What are Sled Dog Demos?Rangers and dogs work together to demonstrate a traditional Alaskan mode of travel. These unique, 30 minute programs include an opportunity to tour the park kennels and visit Denali's Alaskan huskies.Some seating is available for the demonstration, and there is plenty of standing room. Programs are given rain or shine, so be prepared with an umbrella or rain coat if skies look forbidding. No fees or reservations are required. Demonstrations are given three times daily in peak season (June 1 through early September), at 10 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm. One or two demos per day are offered in early and late season (mid-May to mid-September). Free buses leave the Denali Visitor Center for the kennels approximately forty (40) minutes before each demonstration (9:20 am, 1:20 pm, 3:20 pm). No parking is available at the kennels, so please plan on using the buses or walking the two miles from the Denali Visitor Center to the kennels. American Sign LanguageOur goal is to provide American Sign Language interpretation, when requested, for all ranger programs. Denali is very remote, however, so please request ASL interpretation as early as you can to ensure that we can accommodate your request!Visiting the KennelsYou don't have to limit your visit to a time when we offer a formal demonstration. In summer, the kennels are open generally from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Safety bulletins are posted at the kennels entrance—please read through these before entering and do not bring pets into the kennels.In summer (roughly mid-May through mid-September), you can easily reach the Headquarters and sled dog kennels via the free sled dog demonstration bus. Public parking in this area is limited—if you drive yourself to the kennels, do not expect to find a parking spot. In winter (roughly mid-September through mid-May), the kennels focus on preparing for multi-night trips in the park. You may get to see teams packing or harnessing to leave on a run, teams returning from a run, or you may find very few dogs in the kennel as the rest are out in the park. Look for hours posted near the kennels facility, or stop by the winter visitor center to ask if you can visit the dogs. If the entrance to the kennels is blocked, that means the facility is closed. Program ScheduleNote: Programs are only available mid-May through mid-September |
Last updated: January 27, 2024