National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

DENALI NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE

Summer 2007
Employee Handbook
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DENALI NATIONAL PARK!
Congratulations and welcome to Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve. We are glad you will be working
with us and we hope you will enjoy it here.

This handbook is designed to provide you with basic information that will help you during your employment and
make your time here pleasant and productive. Whether you are new to the area or the National Park Service,
or returning for another summer season, you will need to read this handbook. Policies and regulations are
frequently being updated, and it is up to you to become informed. Much of the information here may provide
answers to the questions you may have, or will direct you to the right person for the answers.

Denali is one of the few remaining examples of pristine wilderness and contains a bio-diversity found only in
few other places. Created in 1917, Mount McKinley National Park was set aside by Congress to preserve
wildlife in the shadow of Mount McKinley, which, at 20,320 feet is the highest mountain in North America. On
December 2, 1980, President Carter signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA)
adding additional acres of preserve to the park, increasing the park’s size to over 6 million acres. The park
was renamed “Denali National Park and Preserve”. Our mission is to protect intact, the globally significant
Denali ecosystem including their cultural, aesthetic and wilderness values and ensure opportunities for
inspiration, education, research, recreation and subsistence for this and future generations.

PARK ORGANIZATION
Headquarters for Denali National Park & Preserve is 125 miles south of Fairbanks and 250 miles north of
Anchorage. Denali's staff has over 100 permanent and term employees and close to 200 seasonal employees
at peak season. The park is organized into nine divisions: Superintendent, Administration, Resource
Management, Cultural Resources & Subsistence, Rangers, Interpretation, Concessions, Planning and
Compliance, and Maintenance, and the Center for Resources, Science, and Learning.

GETTING HERE
Driving: If you are driving to the park, the Alaska Highway is a long and winding road. You will encounter
short sections of road construction, but the bulk of the road is in fairly good condition. Feel free to call for route
information and driving tips, or purchase an Alaska Milepost, a publication that tells you what sights and
services you will find along the road from the US border through Canada and all of Alaska.

Flying: Fairbanks, 125 miles north, is the closest airport to Denali; Anchorage is 250 miles south. Ground
transportation from Fairbanks or Anchorage leaves once a day, in the morning, so you will probably need
accommodations for the night. Below is a list of possible transportation and rooms. If you have any further
questions please contact your supervisor.

Alaska Railroad: Phone 800-544-0552, Website www.alaskarailroad.com

Winter (Till May 13) Weekend Service Only Summer (May 17 – Sept 7) Daily Service
Sat. leave Anchorage 8:30am arrive Denali 3:46pm Northbound only on May 18, Southbound only Sept 17
Sun. leave Fairbanks 8:30am arrive Denali 12:15pm Leave Anchorage 8:15am arrive Denali 3:45pm
Leave Fairbanks 8:15am arrive Denali 12:15pm

If you choose to take the train, your supervisor can assist you to arrange for a discounted ticket and
transportation to headquarters and/or housing, about 2 miles from the railroad depot.

Shuttle Services: Parks Highway Express: Phone 888-600-6001

Website
http://fairbanks-
alaskavisitorscenter.com/images/parkshighwayexpress.html

Accommodations
Anchorage Youth Hostel: Phone 907-276-3635, Website
www.alaska.net/~hianch
Fairbanks Hostel: Phone 907-479-0099
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Other Hostels: http://www.hostels.com/en/us.ak.ot.html
Hotels: http://www.alaskatravel.com/alaska-hotels.html
WHAT TO BRING
Denali summers are often cool and damp. Summer temperatures can vary from high 80’s F to below freezing.
It can snow at anytime.

Essential items:
• Clothing for the great outdoors: Waterproof rain pants & jacket, and comfortable water-resistant hiking
boots, 1 or 2 sweaters (wool or fleece), warm jacket (fleece-lined shell), windbreaker, wool or fleece
hat, gloves or mittens, wool blend or polypropylene long underwear tops & bottoms (NOT cotton), wool
or polypropylene socks.
• Some “summer” clothing: T-shirts, jeans, a pair of shorts, running shoes, cotton socks.
• Towel, pillow, sheets, blankets (or a sleeping bag), toiletries, mosquito repellent or head net.
• Original social security card or birth certificate and photo I.D. such as a driver’s license OR your
passport are required by a Human Resources officer to verify your citizenship. (Note: you will need a
passport if you are coming through Canada on your way to Denali)
• Valid driver’s license!

Optional, but highly recommended:

• Earplugs for light sleepers, battery operated alarm clock.
• Extra footwear, gaiters to keep your pants dry, neoprene socks for stream crossings.
• Backpack, tent with rain fly, stove, cook kit, sleeping bag rated to 20°F, sleeping pad, water bottles,
water filter, compass, daypack, and first aid kit.
• Binoculars, camera, lots of film (it’s expensive here), books, shower shoes, etc.

Optional, if you have the room:

• Bicycle-nice for getting around the local area and seeing the park road. The Park Service has a limited
number of bicycles available for shared employee use.
• Cookware-basic cookware and utensils are provided in your cabin (see next page). You may want to
bring additional items such as measuring spoons & cups, a crock pot or coffee grinder.
• CD player-radio reception is very poor in the park, so bring your cd’s.

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HOUSING
For employees who live in park housing, rental rates of about $75
to $190 per biweekly pay period will be deducted from your C - Camp Cabins
paycheck.

Your supervisor will discuss the procedure to

check into your housing unit before you arrive
at park.

Seasonal residents may NOT keep pets in

the park.

Headquarters Area (East End)

If your duty station is Headquarters, you will be
sharing a 15' x 20' cabin in C-Camp at mile 3 of the park road. Quarters are warm and dry, but are NOT plush.
Cabins are furnished with propane heater, stove/oven, refrigerator, cupboards, table, chairs, electricity and two
small bedrooms (each with built-in bed, desk, closet, and drawers).

Be aware that the cabins do have a kitchen sink, however, during part of your stay, there will be no running water
to these sinks! This housing area was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1938, typical Alaskan-
style. Although a cold water system was added at a later date, the water piping is on top of the ground and
subject to freezing. Once there are no freezing temperatures at night, cold running water will be turned on to
the cabins. This usually occurs by mid-June, but can be later. Residents commonly haul drinking and cooking
water from the shower house to their cabins from the time of their arrival until the water is turned on.

C-Camp kitchens will be stocked with the following:

• 4 each: dinner plates, bowls, cups, glasses, forks, knives, spoons
• 1 each: serving spoon, pancake turner, paring knife, butcher knife, sauce pan, frying pan, 9”X13”
baking pan, can opener and water igloo container.

C-Camp has a central shower house with showers, toilets, washers and dryers. You don’t need change for the
washers and dryers; it’s all part of your housing cost. There is a separate recreation hall with satellite
television, VCR/DVD player, pool table, ping-pong table, foosball table, soda machine, book exchange, and a
volleyball court. There is also a computer available for internet access.

C-Camp facilities are for employee use only. C-Camp will be especially full during start-of-season training.
Showers, washing machines, and the utility sink will be in constant use. No guests please, during this
crowded period. After June 1, guests are permitted in C-Camp for short visits.

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 C- Camp Housing Area
Accommodations

Bedroom Desk

Kitchen / Living Area

C- Camp Shower House

Laundry

C-Camp Rec Hall 5

Toklat (West End)
If your duty station is Toklat, you will be sharing a duplex at the Toklat Road Camp at Mile 52 on the park road.
Quarters are warm and dry but are NOT plush. Cabins are furnished with propane heaters, stove/oven,
refrigerator, sink with running water (by mid-May), cupboards, table, chairs, electricity and two bedrooms. You
will share a common living area and enjoy the privacy of your own bedroom.

Toklat kitchens will be stocked with the following:

• 4 each: dinner plates, bowls, cups, glasses, forks, knives, spoons
• 1 each: serving spoon, pancake turner, paring knife, butcher knife, sauce pan, frying pan, 9”X13” cake
pan and can opener

Toklat has a roomy shower house with showers, a bathtub, toilets, washers and dryers. There is also a smaller
shower house without the bathtub. This shower house also has washers and dryers.

Toklat’s Recreation Hall is outfitted with satellite television, VCR, paperback book exchange, computer for
Internet access and common room, with a small set of free weights. There are large community freezers and
refrigerators. Toklat facilities are for employee use only. During start-of-season training, the West District
staff will be housed at C-Camp near Headquarters. C-Camp will be especially full during training. Showers,
washing machines, and the utility sink will be in constant use. Please, no guests during this crowded period.

Igloo and Sanctuary Ranger Cabins

The Igloo and Sanctuary rangers will live in one-room historic cabins situated adjacent to the park road. These
log cabins were constructed in the early 1930’s by the Alaska Road Commission. These cabins are often used
during the winter by park rangers performing sled dog patrols. The cabins are furnished with cookware and
utensils, propane refrigerator, lights and cook stove. The heating stoves are propane at Igloo and Sanctuary.
Neither cabin has running water or indoor plumbing; however the views from the outhouses are something to
write home about. Speaking of outhouses, you will be happy to know that the permafrost maintains a
somewhat odor free environment and the use of Styrofoam seats keeps your bottom comfortable!

Wonder Lake Ranger Station

If you are duty stationed at Wonder Lake, you will occupy the historical ranger station or a small cabin adjacent
to the ranger station. The Wonder Lake complex is powered by a propane/solar/battery generator system and
has a community shower house, laundry facilities and freezer space. All cabins have water and electricity.
The view of Mount McKinley is spectacular!

Kitchens will be stocked with the following:

• 4 each: dinner plates, bowls, cups, glasses, forks, knives, spoons
• 1 each: serving spoon, pancake turner, paring knife, butcher knife, sauce pan, frying pan, 9”X13” cake
pan and can opener

Wonder Lake Ranger Station

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TRAVEL IN THE PARK
The park road begins at mile 237.8 George Parks Highway (Alaska #3) and
ends 92 miles west. The first 15 miles of the road are paved and the
remainder is gravel. Most of the activity is found in the first two miles.
Facilities in the first 2 miles include the Post Office, Riley Creek
Campground, Riley Creek Mercantile, Wilderness Access Center (WAC),
Backcountry Information Center (BIC), Murie Science and Learning Center
(MSLC), Denali Visitor Center (DVC), Morino Grill, Denali Bookstore, and
Train Depot. At mile 3.5 are Park Headquarters, seasonal housing (C-Camp)
and the sled dog kennels. Savage River check station is at mile 15. Private
vehicle travel is restricted beyond the Savage River check station. If your duty station is beyond this point you
will be issued a special road travel permit. Your supervisor will provide you with the details and training on
“Rules of the Road.” Beyond the check station is Toklat road camp, rest stop, and temporary visitor center at
mile 54, Eielson Visitor Center. Which will be closed this summer at mile 66, and Wonder Lake Ranger station
at mile 85. There are several private lodges at the end of the road in Kantishna. During the 2007 visitor
season, construction will continue on the existing Eielson Visitor Center. During the construction period all
visitors will be directed to Toklat Rest Stop at mile 54 where a temporary visitor center will be available for
visitors to come in and learn about the park with the interpretive staff.

For recreational travel, our concessioner, Doyon/Aramark Joint venture, operates the Visitor Transportation
System. Within that system are free shuttle buses from the WAC to Savage River check station (mile 15).
They are available for visitors and employees alike. Shuttle buses traversing the entire length of the park road
originate at the WAC and run from about 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The last bus returns at approximately 11p.m. It is 11
hours round-trip to Wonder Lake. There are no services available along the road. Passengers may board or
get off the bus at any point. Service beyond the Savage Check Station is not free; however, the Park offers an
employee access program. See your supervisor for details.

YOUR JOB
Seasonal employees at Denali serve in a wide variety of interesting positions. At the beginning of the season
your supervisor will discuss your duties and responsibilities with you. You will receive written performance
expectations and an outline of your training program. Throughout the season, your supervisor will provide you
with feedback about your performance. If you have questions about your duties and responsibilities, never
hesitate to raise those questions with your supervisor.

You are expected to be at your assigned workplace on time. Habitual or unwarranted tardiness or absence is
charged to annual leave or AWOL (absence without approved leave) and may lead to disciplinary action.

Within approximately 30 days after your entrance on duty, you will

receive a Standard Form 50 (Notification of Personnel Action) which
shows you a variety of details about the type of appointment you were
given. It is important for you to save these notifications for future
verification of employment.

Temporary appointments are subject to separation at any time no matter

what not-to-exceed date is specified on the Standard Form 50.

UNIFORMS
As an employee of the National Park Service, you may be required to
wear a uniform. Check with your supervisor. Uniformed employees
receive an allowance to offset the cost of purchasing required items.

Kennel Manager Giving Sled Dog Demonstration

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PAY
Salaries of General Schedule (GS) employees (i.e., Park Rangers, Interpreters, Visitor Use Assistants and
Biological Science Technicians) are based on an annual rate by law. General Schedule employees duty
stationed at Denali receive an additional cost of living allowance (COLA), which is currently set at 25% of the
annual salary and is not subject to Federal taxes. The current COLA allowance for Denali employees duty
stationed in Anchorage or Fairbanks is 24%.

Federal Wage System (WG/WL/WS) employees receive hourly rates of pay based on a yearly survey of local
wage rates and may vary in different parks and locations. Some temporary Federal Wage System employees
are eligible to receive within-grade (step) increases for maintaining satisfactory work performance after serving
waiting periods as follows:

From Step 1 to Step 2 26 calendar weeks

From Step 2 to Step 3 78 calendar weeks
From Step 3 to Step 4 104 calendar weeks
From Step 4 to Step 5 104 calendar weeks

WORK SCHEDULE
The standard work schedule consists of five 8-hour days per week. Your actual tour of duty (or work schedule)
is based on park needs and is subject to change. A differential is paid for night or Sunday work.

LEAVE
Annual leave is accrued for employees having an appointment of 90 days or more. You will accrue at a rate of
four hours biweekly for those with less than three years of accumulated service; six hours biweekly for those
over three years but less than 15 years of accumulated service; and eight hours biweekly for those over 15
years of accumulated service. At the end of the season, payment will be made for any unused annual leave.
You should receive a lump sum check about five weeks after your employment ends.

Sick leave is earned at the rate of four hours biweekly regardless of your length of service. Unused sick leave
is credited to your leave account, and is reinstated to you if you are ever re-employed by the Federal
Government.

Your supervisor must approve use of annual and sick leave. In the case of annual leave, approval is
governed by the needs of your office. In the case of sick leave, you should be aware of, and follow, the
procedures in place for keeping your supervisor informed of your illness or condition while on sick leave.

PAYCHECKS
Pay periods are biweekly and payday is the second Tuesday of the pay period. You will work one pay period
before being paid for that time. You will not receive a paycheck until as much as four weeks from the
time you enter on duty. Please plan your finances accordingly. There are no provisions for a cash
advance.

All paychecks are paid through direct deposit to your bank account. After receiving your first direct deposit
paycheck, your checks should be automatically deposited every other week.

Federal Income Tax and Social Security (FICA) are deducted from your pay based on information you provide
on your W4 form. Quarters rent is also deducted directly from your pay. Sometimes there is a delay and rent
may not be immediately deducted, but will be deducted from a future check.

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LEAVE AND EARNING STATEMENT
Please be advised that as a seasonal employee, you will no
longer be receiving the hard copies of your Leave and Earnings
Statements in the mail. The Department of the Interior (DOI) has
established a new policy for distribution of Leave and Earnings
Statements (LES) for all employees of the Department of the
Interior. Employees will receive their LES information electronically
through the online Employee Express system at
www.employeeexpress.gov. You will need a PIN (Personal
Identification Number) in order to access your LES on Employee
Express. Please note that your PIN can NOT be requested or made available through Denali Human
Resources. If you do not have your PIN for Employee Express, you may request a new PIN to be mailed to
your official mailing address by contacting the Employee Express Help Desk at 478-757-3030 or by logging on
the website above and following instructions under “Lost or Forgotten PIN/Request PIN by mail”.
It is your responsibility to check your statements carefully for errors in deductions and leave accruals.
If you are living in park housing, be sure that the rent is deducted from your paycheck; otherwise you could end
up with a big bill at the end of the season! If you have a problem interpreting your Leave and Earnings
statement, please consult your supervisor or the Human Resources office immediately.

ON THE JOB INJURIES

Our goal is zero employee and visitor injuries. To accomplish this, we need to consider: “Safety First, Every
Job, Every Time!” It is every employee’s responsibility to work safely at all times. You will be provided training
for your job, but make sure you have the information you need to do your job safely. If you have questions
about doing your job safely, be sure to ask your supervisor or contact the park Safety Manager.

As a Federal employee, the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act entitles you to medical, surgical and
hospital care at government expense if you are injured on the job. It is your responsibility to immediately notify
your supervisor of even minor on-the-job injuries to insure that he/she documents it and medical treatment can
be obtained.

All injury claims must be entered in Safety Management Information System (SMIS) by employee or a
designated representative. Contact your supervisor, Divisional Administrative Assistant or the Human
Resources office for information on how to enter your injury claim into SMIS.

Injuries and sickness that occur off the job (while in non-pay status) are treated at your expense. There is no
government sponsored group health insurance for seasonal employees. There is an optional group plan
available to seasonal employees through the Association of National Park Rangers.

ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES

The Protection & Visitor Services Division provides law enforcement and emergency medical services park-
wide. Any emergency or motor vehicle accident must be reported immediately. Motor vehicle accidents must
also be reported to your supervisor if you are involved. In the field, contact Dispatch (radio call number “700”).
Emergencies can be reported from any park phone by dialing 911 or extension 529. The park’s business
phone number is (907)-683-2294.

CONDUCT
The booklet “Employee Responsibilities and Conduct” provides information on such topics as on-the-job
conduct expectations, outside employment, selling or soliciting, use of government property (including
computers), political activity, and soliciting or accepting gifts. This booklet is available via the Internet, or you
may obtain a copy of the booklet from the Human Resources office. You are responsible for complying with
these expectations, and should consult with your supervisor or the Human Resources office about any
questions you may have concerning their application.

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GRIEVANCES AND COMPLAINTS
Grievance procedures have been established to provide a
means of employee relief when dissatisfaction arises
concerning employment, working conditions, or working
relationships among coworkers. Employees who have
problems or grievances are expected to discuss them first with
their immediate supervisor. If the problem cannot be
satisfactorily resolved at this level, the matter may be reported
to the next higher level of supervision or Division Chief. Final
decisions on matters of seasonal employee dissatisfaction lie
with the Superintendent.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Denali National Park gives equal consideration in hiring practices, job opportunities, and promotion possibilities
to all employees regardless of age, color, sex, handicap, national origin, political, religious, marital status, or
other non-merit factors. Employees who perceive that they have been discriminated against based on the
above are free to consult with an Equal Opportunity (EO) counselor for guidance and/or resolution of the
complaint. Employees can find an EO counselor to help them by calling Regional EEO Manager, Clara
Wooden at 907-644-3348. Counseling is held in strict confidence, and employees are free from any reprisal in
presenting complaints under this procedure.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all employees. This program provides counseling
services for any concerns including, but not limited to emotional, marital, family, alcohol/drug use, job problems
and legal/financial problems. This service is free and completely confidential. To use this service any time,
day or night, just call 1-800-222-0364.

END OF SEASON SEPARATION

Your immediate supervisor will complete an end-of-season performance evaluation. The evaluation will show
whether your performance was satisfactory and you can be non-competitively considered for rehire, or not
satisfactory, requiring you to compete with others for a seasonal position at Denali. Your evaluation can be
used for future applications for federal or non-government employment or considered by prospective
employers during reference contacts with your supervisor.

Upon termination, you will be given a copy of Standard Form 8, Notice to Federal Employees about
Unemployment Compensation. Further information about your eligibility for unemployment compensation may
be obtained from your local unemployment office.

Upon separation all government property must be returned. You will be billed for loss or damage due to
negligence. The Buildings and Utilities Foreman will inspect your quarters for cleanliness, damage and
accountable supplies before you leave.

Your official correspondence address will be used for forwarding your final pay statement and W2 forms unless
you notify the Human Resources Office before leaving for the season.

LIVING AMONG WILDLIFE

You will be living and working in wildlife country. Denali has a healthy population of moose, black bears and
grizzly bears. Bears are extremely dangerous animals that can cause injury and death. It is imperative that
food is stored properly, that cleanliness is maintained in and around park quarters and that you observe proper
precautions while hiking. Never leave coolers, cans, or any food unattended outside your cabin. Moose are
also extremely dangerous, especially cows with calves. Keep your distance and respect their space. You will
receive information and training on wildlife encounters when you arrive.

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GROCERIES
Plan to buy a supply of food, dish soap, laundry detergent, house cleaning products and personal toiletries to
last several weeks. You need to do this PRIOR to leaving Fairbanks or Anchorage. There are no stores along
the highway. Most employees spend about $250 at this stop. You will not need to buy toilet paper, as it is
provided for you.

During the summer, employees often carpool to Fairbanks for groceries, movies, and a taste of the "big city."
Locally, there is the Mercantile in the Riley Creek Campground, the Lynx Creek General Store just outside the
park entrance, and the Mt. View store in Healy. These are 7-11 type stores that carry necessities at a high
price. The grocery store in Healy has a decent selection, including fresh produce, meat and dairy.

PHONE SERVICE AND INTERNET AVAILABILITY

Federal employees are allowed limited use of government phones and internet services. Use is limited to use
on personal time only, and at no cost to the government. This means a personal calling card needs to be
used for all long distance telephone calls. Use of the internet cannot disrupt official park business, such as by
using excessive bandwidth. Your supervisor will provide you with additional details.

Cell phone coverage is limited, due to the geography of the land and the limited amount of cell phone service
providers for the area.

PERSONAL VOICE MAIL BOXES

These can be set up for seasonal employees to receive personal phone messages from family and friends.
Ask your supervisor for details.

POST OFFICE
The post office is located near the park entrance. Surrounding communities also have postal services.

MAIL for Duty Station: Headquarters

You can contact the local post office in advance (Postmaster, Denali Park, AK 99755 or 907-683-2291) for
your personal post office box or make arrangements in person when you get to the park. You can ship
packages to Denali prior to your arrival but please do NOT send anything to the park address or to
Headquarters! Instead, send to the following:
Name
General Delivery
Denali Park, AK 99755

MAIL for Duty Station: Igloo, Sanctuary, Toklat, Eielson, Wonder Lake
Do NOT send anything to the parks main mailbox! If you use this P.O. Box you
cannot submit a change of address. Your address for the season is below. Your
mail and packages will be forwarded to you at Toklat and points west.
Name
P.O. Box 1194
Denali Park, AK 99755

RECYCLING
Denali is set up for recycling with a recycle shed, cardboard baler and the ability to recycle items such as:
aluminum, tin/steel cans, plastic, glass and paper. We hope everyone joins in the effort to keep Denali moving
forward to being a model for Environmental Leadership. The recycling shed named the “Over and Over,” is
located at the top of the maintenance yard, above C-Camp.

MEDICAL FACILITIES
There are two outpatient clinics, one is located in the Canyon and one is in Healy. Contact Information: The
Canyon Clinic 907-683-4433 and Interior Community Health Clinic 907-683-2211. A physician’s assistant and
registered nurses staff the clinic. Complete medical and dental services are available in Fairbanks or
Anchorage. Ambulance service is available in the park and in Healy.
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LIBRARIES
The small park library at Headquarters offers an excellent collection of Alaska-oriented materials, natural
history books and magazines. A lending library is located at the Tri-Valley School in Healy. It is associated
with the University of Alaska.

BANKING
There are several ATM machines in the area, including Denali Princess Lodge and McKinley Chalets, lodges
located just north of the park entrance, and at several locations in Healy, 13 miles north. Staff, SCAs & VIPs
can cash stipend checks, personal checks and sometimes paychecks at the local outlet of the Alaska Natural
History Association. If you use a debit card and make a purchase of $5.00 or more at Riley Creek Mercantile,
or the Lynx Creek General Store, you can increase the amount you charge to receive up to $50 cash over your
purchase.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES
A variety of worship services are available in Healy. These include but are not limited to Catholic, Baptist,
Latter Day Saints, and non-denominational. Consult area phone directories for specific religious services.

EMPLOYEE ACTIVITIES
Activities during the summer include hiking, backpacking, biking, camping, mountaineering, rafting, kayaking,
and photography. Fishing is poor in the park but can be very good in other parts of the state. There are very
few established trails and hiking can be difficult in the wilderness environment. Other recreational
opportunities include satellite TV, VCR/DVD player; there are movies that you can borrow in the rec hall, along
with a book library, potluck dinners, dances, etc. Two major events are the Pygmy Tundra Buffalo Run (13
miles) and the annual End of Season party.

Denali has 30 Alaskan husky sled dogs that are used on

Tonzona and Yakone Relaxing backcountry winter patrols. This is the only National Park in the
During a Demo country that uses sled dogs to help protect the wildlife, scenery and
wilderness with in the park. A popular summer interpretive
program is the “dog demo”, a 30-minute talk and demonstration run
using historic equipment. The kennels has an “Adopt a Dog”
volunteer program. Employees can adopt their very own sled dog
for the summer and during the evening hours come to the kennels
and take their dog out on walks (or rather get taken out on a walk
by your sled dog) on the park road and help care for the dogs. See
the kennels staff for details or call 907-683-9586 to set up an
appointment for a test walk. You can visit the kennels online at
http://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/kennels.htm

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

You can get a sneak preview of the awesome possibilities for fun and adventure that Denali offers by visiting
our website www.nps.gov/dena. The website may also answer many of your questions. You may direct any
other questions to us at 907-683-2294. We are looking forward to working with you. Denali is a wonderful
place. Plan to make this the best summer you have ever experienced.

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