Current Status of the Denali Road Lottery (as of January 2026)
The Denali Road Lottery is currently suspended and has been canceled since 2021 due to the ongoing Pretty Rocks Landslide at Mile 45.4 on the Denali Park Road. This landslide, accelerated by thawing permafrost linked to climate change, made the road unsafe and led to its closure beyond Mile 43 (near Polychrome Pass) starting in August 2021.
- 2024 and 2025: Fully canceled. No lottery was held, and private vehicles could not drive past Mile 15 (Savage River) without special access.
- 2026 outlook: The lottery remains suspended for 2026. Construction of a new ~475-foot bridge to span the landslide is ongoing, with completion targeted for mid-to-late summer 2026. Full road reopening for buses and visitors is expected in 2027 at the earliest. Private vehicle access via the lottery is unlikely to resume until the road is fully stable and reopened.
The National Park Service has stated the lottery is suspended “for the foreseeable future” until the road is fully accessible again. Check the official NPS page for updates: nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/road-lottery.htm.
Historical Overview (When It Was Active)
Before the closure, the Denali Road Lottery was a popular annual event in mid-September (typically the weekend after Labor Day, for 4–5 days). It allowed ~400 winners per day (1,600 total) to drive their personal vehicles the full 92-mile park road to Kantishna—something normally restricted to buses, bikes, or foot traffic to protect wildlife and the environment.
Key Details from Past Years:
- Application: Open May 1–31 on Recreation.gov ($15 non-refundable fee per entry).
- Winning: Notified in June/July; winners paid an additional $25 permit fee.
- On the Day: Drive from 6 AM to midnight; pick up permit in advance at the visitor center; pay standard park entrance fee (~$15/person, valid 7 days).
- Rules: One application per person; permits transferable (but not resellable); vehicles limited in size; follow wildlife viewing guidelines.
- Why It Was Special: Fall colors, fewer crowds, higher wildlife activity (e.g., moose rut, grizzlies), and potential for clear views of Denali.
Campgrounds like Riley Creek, Savage River, and Teklanika were open (book via reservedenali.com).
Alternatives for Visiting Denali in 2026
While waiting for full road access:
- Private vehicles can drive to Mile 15 (Savage River) year-round (weather permitting).
- Park shuttles/transit buses go to Mile 43 (turning around before the landslide).
- Options include guided tours, flightseeing, hiking, biking, or camping in accessible areas.
- Kantishna (far end) is reachable by air or limited in-holder access.
For the latest road conditions and construction updates, visit nps.gov/dena or the Pretty Rocks project page.
If the road reopens earlier than expected or the lottery resumes, announcements will come via NPS and Recreation.gov. Fingers crossed for future years—it’s an incredible experience when available! If you have questions about planning a 2026 trip, feel free to ask.