Permits & Reservations

Entrance Fees

There is an entrance fee for any visitor traveling to Denali. In addition, there are sometimes costs associated with the other reservations or permits described below.

Denali Individual Weekly Pass - $15.00

Admits one individual, 16 years and up.

Denali Annual Pass - $45.00

This pass is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. The pass covers the cardholder plus up to three fellow travelers. Up to two names can be written on the pass, meaning it can be used by either cardholder.

Fees and Passes Details

 

What Activities Require a Reservation?

Advance reservations are recommended for just two specific activities:

• Riding a bus
• Camping

Most other activities in the park either do not require reservations, or can only be reserved once you are physically here.

 

Bus Tickets and Campground Reservations

Advance reservations are recommended for bus trips and campground stays in Denali. Learn more about your options for transit buses, tour buses, and campgrounds.

Already know what you need? Make bus and/or campground reservations through our concessioner's website.

• Senior and Access pass holders receive a discount on nightly campground fees. These passes do not modify bus ticket prices.
• Buses only operate during the summer season (mid-May to mid-September) and most campgrounds (except for Riley Creek Campground) are open in summer only.
• Bus and campground reservations can be made as early as December 1 of the year before you plan to visit (e.g., December 1, 2023 for a 2024 visit).
• There are no NPS-operated hotels or lodges in Denali. We suggest you visit the local Denali Chamber of Commerce's website to research other lodging options.

 

Discovery Hikes

These ranger-led programs are offered from mid-June through late summer each year (exact dates vary). Discovery hikes take place off-trail in the wilderness and are designed for adventurous visitors. Spaces are limited, but you cannot reserve a spot in advance or remotely. All members of your party must come in person to the Denali Visitor Center one or two days in advance to sign up for a given hike.

Most hikes involve a bus ride (and therefore, the cost of a bus ticket) to reach the hike location, but you do not need to reserve bus tickets before you've signed up for the hike at the visitor center. Learn more about what to expect on a discovery hike.

 

What Activities Require a Permit?

Permits are not quite the same thing as reservations, although there are similarities. A permit in Denali is for some kind of very specific activity, like mountaineering or backpacking. Getting a permit for a specific activity usually involves talking to a ranger, too, either because the activity is inherently dangerous or because it's complex and there is information you need from us, and that we need from you, before you visit.

Some permitted activities have a fee involved, while other permits are free. The Superintendent’s Compendium identifies all activities that require a permit.

 

Backpacking and Mountaineering

• A free permit is required for backpacking in most of Denali. Learn more about how to obtain a backcountry permit.
• If you plan to climb Denali or Mt. Foraker, you are required to register and pay for a permit 60 days in advance of your climb. Learn about mountaineering in Denali.

Commercial Activities

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) are limited authorizations to provide specific visitor services within the boundaries of Denali National Park and Preserve. A business or an individual must obtain either a Concession Contract or a CUA prior to conducting any commercial activity in the park.

• Find a list of authorized commercial guides in Denali.
• Learn how to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization to conduct business in Denali.

Special Use Permits

A special park use is a short-term activity that takes place in a park area and typically provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization, or a First Amendment cause, rather than the public at large. These permits are issued and approved only after National Park Service staff determine that the activity will not impair park values, resources, and visitor enjoyment.

Types of activities that require special use permits:

Weddings, Ceremonies, and Other Organized Gatherings

• A special use permit with a $200 application fee is required for most events or ceremony for groups larger than 12 held at any location within Denali National Park and Preserve. Most ceremonies in the park are brief and simple; elaborate ceremonies do not work well in the park’s natural setting.
• Party size determines which locations may be used for ceremonies. Email the permit coordinator for more information (with “SUP” in the subject line).
• Ceremonies may not impede the activities of other park visitors; areas may not be roped off or blocked in any way.
• No littering, such as the releasing of balloons or throwing of rice, birdseed, flower petals or any other natural or artificial material.
• Special Use Permit application (5 or fewer participants, minimal equipment)
• Special Use Permit application (6+ participants or substantial equipment needs)

Filming

• All commercial filming requires a permit. "Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props.
• Commercial filming requires a permit and payment of a $200 application fee.
• Commercial filming permit application and additional information.

Still Photography

• Still photography may require a permit and payment of a $200 application fee, depending on the nature of the activity.
• A permit is required for still photography only when
  • the activity takes place in an area closed to the public; or
  • the activity uses a model, set, or prop; or
  • the National Park Service would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.
• Still photography permit application and additional information

First Amendment Activities

• First Amendment activities include organized public assemblies, demonstrations, speechmaking, and distributing printed materials.
• First Amendment demonstration locations for groups that involve 25 or fewer person are defined in Superintendent’s Compendium and include all outdoor areas in the Frontcountry Developed Area - excluding campgrounds, the NPS kennels, and the NPS dog yard. Demonstrations must not block ingress or egress to buildings or roadways.
• Demonstrations involving 26 or more individuals or meeting other must have a special use permit issued by the Superintendent.
• Application (no application fee). Please submit applications at least ten days in advance of activities.

Scattering of Ashes

All areas are open to scattering of human ashes (cremains) without a permit except for developed areas, campgrounds, and park facilities. The excepted areas or other circumstances require a permit or authorization.

Email the permit coordinator for more information (with “SUP” in the subject line).

Other Activities

Any activity not mentioned on this page does not require reservations. For example, any ranger program other than Discovery Hikes, or just dayhiking on your own, are activities that do not require any kind of reservation or permit.