Until recent decades, when snowmobile use increased dramatically, dog teams were the primary mode of winter transportation here and throughout much of Alaska. Some of Denali's backcountry is actually easier to explore in winter than summer, as snow-buried brush and frozen rivers increase access to certain areas otherwise difficult to reach. In one recent year, patrollers met 200 people during their travels. Most visitors wait until late February or early March, when longer daylight hours and milder winter weather lure recreational mushers and backcountry skiers into the park. Campgrounds close, except for Riley Creek, which remains open through the winter without running water.
Naturalist activities end.
Denali Park Road stays open to mile 29 until it's closed by snow, usually mid- to late September. Winter trips deep into the wilderness clearly require considerable commitment, preparation, and expertise. Those who do venture deep into Denali's backcountry in the dead of winter find extreme and unpredictable conditions. Temperatures here may drop to 40 F for days at a time, and from late November to late January there are six hours or less of sunlight each day. One popular way to get into the backcountry is to fly into Kantishna and ski back to the entrance, a trek of more than 90 miles.