Do You Need to Get a National Parks Pass for Denali National Park?

The answer to this question is more complicated than it should be, but we’re here to clear things up.

The Short Answer

Yes, you do need a National Parks Pass to enter Denali National Park. However, you likely already have one and don’t know it! If you booked any bus transportation into Denali National Park, your pass was included in your ticket — and is good for 7 days. If you have booked a Naturalist Walking Tour with us and don’t have a bus tour booked, you do need to purchase a $15 park entry pass

Group of hikers walking on a trail through a lush green forest.

The Long Answer (Exceptions and More)

While you do need a National Parks Pass to enter Denali, you likely don’t need to buy one. Here are the scenarios in which you don’t.

Exemptions

  • You have an America the Beautiful Pass

  • You have a Senior Pass

  • You purchased a ticket on a bus tour (Denali Natural History Tour, Tundra Wilderness Tour, or East Fork Transit Bus)

  • You are under 16 years old

A person lying on the ground in a forest, using a large fallen tree as a makeshift shelter, wearing outdoor clothing including a green beanie and red jacket.

More Information

Three people hiking on a trail through a forested area with tall, thin trees and green foliage.

Attention: Any tour, offered by any company, inside the borders of Denali National Park requires a pass. Even if the company doesn’t state so on their website. If you’re unsure, give us a call and we can help. Please make sure you’re following the law and purchasing your pass. The only one of our tours you’ll need a pass for is the Naturalist Walking Tour.