Lottery deadline is fast approaching for Denali National Park road pass

The popular Denali National Park and Preserve road lottery deadline is July 31, and no late entries are being accepted.

This year, it costs $10 for each lottery entry.

"The cost is purely aimed at offsetting the administrative and operational costs," said park spokesperson Kris Fister. "We're not profiting from the lottery, we're just making sure we don't lose money."

Lottery winners may enter the park on Sept. 17-20, weather permitting. Entries must include a legible return address, the entrant's choice of dates (in order of preference, printed on the back of the envelope) and a check or money order for $10 made payable to the National Park Service.

Lottery entries must be postmarked through July 31 only. Entries postmarked before or after those dates will not be accepted, parks officials said.

Only one entry per person will be accepted, and duplicate entries will be disqualified. Entries received without an application fee will be held at the park, pending receipt of the application fee before the drawing date.

If the application fee is not received by that time, the entry will not be included in the drawing.

Those interested should mail entries to: Road Lottery, Denali National Park and Preserve, P.O. Box 9, Denali Park, AK 99755.

The random drawing takes place in mid-August, and winners are notified by mail.

A $35, non-refundable fee is required on the day the permit is picked up by lottery winners at the park, which includes the $10 park entrance fee.

Permits are transferable.