Weekend ranger hikes planned at Denali National Park

DENALI PARK — Park rangers at Denali National Park and Preserve invite the public to join in exploring the park on weekend hikes this winter.

Hikes will be done on snowshoes when snow conditions are favorable, and will take place on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning this weekend. Hikers will meet at 1 p.m., at the Murie Science and Learning Center, Mile 1.3 on the Park Road just west of the traffic circle.

The hikes will take place on trails in the park’s entrance area, providing opportunities to experience and learn about the winter environment of the park and interior Alaska. A limited number of snowshoes are available for use during the hike, and those interested in participating are encouraged to bring their own equipment. Hikes will last two to three hours, and participants are advised to dress warmly and bring lunch or snacks. Hikes will not take place if temperatures are colder than -10.

Denali National Park and Preserve collects an entrance fee year-round. The entrance fee of $10 per person is good for seven days (visitors age 15 or younger are free). 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.

Additional information on winter activities is available on the park website at http://tinyurl.com/7dcdmqr or by calling (907) 683-9532 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.