THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKPERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
Denali National Park and Preserve and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service will continue fuels-reduction work this fall near the park entrance to reduce wildfire risk around park buildings, infrastructure and public-use areas.
Official NPS sourceDenali National Park and Preserve will open the Denali Park Road to private vehicle traffic as far as Teklanika Rest Area at mile 30 beginning Friday, Sept. 18, weather and road conditions permitting.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service, Federal Highway Administration and project partners today celebrated the completion of the Pretty Rocks Bridge with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Denali National Park and Preserve, marking a major milestone in restoring access to the west end of Denali Park Road following the Pretty Rocks landslide and road closure in August 2021.
Official NPS sourceMountaineering rangers on Mt. McKinley recovered the bodies of four deceased climbers from two different incidents.
Official NPS sourceA National Park Service employee on a climbing patrol died around 2 p.m. Thursday after falling into a crevasse near 14,000 Foot Camp on Mount McKinley.
Official NPS sourceA climber experienced a medical event during a decent from the summit of Mt. McKinley at 18,700-feet around midnight on Sunday. The climber’s mountain guides alerted the National Park Service of the incident, and it remains under investigation. Recovery efforts are ongoing
Official NPS sourceFour members of a seven-member climbing group have been safely recovered from Mount McKinley in Denali National Park and Preserve as of about 1:30 p.m. local time Friday.
Official NPS sourceSearch and rescue teams from Denali National Park and Preserve rescued a climber from the 17,200-foot basin on Mount McKinley about 4 p.m. Thursday.
Official NPS sourceDenali National Park and Preserve has temporarily closed the Savage River Campground, located at Mile 13 of the Denali Park Road, due to ongoing wildlife activity in the area
Official NPS sourceDenali National Park and Preserve mountaineering rangers responded to two separate climbing incidents on Mount McKinley.
Official NPS sourceThe superintendent has determined that there is not adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities in the 1980 additions to Denali National Park and Preserve on both sides of the Alaska Range.
Official NPS sourceFive future canine rangers are already capturing hearts across the country. Born March 30, Denali’s newest sled dog puppies are now live on the park’s beloved Puppy Cam, offering a front-row seat to the next generation of working dogs in action.
Official NPS source
Due to the heavy snow load this winter, Denali National Park and Preserve is extending prescribed burning of slash piles in the park entrance area to May 1 – 30 dependent on weather and conditions on site.
Official NPS sourceDenali National Park and Preserve will open the Denali Park Road to private vehicle traffic as far as Mile 30, the Teklanika Rest Area, on Tuesday, April 28.
Official NPS sourceBeginning April 20, the superintendent of Denali National Park and Preserve will close portions of the preserve to snowmobile use for traditional activities because of inadequate snow cover. The closure applies to the area from the Southwest Preserve to the West Fork of the Chulitna River.
Official NPS source
Denali National Park and Preserve will be conducting prescribed burning of slash piles in the park entrance area between February 19 and May 1, 2026, dependent on weather and conditions on site.
Official NPS sourceEffective Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Superintendent has authorized opening the Denali Park Road (the park road) to the Mountain Vista Rest Area (mile marker 12) for travel by private vehicles and commercial vehicles with permits. This opening occurs routinely each season, as weather permits.
Official NPS sourceThe Superintendent of Denali National Park and Preserve has determined that there is adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities in areas of the 1980 park additions that are south of the crest of the Alaska Range. Areas north of the crest were opened in December.
Official NPS sourceDenali National Park and Preserve is offering the opportunity for Commercial Dog Sled trips permitted through a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) as a one-year temporary trial.
Official NPS sourceThe Superintendent 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 that are north of the crest of the Alaska Range.
Official NPS source
Denali National Park and Preserve will be conducting prescribed burning of slash piles in the park entrance area between December 1, 2025, and January 30, 2026, dependent on weather and conditions on site.
Official NPS sourceDenali National Park and Preserve will be conducting prescribed burning of slash piles in the park entrance area between October 1 and November 30, 2025, dependent on weather and conditions on site.
Official NPS sourceDenali National Park and Preserve will officially open the Park Road to private vehicle traffic the Teklanika Rest Area (Mile 30), on Friday, September 12, 2025.
Official NPS sourceAt 6 a.m. on Monday, September 1, the Denali Park Road will reopen from Teklanika rest area westbound, all bus traffic will resume, and Igloo Creek Campground will reopen.
Official NPS sourceDue to erosion at the Teklanika Bridge caused by high water levels in Denali National Park and Preserve, park officials closed the Denali Park Road this evening to all traffic from Teklanika rest area westbound.
Official NPS sourceAfter evaluating conditions, Denali National Park and Preserve officials have made the decision to reopen all areas in the park affected by the closures on August 29, 2025.
Official NPS sourcePortions of the Denali Park Road are experiencing flooding, erosion, and snow accumulation. Park officials have closed Denali Park Road at Mile 15 (Savage Check Station) until conditions improve, and bus services past the Savage Check Station have been suspended until further notice. Sanctuary Campground, Igloo Creek Campground, and Teklanika Campground have also been evacuated.
Official NPS sourceA fatal vehicle collision occurred early on the morning of August 1, 2025 near mile 235 of the George Parks Highway, just south of the entrance to the Denali Park Road.
Official NPS source
Effectively immediately, the use of open wood fires is prohibited in Denali National Park and Preserve.
Official NPS source
A skier was confirmed dead after being caught in a soft slab avalanche from below the Rescue Gully above Camp 14 on Mt. McKinley West Buttress Route at approximately 6:15 p.m. on June 10, 2025.
Official NPS source
The body of a deceased ski mountaineer was recovered on the morning of Wednesday, June 4. Alex Chiu, aged 41 of Seattle, Washington, died as a result of a 3,000-foot fall from the Mt. McKinley West Buttress climbing route on to the Peters Glacier.
Official NPS sourceSearch operations are currently underway for a fallen ski mountaineer on Mt. McKinley’s West Buttress.
Official NPS sourceThe live Puppy Cam is back at Denali National Park and Preserve to share the joy of this year's litter of five puppies born in the park on May 3, 2025.
Official NPS sourceThe Superintendent has determined that there is not adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobile for traditional activities in the 1980 additions to Denali National Park and Preserve on both sides of the Alaska Range. All park lands that were open for snowmobile use are now closed for the season.
Official NPS sourceDenali National Park and Preserve will open the Park Road to private vehicle traffic as far as Mile 30, the Teklanika Rest Area, on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Official NPS sourceThe Superintendent of Denali National Park and Preserve has determined that there is not adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities in most of the 1980 additions to Denali National Park and Preserve on both sides of the Alaska Range.
Official NPS source
Denali National Park and Preserve plans to conduct prescribed burning of slash piles around the park entrance area between March 3 and May 1, 2025, dependent on weather and conditions on site.
Official NPS sourceEffective Saturday, February 15, 2025, the superintendent has authorized opening the Denali Park Road to the Mountain Vista Rest Area (mile 12) for travel by private vehicles and commercial vehicles with permits.
Official NPS sourceThe Superintendent 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 except the portion from the West Fork of the Chulitna River to the Southwest Preserve.
Official NPS sourceThe U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today announced nearly $14 million of Bipartisan Infrastructure law funding to replace the Ghiglione Bridge, a seismically deficient bridge at mile 42 of the Denali Park Road. The Bridge Investment Program grant was awarded to 22 small and medium-sized bridge projects across the country.
Official NPS source
Denali National Park & Preserve plans to conduct prescribed burning of slash piles in the vicinity of the Denali Post Office, Headquarters, Park Housing and Kennels area near the entrance of Denali Park Road between October 15, 2024, and December 1, 2024, dependent on weather and conditions on site. Burning operations will take place within a specified and appropriate prescription window, monitored by Fire Management staff. Fire Management staff will check and monitor all piles until fully extinguished.
Official NPS sourceAn aircraft accident involving a flightseeing tour from K2 Aviation occurred in the Alaska Range inside Denali National Park and Preserve yesterday. There were no reported injuries. Rangers received a call from K2 at approximately 5:00 PM on July 12th, reporting that one of their airplanes, carrying nine people including the pilot, had lost power and made a forced landing adjacent to the Tokositna Glacier.
Official NPS sourceAs of 8:00 p.m. July 9, the GREEN-READY evacuation status for Denali National Park and Preserve campus housing will be lifted. At 4:30 a.m. tomorrow morning, July 10, the park will open to the public. Tour and transit bus service, the Denali Visitor Center, campgrounds west of park headquarters, and dog sled demonstrations will all resume their regular schedules. Tour and transit bus and campground reservations can be made by visiting Reserve Denali. The park road will also re-open to private vehicles to the Savage River Bridge (mile 15).
Official NPS sourceAt 4:30am on Wednesday, July 10, the National Park Service and Denali National Park Tours Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture will welcome visitors back to the park. Normal operations will resume, with the exception of Riley Creek Campground and Day Use Area, and the Horseshoe Lake Trail, which will remain closed due to ongoing firefighting and support activities in the area. The timing of the Wednesday opening is consistent with the recommendations of the Alaska Complex Incident Management Team working on the fire.
Official NPS source
Progress is being made on efforts to contain the Riley Fire, active in the entrance area of Denali National Park and Preserve. Fire crews continue to focus their efforts on the fire’s southern flank, the portion of the fire closest to facilities and infrastructure. As of Wednesday morning, July 3, crews report 25% containment. Fire size remains stable at an estimated 388 acres, with low fire activity overnight. Cooler and calmer weather is helping crews with containment efforts.
Official NPS source
The Riley Fire continues to be active near the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, requiring park officials to keep the park closed Tuesday, July 2. Smokejumpers and fire crews, combined with strong support from aerial resources, have made good progress over the past 24 hours, particularly along the fire’s southern flank and have officially reached 10% containment. Using better imagery data, fire managers now estimate the fire to be at 388 acres.
Official NPS source
Fire crews continue to make good progress fighting the Riley Fire adjacent to the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve. Two interagency hotshot crews from the Lower 48, the Mill Creek and Golden Eagles Hotshots, are fully engaged in the incident and will continue their efforts into the evening. As of 6:00pm on Tuesday, July 2, fire crews have continued a strong response along the fire’s southern flank and have reached 25% containment. Fire activity today has been smoldering and creeping with pockets of smoke, with the fire still estimated at 388 acres.
Official NPS source
The Riley Fire continues to be active near the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, causing park officials to keep the park closed Tuesday, July 2. Smokejumpers and fire crews, combined with strong support from aerial resources, have made significant progress, particularly along the fire’s southern flank.
Official NPS sourceThe Riley Fire continues to burn near the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, causing ongoing impacts to visitor operations. Jumpers and crews on the ground worked through the night and made good progress, particularly along the fire’s southern flank. To date, twelve smoke jumpers have joined the existing fire crews battling the fire, with four interagency hotshot crews enroute to assist. Various aircraft from multiple agencies are also contributing to the efforts. Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority.
Official NPS source
Evacuation orders have been issued for Denali National Park visitors staying in the Riley Creek Campground near the park entrance. All visitor facilities and park operations in Denali’s entrance area will be closed tomorrow, July 1.
Official NPS source
Evacuation orders are being issued for Denali National Park and partner employees residing in some housing areas near the park entrance. Visitors staying in the Riley Creek Campground, as well as residents living further west inside the park, are being informed to standby and be ready to evacuate if necessary.
Official NPS source
At 12:30pm on Sunday, June 30, a fire was reported about one mile north of the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, west of milepost 239 Parks Highway. At this time, no structures are immediately threatened. Name the Riley Fire, it is burning in black spruce in steep terrain near the Alaska Railroad.
Official NPS source
The Foraker Fire, detected on June 21st, continues to burn in Denali National Park and Preserve, having increased in size to 2613 acres. Two more fires, the Grizzly Fire and East Toklat fire were discovered – the Grizzly Fire is estimated at 1158 acres and East Toklat at 20 acres. Both are believed to be lightning-caused. Currently, none of these fires pose a threat to public safety or property. The Park’s protection agency partner, BLM/Alaska Fire Service, is continuing to monitor both fires and will conduct point protection tactics if needed.
Official NPS sourceDenali National Park and Preserve mountaineering personnel recovered the remains of a deceased Malaysian climber the evening of May 31.
Official NPS sourceOriginal Statement issued May 26, 2024 and Update added June 10, 2024 regarding reports that a National Park Service (NPS) official ordered the removal of an American flag from a Denali bridge construction worker’s vehicle at Denali National Park.
Official NPS sourceDenali National Park and Preserve rescue personnel evacuated one of two Malaysian climbers stranded at 19,600 feet on Denali at approximately 7:00 AM on Friday, May 31.
Official NPS source
Denali National Park mountaineering rangers are on standby to reach two distressed climbers located at 19,600 feet on Denali.
Official NPS sourceDenali National Park and Preserve mountaineering rangers received an SOS message from a team of three climbers on the 20,310-foot summit of Denali at 1:00 am on Tuesday morning, May 28. The message, sent via an InReach satellite communication device, indicated the team was hypothermic and unable to descend the mountain.
Official NPS source
Denali National Park and Preserve mountaineering rangers recovered the body of a deceased solo climber at 17,000 feet on Denali’s West Buttress route the evening of Monday, May 20. The climber has been identified as T. Hagiwara, from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
Official NPS source
On Monday, May 20, Denali National Park and Preserve mountaineering rangers located a deceased climber at an elevation of 17,000 feet on the West Buttress route on Denali. Recovery efforts will be attempted when weather conditions allow.
Official NPS source