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.

 

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.

 

Riding a Bus

Buses operate from mid-May to mid-September. Tour and transit buses require a reservation.

Camping

Advanced reservations are recommended for campground stays in Denali.

Discovery Hikes- Ranger Led Program

Offered from mid-June through late summer. Participants must reserve a spot in person at the Denali Visitor Center.

 

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.

 

Backcountry Permits

A free permit is required for backpacking in most of Denali. Learn how to obtain a backcountry permit.

Mountaineering in Denali

If you plan to climb Mount McKinley or Mt. Foraker, you are required to register and pay for a permit 60 days in advance of your climb.

Commercial Activities

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) must be obtained prior to conducting any commercial activity in the park.

 

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.

 

Filming and Photography Permits

Some types of filming and photography activities require a special use permit.

Weddings, Ceremonies, and Gatherings

A special use permit is required for most groups larger than 12 gathering in the park. Some small groups may also require a permit.

 

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.

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.