newsminer.com

FAIRBANKS -- The deadline to apply for the National Park Service’s annual Denali Road Lottery is July 31.

Winners get a chance to drive into Denali National Park and Preserve after the summer tourist season ends. This year’s lottery will take place Sept. 12-15, weather permitting.

Up to 400 vehicles per day will be issued permits to enter the park and drive the length of the 92-mile road.

Entries must be postmarked by July 31. Each lottery entry must include a check or money order for $10 made payable to the “National Park Service.” Do not send cash. The entry fee is non-refundable.

The drawing will take place during the second week of August. Applicants are advised to mail entries early so that they arrive in time.

The names of people selected for permits will be posted on the park’s Web site shortly after the drawing.

On the envelope, entrants must include: A legible return address, including a first and last name. Choice of dates, in order of preference, written on the back of the envelope.

Only one entry per person is allowed, and duplicate entries will be disqualified. Entries received without an application fee will be returned.

Entries should be sent to:

Road Lottery

Denali National Park and Preserve

P.O. Box 588

Talkeetna, AK 99676

All applicants will be notified by mail on the status of their entry, and those who are selected for permits will also receive a letter confirming the day of their permit, with additional information on how to obtain the road permit and prepare for their visit to the park.

A $25, non-refundable fee will be required on the day the permit is picked up at the park. In addition, permit holders must pay the park entrance fee of $20 per vehicle unless they have a federal recreation pass.

Permits are transferable, i.e. the person who was awarded the permit can give it to someone else if they are not able to participate that weekend.