Denali is largely wilderness without trails, designated by Congress to remain a "primitive" area in many respects. The National Park Service strives to make the park as universally accessible as possible. However, extra obstacles will be encountered because of the remote, wilderness nature of this special place.

If your questions concerning accessibility are unanswered after reading the below information, please contact us at 907 683-2294 [TDD users call 907 683-9649] or email us.

• Facilities
• Trails
• Buses
• Park Road Accessibility
• Information for the Hearing Impaired
  
  

Facilities

The two main facilities in the park entrance area - the Denali Visitor Center and Wilderness Access Center - offer handicap parking and paved walkways. Restrooms at both centers are wheelchair accessible. The Murie Science & Learning Center also offers a paved walkway, as of summer 2009.

The Denali Visitor Center features a wide staircase and elevator for access between its two floors. You may borrow a wheelchair free of charge from the center. 

The Wilderness Access Center and Murie Science & Learning Center are one level.

Farther in the park are Eielson Visitor Center and the Toklat Rest area. Both are single level, and Eielson offers paved walkways from the bus parking lot to the facility.

Various rest stops along the Park Road are wheelchair accessible.

Located at mile 3 on the Park Road, the sled dog kennels can also be accessed by wheelchair via a 50 yard (meter) long path. However, the trail surface in the kennels is compacted gravel - not pavement. If you need assistance moving around the kennels, please let us know. Rangers working in the kennels are happy to help.

The Talkeetna Ranger Station is one level, offers handicap parking, a ramp and accessible rest rooms.

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Trails

Denali's small trail network is largely centered around the Denali Visitor Center. Segways and wheelchairs (motorized and non-motorized) are permitted on park trails, even where signs prohibit other non-foot traffic such as bicycles or motorized vehicles.

The Bike Trail / Path serves as the main pedestrian artery, connecting the park entrance with the Denali Visitor Center. It parallels the Park Road for 1.6 miles, is gravel surfaced, has a 5% maximum grade and is 10 feet wide. As it turns north and parallels the George Parks Highway 3, for another 1.5 miles, the surface is paved.

A 1.5 mile scenic hike through diverse taiga forest, the McKinley Station Trail connects Riley Creek Campground with the Denali Visitor Center. The trail offers great views of cultural sites, Hines Creek, and the Alaska Railroad Trestle over Riley Creek. The trail is gravel surfaced, has an 8-10% maximum grade, and is 6 feet wide.

Farther out along the Park Road is the Savage Cabin Trail. It is 0.3 miles long, 8 feet wide and has interpretive signs at its terminus, the historic Savage Patrol Cabin. This cabin is still used in winter by park dog teams while on patrol.

Other trails may offer sections of reasonably easy access for the mobility-impaired. Please stop by the Denali Visitor Center for more suggestions.

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Buses

Many tour and shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible. Please be sure to note the need for such a bus when making advance reservations or when buying tickets in person at the Wilderness Access Center. Drivers also save the front seat of each bus to facilitate easy access for those with mobility issues, but who do not require a wheelchair.

Courtesy buses, such as the Savage River Shuttle and the Riley Creek Loop are also wheelchair accessible. All courtesy buses load at the Denali Visitor Center bus stop. For each sled dog demonstration, up to four buses may be used, and at least one bus for each demonstration is wheelchair accessible. If you see dog sled demonstration buses loading but are waiting for the accessible bus, you may check with the driver to find out when the accessible bus will arrive for loading. 

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Road Travel For People With Special Needs

The National Park Service and our concessioner make every effort to accommodate visitors with special needs. In rare circumstances, however, an individual's needs may not be met by the accommodations that are available on our shuttle and tour buses. Those individuals are encouraged to contact us to learn if they may qualify to receive a road travel permit.

Applicants must be able to explain to park managers why accommodations on the bus system are insufficient to meet personal needs. Adequate time is needed to go through this process, so we would appreciate hearing from you well in advance of your visit.

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For The Hearing Impaired

The park film, called "Heartbeats of Denali," can be viewed at the Denali Visitor Center. This film is open-captioned and assisted listening devices are available. Another film, "Across Time & Tundra," shown at the Wilderness Access Center is open-captioned.

If you are riding a bus during your visit, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters can be provided through the bus concessioner. Due to our remote location (120 miles from the nearest large town, Fairbanks), please give the concessioner notice of your needs two or more days in advance.

If you need an ASL interpreter for purposes other than a bus trip into the park, please email or call us 907-683-2294 / 907-683-9649 (TDD).

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