Denali offers abundant places to explore, with few established trails. Route-finding and trail-breaking are up to you. Difficulty levels may quickly change with snow conditions. You are free to ski, snowshoe, or dog sled wherever your interest, imagination, and ability can take you. Unlike summer, there are no closed areas in Denali during winter. Obtain detailed park topographic maps for backcountry route-finding or extended travel. Inquire at park headquarters about current travel conditions.

Activities

Skiing and Snowshoeing
For a relatively easy ski, sled, or snowshoe trip, simply follow the park road as far as you like. The smooth surface and often-broken trail make this a popular route until mid-March, when the road opens. After that, there may be snowplows or official vehicles on the road. When that happens, try skiing the benches north of the park road. Or drop down to Hines Creek. Follow it downstream to Rock Creek, and turn up rock Creek to return to the Park Road near Headquarters.

If you want to head into the backcountry, the options are infinite.

Dog route
Follow the trail to the kennels. You will see a trail heading off to the west. Options include: Follow the dog route which connects to the park road at several points. Continue straight ahead when the dog route forks to the right. Head west looking for a clear route downhill to Hines Creek. Follow Hines Creek downstream to Rock Creek and return to the road by rock Creek (2 miles).

Dog Sledding - A Denali Tradition
Spectacular routes along the Alaska Range parallel the Denali Park Road. You will need to bring your own sled dog team and equipment since there are no commercial dog sled operations in the park. Please check with Denali's Kennels Manager to find out about current mushing conditions.

In 1921, Denali's first ranger patrolled the park by dog team in the winter. Today, the park's rangers continue that tradition, keeping watch over the park from the back of a dog sled during snow-covered months. Visit the kennels or look for the sled dogs on the trail during your visit.

Sky Watching
Unobscured by city lights, the stars and aurora curtains brighten the dark winter night sky. Green is the most common color of Northern Lights.

Wildlife

There is plenty of winter action, including twenty-six species of birds and many kinds of mammalian tracks in the snow.

Bears hibernate during the winter. They have been spotted as late as November and as early as March.

Moose try to stay out of deep snow to ward off predators. Be careful on hard packed trails-even though people make them, moose are possessive of these safe and easy passages.

Caribou move to their wintering grounds, to the north and northwest of the park road, early in the winter and journey back to calving grounds, inside the park, in early spring.

Packs of Wolves may be sighted as they search for prey weakened by the demands of the harsh winter.

Dall Sheep winter in the Outer Range, on the north side of the road, where strong winds keep exposed ridges free of deep snow.

Accommodations and Camping

Riley Creek campground at the park entrance is open year round. However once temperatures drop below freezing water is not available. There is no fee for camping once the Visitor Access Center is closed for the season. Most other park campgrounds will reopen Memorial Day weekend.

Backcountry camping is possible year round but permits are required. These may be obtained at Park Headquarters every day between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.

During the winter months the Denali Park Hotel and local hotels immediately outside the park boundary are closed. Lodging is available both in Healy (12 miles north) and Cantwell (30 miles south) on Highway 3.

Transportation

Alaska Highway 3 is open year round allowing access to the Denali Park road. The Alaska Railroad makes a round trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks every week departing from Anchorage on Saturday and returning from Fairbanks on Sunday.

Once inside the park transportation is very limited. The park road is not plowed beyond Park Headquarters at Mile 3.5 until late winter; if you want to journey further break out your skis or snowshoes or hitch up your dogs.

Winter Weather

Daylight

The mountains block the winter sun between late November and mid-February, making the daylight hours seem even shorter. The sunrise and sunset figures for Park Headquarters are:

Safety and Equipment

A sunny, calm day can change to extreme cold, blinding snow, and high winds in a matter of minutes. Always take emergency survival gear such as extra food, clothing, matches, and tent or bivouac bag. A map, compass, and snowshoes or skis are essential for longer trips. Let someone know your intended route and trip plans.

	Avalanches are possible in steep mountainous areas; be aware of the danger and check with a ranger for current conditions. Moose should always have the right-of-way. Avoid them if possible. Dogs are not allowed off leash. Unleashed dogs harass wildlife and wreak havoc with passing teams of sled dogs. Thin Ice, overflow, and weak snow bridges along streams and rivers can cause an unexpected icy plunge. Carry dry clothes and socks in a waterproof bag.

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