Denali National Park and Preserve officials in Alaska recently decided to open all portions of the 1980 park additions to the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities.
According to a Dec. 22, 2021, National Park Service press release, the park has received sufficient snowfall making traditional winter activities possible.
“The management of Denali National Park and Preserve has determined that there is adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities in all areas of the 1980 park additions," the release stated.
"Riders are reminded that all lands within the former Mount McKinley National Park on both the north and the south sides of the Alaska Range are closed to all snowmobile use by federal regulation," the NPS stated in the release. "Riding conditions are variable. It is the rider’s responsibility to avoid locations where damage to vegetation or soils could occur, or where vegetation is taller than the protective snow cover.”
Individuals who ride snowmobiles in Denali National Park must be at least 16 years old and accompanied by another person 21 or older. Riders must also comply with the following:
- Intentionally disturbing or frightening wildlife is forbidden.
- Do not operate a snowmobile that makes excessive noise.
- Riders must operate a snowmobile with a headlamp and red tail lamp a half-hour before and after sunrise or sunset and when people and vehicles are not clearly visible for 500 feet.
- Snowmobiles will not be operated at speeds in excess of 45 mph and racing is prohibited.
