens and gloves
Backcountry Planning a O Long underwear t
Backcountry Permits for overnight use are available O Wool/synthetic socks (plus extras) i at the Winter Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven O Cold-weather boots and gaiters o days a week, excluding holidays. Backcountry permits n are free and required for all overnight use. Camping O Four-season tent O Winter sleeping bag and sleeping pad
Dogs must be in harness or staked out at all times O Drinking cup F in order to minimize disturbance to wildlife. Dog O Cooking gear and utensils e feces should be scattered away from water sources and O Stove and fuel a t your camp. O Candle lantern u
O Personal care items r Leave No Trace practices should be followed at all O Snow shovel and snow saw e
times within the park. S
Trail Items O Plenty of high-calorie food t O Ski gear, snowshoes, or other travel gear o
O Camp at least 100 feet from water sources and r
developed areas. O Pack with water-resistant cover i O Map and compass e O Although winter fires are permitted using dead and s O Pocketknife down wood, camp stoves are recommended as down
O Headlamp with extra batteries and bulb
wood is scarce. Cutting green boughs for bedding is O Water bottles and insulator not allowed. 2
O Thermos 0
O Dispose of human waste at least 100 feet from water O Chemical hand warmers 0 sources and developed areas. O Sunscreen and sunglasses 7
O Pack out all trash, including toilet paper. O Toilet paper and spade T r
Emergency O Lighter, matches (waterproof container) i p Items O First-aid kit
O Repair kit P l
O Extra food, clothing a
O Avalanche beacon and shovel n n e r
N a t i o n a l
P a r k
S e r v i c e
p h o t o 7 Wonders of Denali’s
ByWinter Pam Sousanes Weathertime of year is very low due to the Earth’s tilt away from the sun. It will not rise above eye level all day. The muted colors of the winter sunrise paint the If you happen to live where there are mountains to sky in oranges and purples. It’s 10:35 a.m. and the the south, the sun may be hidden from you for a
N thermometer outside the window month or two. a t i o
n reads 35° below zero. This valley a l
P a
r bottom might be cold, but if you The snow crunches as the bond between snow k
S e r
v climb the hill, the temperature crystals breaks with every step. Icicles form on your i c e
p
h could be 10 to 15° warmer. Because eyelashes. You pull your hat on tighter—you’re warm o t o cold air sinks, winter temperature because you dressed for the cold. Animals that are inversions are common. The year-round residents of the park have adapted to temperature can hover below zero this environment as well. Larger animals exposed to for days or sometimes weeks, but conditions above snow must adapt their behavior, in time we will get a south wind— feeding habits, and morphology accordingly. a Chinook—that will bring warm Snowshoe hares and ptarmigan change from brown moist air from the Gulf of Alaska. N a t i o
When these winds begin to blow, n a l
P
temperatures can rise as much as a r k
S e
70 degrees in a matter of hours. r v i c e
p h o t o
Monthly snow surveys. The coldest months of winter are b y
S t December and January. Not e v e
B u
coincidentally, this is when we have the least s k i r amount of daylight. On December 21, the first day k of winter, the sun will rise at 10:46 a.m. and set at 3:03 p.m., giving us only four hours and 17 minutes of possible daylight. The azimuth of the sun at this Snowshoe hare eating bark.
8 A c N t a t i o to white to blend in with the snowy The amazing colors and formations i n a v l environment, which offers better P are produced by the solar wind, a a r i k
S t protection from predators. One e stream of electrons and protons r i v i c e e interesting phenomenon of the coming from the sun, as it collides p h s o t o
subarctic is the survival of the wood with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in
b
y
frog, the only amphibian that lives at M the upper atmosphere. Pale green or i
k e
G
these high latitudes. The wood frog i white are the most common colors, a I n n n e
winters below the snow as a living c but you may be lucky enough to h i n f i
ice cube. It keeps its cells unfrozen witness pinks and deep purple-reds o
by moving water out and glucose in, as well. And be on the lookout r allowing the water to freeze in the during daylight hours for another m spaces between the cells. interesting phenomenon, sun halos. a
These colorful rings occur around t i If you are a small animal or plant, the sun when light is refracted as o one of the key factors helping you it passes through ice crystals. There n
to survive is snow. In the subnivean Aurora borealis are many types of halos. One of
world, meaning beneath the snow, special note is the parhelion or “sun organisms and soil rely on the insulating capacity of dog.” Sun dogs are luminous spots on both sides of F e snow for heat retention. The snow cover maintains the sun that occasionally occur with a halo. a ground temperatures that can be as much as 30° t u
higher than air temperatures found above the snow. After a few hours out in the winter weather, either r
It also covers and protects low-lying plants, reducing trekking through the snow in the low winter sunlight e drying from winter winds, and provides a world of or skiing along a darkened trail under the soft glow S t
tunnels for tiny rodents safe from the searching eyes of northern lights, it’s time for one of our human o
(though not always the sharp ears) of predators. adaptations to this environment—a warm beverage r i
This seasonal snow cover, lasting up to eight months, in front of a fire in a cheerfully lighted cabin. Just e is an important ecological factor for this ecosystem. outside, the quiet drama of survival in a northern s
Because of the important role of snow in the environment carries on as it has for millennia. And
ecosystem, Denali scientists conduct monthly snow tomorrow is another day full of winter wonders. 2 surveys from November through May to record the 0
patterns of snow cover across the park. —Pam Sousanes has been working in Denali year-round 0
since 1998. As an environmental specialist, she maintains 7
Looking up from the snow at your feet to Denali’s 18 remote weather stations and manages the T winter sky on a cold, clear night, you may be lucky climate monitoring program for the Central Alaska r i enough to witness the spectacular color displays of Inventory and Monitoring Network that includes over p
the aurora borealis, also known as northern lights. 21 million acres. P l a n n e r
N a t i o n a l
P a r k
S e r v i c e
p h o t o
9 P h o t o
© D e n a l i
N a t i o n a l
A mushing trip through Denali P a r k
K e
allows visitors to connect with the n n e l living history of the park. It gives s them the unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the hardships and rewards of wilderness travel as it was for the park’s early residents and visitors. Mushing Denali–Traditional Travel Denali visitors can most closely approach the spirit The National Park Service maintains a sled dog of the park in winter on the back of a sled, behind kennel at Denali, and rangers continue the tradition a team of sled dogs. It is not an easy way to explore of dog team patrols that was started by the first Denali, requiring both physical and mental energy rangers in the 1920s. In the early years, eliminating and the desire to work as part of a team, yet the poaching was the primary function of winter rewards are immeasurable. Sled dogs are the most patrols. Today’s rangers contact winter visitors, enthusiastic of companions, reveling in the joy of assist in wildlife research, and haul supplies. running. Mushers are following the sled runners of the earliest park rangers, and those of the Native Despite often challenging conditions, a dog people who first inhabited this wild land. mushing trip in Denali remains full of intangible rewards. The scenic beauty of the Alaska Range in On a good day following an established trail, the dogs winter is without equal, and the bond between may cover 30 miles or more while the musher mostly mushers and their dogs grows strong and deep as stands on the sled runners. But if a snowstorm dumps they face unforeseen challenges together. two feet of fresh snow and obliterates the trail, the musher must strap on snowshoes and break a trail for the team. It may take all day just to cover a few miles. P h o t o
© D e n
a Guided Mushing Trips l i
N
a Visitors who wish to explore Denali by dog team, t i o n
a but lack their own dogs, should consider booking a l
P a r
k trip with one of the concessionaires permitted to
K e n
n run guided mushing trips into the park. e l s Denali West Lodge, Inc. Tonya Schlentner and Carol Schlentner P.O. Box 40 Lake Minchumina, AK 99757 888-607-5566 www.denaliwest.com EarthSong Lodge Dog Sled Adventures Jon Nierenberg P.O. Box 89 Healy, AK 99743 907-683-2863 10 www.earthsonglodge.com A N a t c i o n a t l
Visit the bookstore in the Winter Visitor P i a r k v
Center to find these useful guides. In addition S e r i v i c t e
to books, visitors will also find maps, journals, p i h
Park Partners o For more information on Denali National e t o
posters, field bags, and more. b s Park and Preserve’s wildlife, geology, y
M
i k
trails, and history look to the Alaska Natural e
G i
a n
History Association. As the principal n e
c h I
Planning Your Trip i nonprofit educational partner of Denali, n n i Alaska Natural History operates bookstores with an f extensive collection of materials on the natural and Sculpted By Ice: Glaciers o
and the Alaska Landscape r cultural heritage of Denali National Park and Preserve. By Michael Collier m Your purchases support educational programs offered by Explore Alaska's glaciers on foot, by park rangers, visitor center exhibits, volunteer programs, kayak, and from the air in this in-depth a
look at the geology and science of t this visitor guide, and other services. Drop by the Denali Alaska's ancient ice. i bookstore located next to the new Denali Visitor Center. o $19.95 n
Alaska Natural History also offers hands-on learning
Heartbeats of Denali programs at the Murie Science and Learning Center through Narrated by its institute. Visit www.alaskanha.org/alaska-institutes.htm. Terry Tempest Williams F View one of America's wildest e Alaska Natural History partners with more than 30 landscapes and experience nature a undisturbed. t public lands across Alaska. Members receive discounts u DVD 28 minutes on purchases made at bookstores throughout Alaska r
$14.95 e and on-line. For more information call 907-274-8440 or toll-free 866-AK PARKS, or visit us on the web at S This Last Treasure: t www.alaskanha.org. o Alaska National Parklands By The Alaska Natural r i
The Denali Foundation partners with the History Association e
This new edition of the bestselling s
National Park Service through the Murie title is a keepsake for anyone who
Science and Learning Center on educational loves Alaska’s national parks.
programs for adults and children. Visit $40 hardcover, $24.95 soft 2 www.denali.org. Ballad of the Wild Bear 0
By Pat Chamberlin-Calamar 0
and Sandy Kogl 7
Illustrated by Libby Hatton T Learn how to keep bears wild r and people safe in this i
beautifully illustrated and p The Denali Borough School District provides technical innovative picturebook. support and equipment to Denali National Park and $14.95, includes CD P l
Preserve, has donated a state-of-the-art video conferencing a unit for park use, and is a frequent partner in grant n writing opportunities that make many park programs n possible. Visit http://denali.ak.schoolwebpages.com e r
The University of Alaska partners with Denali National Park and Preserve in research and educational activities. For information visit www.uaf.edu.
The National Park Foundation provides support to parks throughout the United States, including Alaska. For more information visit www.nationalparks.org Also available on-line at www.alaskanha.org 11 Shuttle Destinations and Times
Destination Savage River Polychrome Overlook Toklat River (Mileage) (Mile 15) (Mile 47) (Mile 53)
e Visitors are encouraged to get Savage River is the farthest that Polychrome Overlook gets its Toklat River is an area of merging e on and off the buses to explore visitors can drive in their own name from the multi-colored glacial rivers and towering cliffs. S the park. Anticipate waits up to vehicles on the Park Road. At this bluffs in the area. Spectacular Dall sheep are often seen and o
t one hour to re-board. point there is a small parking area, views of the Alaska Range are grizzlies sometimes graze the
t picnic tables, restrooms and a trail. also possible. riverbed’s soapberries. a Visitors are encouraged to take h the shuttle as parking is limited. W
Roundtrip Time 2 hours roundtrip 5-1/2 hours roundtrip 6 hours roundtrip
Shuttle Buses Shuttle Buses are for transportation and wildlife Refund Policy: There is a cancellation fee for viewing. Passengers may get off along the Park Road each shuttle bus seat and/or campground site. and re-board later buses (west of mile 20) on a space Cancellations must be made two hours prior to the available basis with a ticket for that day. Expect waits departure of the bus. This fee also applies to any of up to one hour. changes made to existing reservations, but will not apply to reservations for children under 14. Children: Young adults age 15-17 are half price and under 14 ride free, but still need a reservation. Dates of Operation: May 19 through Children under 4 years and/or 40 pounds must be in September 13, 2007, weather permitting. a carseat to ride on buses. Please make arrangements to bring your own carseat. Prices can be found at www.nps.gov/dena or by calling 800-622-7275. Bring plenty of food, water, and dress in layers. You may also want to bring field guides, binoculars, For Reservations and Information and a camera. Call 800-622-7275 or 907-272-7275 Online at www.reservedenali.com Wheelchair Accessible Buses are available. Please advise staff of your needs when you make your reservation. Tour Buses Tundra Wilderness Tour Natural History Tour Wildlife viewing and narrated tour of the park to Toklat Narrated tour of the park to Primrose Ridge River (mile 53).Two departures daily: early morning or (mile 17). Morning and afternoon departures afternoon. A box lunch and hot beverage are served. available. A snack and beverage are provided. Wheelchair accessible by pre-arrangement. Wheelchair accessible by pre-arrangement. Length of Tour: 7 – 8 hours Length of Tour: 4-1/2 – 5 hours 4 – 6 hours in shoulder season Dates of Operation: May 19 through September 13, 2007, weather permitting. Shoulder Season: May 13–18and September 14 –17, weather permitting. For Reservations: Call 800-622-7275 (Nationwide), 907-272-7275 (International and Anchorage) Online at www.reservedenali.com For More Information: www.nps.gov/dena 12 A c t i
Summer 2007 v i t
Fish Creek Turnaround* Wonder Lake* Kantishna* i Camper Bus (Mile 64) (Mile 85) (Mile 90) e s
Kantishna is primarily a Transports campers and their gear. Located among the rolling Wonder Lake was created by tundra hills of the Thorofare the Muldrow Glacier. Along destination for lodge Sanctuary, Wonder Lake and
Valley, a trip to this turnaround the road to Wonder Lake, visitors and backpackers backcountry units are accessible
point offers spectacular views alder and willow-carpeted for backcountry access. only by camper bus — reserve a I of Mount McKinley on a clear hills are dotted with kettle Please respect the private seat when making a reservation. n day and ample opportunities to ponds. Look for beaver along lands in this area. Camper bus passes are good for the f view wildlife. the way. entire time you are west of mile 20. o r
8 hours roundtrip 11 hours roundtrip 13 hours roundtrip Time dependent on destination m
* Fish Creek bus service begins June 1: Wonder Lake and Kantishna begin June 8. a t i Riley Creek Loop Bus Dog Sled Demo Bus o
Entrance Area Buses n
Free buses service the entrance area where Free transportation around the Free, roundtrip transportation
entrance area of the park. Loops for each 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
you will find the Wilderness Access Center,
continuously throughout the day, dog demo. Board at the Denali Riley Creek Campground and Mercantile, see schedule at bus stops and at the Visitor Center 40 minutes before F Denali Park Post Office, Railroad Depot, Denali Visitor Center. Board at Riley demo. No parking at kennels area. e Creek Campground, the Wilderness Mid-May to September 17, 2007. a
Denali Visitor Center, and the Murie Science Access Center, Horseshoe Lake Times vary during shoulder season. t and Learning Center. Trailhead, and Murie Science and u
Learning Center. r e
Dates of Operation: May 19 through 30 minutes 10 minutes each way September 13, 2007, weather permitting. S FREE FREE t No reservations needed No reservations needed o Wheelchair Accessible buses are available. r i e s
To Fairbanks
2 0
Park Road Map Healy 0 R A N G E 7
R
E T U T Murie Science Wilderness
O and Learning r Primrose Access Center Center i
Ridge Riley p Creek
0 10 20 Sanctuary Savage P Teklanika River Scale in kilometers River River Denali l a WYOMING Visitor 0 10 20 HILLS Center n
Scale in miles n Polychrome e
Overlook r
Toklat River Kantishna
Fish Creek Cantwell Wonder Turnaround 8 Lake Eielson Visitor To Paxson Center E G (closed for N 3 construction) R A K A CAMPGROUND A L A S To Talkeetna RESTROOMS and Anchorage INFORMATION
13 Reservations for Shuttle Buses & Campsites PHONE lines are open from February 15, 2007 It is always helpful to include alternative dates through September 13, 2007; hours are 7 a.m. to 5 of travel. Please include an entrance fee of $10.00 p.m. daily, Alaska time (one hour behind Seattle). per individual or $20.00 per family, or indicate Tickets can be purchased by phone up until the the possession of a National Park Pass or a day before travel and picked up at the Wilderness Golden Age/Access/Eagle passport and its Access Center. number. Include credit card numbers (VISA, 1-800-622-7275 Nationwide Mastercard, Discover, AMEX) and their expiration 1-907-272-7275 International dates. Other payment options are personal check 272-7275 Anchorage (received 10 working days in advance) or money ONLINE reservation service begins order. Cancellation fees apply. December 1 at www.reservedenali.com It is not necessary to check in if you have already FAX AND MAIL-IN service begins received your tickets. You do need to be at the December 1 and Wilderness Access Center back deck 15 minutes continues through August 31 before the departure of your bus. each year. FAX your request Prepaid, reserved tickets may be picked up at to 907-264-4684. Requests must the Wilderness Access Center. Any unclaimed, be received no less than two days prepaid tickets for buses departing before 7 a.m. before travel. Download a fax may be picked up from the bus loading assistant. form from Denali’s Home Page at Bus drivers do not sell tickets. www.nps.gov/dena to ensure you include all the necessary information. MAIL your request to Doyon/ARAMARK, Reservation Refund Policy 241 West Ship Creek Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501. There is a cancellation fee for each bus seat Requests must be received 30 days before travel and/or campground site. Bus cancellations must date. Both fax and mail requests will be be made at least two hours before departure processed in the order received. time. Campground cancellations must be made When faxing or mailing reservation requests, by 5 p.m. the day of the reservation. A change include the names and ages of each passenger, fee is collected for any changes made to as youth discounts do apply. existing reservations. Campground Descriptions and Fees
Campground Name Cost /Night and Location Season Water Facilities Summer Emergency Reservations / Remarks Riley Creek All year; limited Yes (no Flush toilet $12.00 walk-in Pay phone near Make reservations in advance 1/4 mile west of Alaska facilities from water in $19.00 drive-in bus stop; call 911 or at the Wilderness Access Hwy. #3. RVs & tents Sept. - May winter) Center (WAC) Savage River May - Sept. Yes Flush toilet $18.00 Contact camp host or Make reservations in advance Mile 13, 33 sites for RVs Weather dependent Park Headquarters or at the WAC and tents Savage Group May - Sept. Yes Chemical $40.00 Contact camp host or Make reservations in advance Mile 13, 3 sites Weather dependent toilet Park Headquarters or at the WAC; store food in lockers Sanctuary River May - Sept. No Chemical $9.00* Sanctuary Ranger Make reservations at the Mile 23, 7 sites; tents only; Weather dependent toilet Station WAC only no vehicles Teklanika River May - Sept. Ye s Chemical $16.00* Contact camp host Make reservations in advance Mile 29, 53 sites for RVs; Weather dependent toilet or at the WAC no tents Wonder Lake June - Sept. Yes Flush toilet $16.00* Contact camp host or Make reservations in advance Mile 85, 28 sites; tents Weather dependent Wonder Lake Ranger or at the WAC only; no vehicles Station (2 mi. west)
Prices are subject to change. 50% discount available with Golden Access Passport. * Prices do not include a non-refundable campground reservation fee of $4.00. Cancellations must be made by 5:00 p.m. in order to receive a refund. 14 Cancellation fee applies. A
Natural Tundra c
Shuttle Camper t History Wilderness I’d enjoy… Bus Bus Other Campgrounds i
Tour Tour v
Please camp responsibly! Camping at unmanaged i
… a hike t
areas along the Parks Highway damages the i … the flexibility to e
get on and off environment. Garbage and illegal sewage discharge s
buses to explore on create problems for people and wildlife. A number my own
of managed campground options are available
… going as far into that offer RV hookups, sewage disposal, tent I the park as possible n camping, and food lockers. Thank you for protecting f
… accessing the o backcountry for our environment! r backpacking m
… staying at a Privately Owned a campground in a tent Campground Distance* # Sites Phone # t i o … a bus tour with Waugaman Village 14 N 18 907-683-2737 an interpretive n
McKinley RV naturalist
and Campground 12 N 89 907-683-2379
… a tour more Denali RV Park 8 N 85 907-683-1500 focused on history F and culture Denali Riverside e … looking for wildlife Campground 3 N 98 888-778-7700 a t
… a morning trip that Denali Rainbow u gets me back for RV Camping 1 N 77 907-683-7777 r
the noon train to e
Anchorage. Denali Grizzly S
… a day trip that will Bear Cabins t get me back for and Campground 6 S 89 907-683-2696 o
the afternoon train r
to Fairbanks Carlo Creek Lodge 13 S 25 907-683-2576 i e
… bicycling on the Cantwell RV Park 27 S 76 800-940-2210 s
Park Road.
* Miles from park entrance, North (N) or South (S)
2 0 0
Murie Science and Learning Center 7
T N a t i
Situated in the entrance area of Denali National Park o r n a l i and Preserve, the Murie Science and Learning Center P a p r k
S e is dedicated to understanding and preserving the r v P i c e
sub-arctic and arctic ecosystems and cultures within p l h o a t Alaska’s national parks through research and education. o
b y n
K r i s n t e n
Summer Field Seminars F e r i e s e r
and Teacher Trainings n
These small group interactive courses provide participants with an in-depth look into the Denali landscape. Courses begin at the Murie Science and Learning Center before heading out into the park to stay at a remote field camp. Instruction is provided by experts in the field on topics such as wildlife, biology, geology, wildflowers, and writing.
To find out more about our 2007 summer schedule please visit www.denaliinstitute.org or A teacher discovers dinosaur footprints with paleoecologist Dr. Tony call 907-683-1269 or toll-free 888-688-1269 Fiorillo during a teacher training seminar. 15
Mount Healy Overlook To Healy 3425ft Horseshoe and Fairbanks Lake 1044m
Wilderness Access Center Entrance Area Winter Visitor Center (Closed) (Murie Science and 3 (Winter) Learning Center)
0 0.5 Kilometer Horseshoe Creek Riley Creek 0 0.5 Mile
ver Ri
Riley Creek
R o c k C re e T k he Al ek aska R Cre ailr s oa Hine d a n Gate na e N Park Headquarters Sled Dog Kennels 3 To Cantwell and Anchorage Where to Stay How to Get Here Riley Creek Campground, located at the park By Car: entrance, is open for primitive camping in the Bear Loop Take Alaska Highway 3 south from Fairbanks or north area all winter. Registration is not required. Toilets are from Anchorage to the park entrance at mile 237. provided and barrels are on-site to dispose of dog feces. Snow can be melted or creek water boiled for drinking. By Train: Water is also available at The Murie Science and Learning The Alaska Railroad arrives at the Denali Depot northbound Center (mile 1.3 on the Park Road). Winter camping is free. on Saturdays and southbound on Sundays throughout the winter. Contact 800-544-0552 or 265-2494 in Anchorage. Local Accommodations are offered year-round in Cantwell, 27 miles south, and Healy, 12 miles north of By Plane: the park entrance. For more information on Healy area The Denali Park Airstrip is open for private, non-commercial facilities, call the Greater Healy-Denali Chamber of planes on skis or wheels during the winter, although weather Commerce at 907-683-4636. The nearest large grocery conditions and plow availability may mean that the airstrip is store is in Fairbanks, but both Healy and Cantwell have not plowed for wheeled landings at times. Parking is minimal. small convenience markets and gas stations. There is no Please phone ahead to check on current conditions. rental equipment available in the Denali area. The Kantishna Airstrip at the west end of the Park Road is also potentially available for ski-equipped planes, but the ALPENGLOW strip is not maintained. Produced and Designed by For More Information Denali National Park and Preserve Park Coordinator P.O. Box 9, Denali Park, AK 99755 Marisa S. James 907-683-2294 or [email protected] Contributors www.nps.gov Paul Anderson, Gregg Bailey, Clare Curtis, Mike Giannechini, Phyllis Motsko, Ingrid Nixon, Pam Sousanes, David Tomeo, Mary Wysong For topographical maps and other publications contact: Artwork Printing Alaska Natural History Association Heidi Barker Anchorage Daily News Printed on chlorine-free paper using soy-based ink. P.O. Box 230, Denali Park, AK 99755 The Alpenglow is published by the Alaska Natural History Association 907-683-1272 or www.alaskanha.org in cooperation with Denali National Park and Preserve. This free publication is made possible by revenue from sales at the Association bookstore in Denali. ©Alaska Natural History Association