Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station

Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station

Located in the town of Talkeetna, about 100 miles south of the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, this ranger station serves as the center of mountaineering operations. Climbers wishing to attempt Mount McKinley or other peaks in the Alaska Range stop here first, for an orientation to the mountain and to acquire their climbing permit.

This ranger station also offers some visitor services, particularly in summer. It is open year-round.

Addresses

Physical Address

22241 S. B Street
Talkeetna, AK 99676

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 588
Talkeetna, AK 99676

Directions

The Talkeetna Spur Road is at Mile 100 on Highway 3. Drive down the Talkeetna Spur Road its full 15 mile length to the town of Talkeetna and look for the visitor center on B street.

Hours & Seasons

Closed today

Current Hours (Late Winter Hours)

January 3–April 15

• Sunday:Closed
• Monday-Friday:10:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Saturday:Closed

Show Standard Hours

Standard Hours

• Every Day:8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Throughout the main summer season (April 16 to mid-September), the ranger station is open daily from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Hours are limited and vary in fall, winter, and spring. Call to speak with a ranger about visiting during winter months.

Closures & Seasonal Exceptions

Late Winter Hours

January 3–April 15

• Sunday:Closed
• Monday-Friday:10:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Saturday:Closed

Fall Hours

September 18–September 30

• Sunday:Closed
• Monday-Friday:8:00 AM–4:30 PM
• Saturday:Closed

October Hours

October 1–October 31

• Sunday:Closed
• Monday-Friday:10:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Saturday:Closed

Closed in November and December

November 1–January 2

• Every Day:Closed

Holidays

2025–2026

New Year's Day	January 1, 2026	Closed
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.	January 19, 2026	10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Washington's Birthday	February 16, 2026	10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Columbus Day	October 13, 2025	10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Veterans Day	November 11, 2025	Closed
Thanksgiving Day	November 27, 2025	Closed
Christmas Day	December 25, 2025	Closed
Holiday	Date	Hours

Amenities

• Accessible Rooms
• Benches/Seating
• Cellular Signal
• Entrance Passes For Sale
• First Aid Kit Available
• Gifts/Souvenirs/Books
• Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
• Information
• Information - Maps Available
• Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present
• Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board
• Internet/WiFi Available
• Restroom
• Scenic View/Photo Spot

Contact Information

Email Address

Send this visitor center an email

Phone Numbers

• Voice phone number
  [phone]

Image Gallery

wooden sign that reads Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station

A small wooden sign reading 'Mount McKinley climber memorial'

a river and nearby forest framing the view of a distant, huge, snowy mountain

a park ranger speaking to two people outside of a building

a woman in ranger uniform speaks with people at a desk indoors

A map of the world with hundreds of push-pins stuck into it

The ranger station in Talkeetna is named for Walter Harper, an Athabascan man who was the first person to summit Mount McKinley in 1913.
NPS Photo / Emily Mesner

A small memorial for climbers who lost their lives on Mount McKinley.
NPS Photo

A short walk from the ranger station is the Talkeetna River, from which a great view of Mount McKinley can be found on clear days.
NPS Photo / Emily Mesner

The Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station is the starting point for all mountaineers wishing to attempt Mount McKinley.
NPS Photo

Visitors speak to Ranger Pam while in Talkeetna
NPS Photo / Emily Mesner

Visitors to Talkeetna are welcome to let other travelers know where they came from.
NPS Photo / Emily Mesner

 

Contact Information

Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station
P.O. Box 588
Talkeetna, AK 99676
[phone]

E-mail us

 

Mountaineering Information