Sept. 16 ‘Military Appreciation Day’ at Denali

DENALI — The National Park Service will provide the opportunity for up to 400 active members of the military and their families to drive the Denali Park Road Sept. 16 as part of a “Military Appreciation Day” to recognize and thank these individuals for their contributions to the nation.

The permits will be distributed to military personnel stationed in Alaska through their internal channels. The guidelines for driving the road, observing, and photographing wildlife will be the same as for the four days of the fall road lottery.

Camping, road lottery, and entry fees will be waived for active members of the military on that day. The free annual U.S. Military Pass, which is for U.S. military members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Reserve and National Guard (and their dependents), will be available at the Denali Visitor Center for use in future visits. Please have a Common Access Card or Military ID.

If the weather cooperates the park road will be open for travel by private vehicles to the Teklanika Rest Area at Mile 30, beginning Sept. 17 until snow closes it for the season at park headquarters (Mile 3).