Winter Visits To Denali National Park and Preserve Can Include Ranger-Led Hikes

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on January 7, 2011 - 2:00am

Visiting Denali National Park this winter? Consider joining a ranger for a snowshoe hike. NPS photo.

One and all are invited to join Denali National Park and Preserve rangers for hikes this winter, but you better be the hardy sort, as these aren't canceled unless the temperature drops below -10 degrees Fahrenheit!

The hikes, offered on Saturdays and Sundays, kick off January 15. Rangers will gather all comers at 1 p.m. on those days at the Murie Science and Learning Center, which is located at Mile 1.3 on the Park Road.

According to a release from the park, the hikers will head out on trails near the park entrance where they'll learn a bit about Denali's winter environment. A limited number of snowshoes are available for hikers, though the park is encouraging those who plan to join these treks to bring their own equipment.

"The hikes will last for 2 to 3 hours. Participants are advised to dress warmly and bring lunch or snacks. The hikes will not take place if temperatures are colder than -10ºF," the release notes.

The Murie Science and Learning Center is a source of information and inspiration for winter visitors wishing to experience and learn more about the park. A winter trails map depicting ski and snowshoe routes of varying difficulties and lengths is available for those who want to explore the park on their own. Visitors can view exhibits on winter ecology, wildlife and park research, watch documentary videos about Denali, and warm up after a ski or hike. Plug-ins are available in the parking lot. The MSLC is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Denali National Park and Preserve collects an entrance fee year-round. The entrance fee of $10 per person or $20 per vehicle is good for seven days. The majority of the money collected remains in the park to be used for projects to improve visitor services and facilities. Interagency Federal Recreation Passes such as the Annual, Senior, and Access Pass, and the Denali Annual Pass are also valid for entry into the park and can be purchased at the MSLC.

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