As Tourist Season Ends, A Lucky Few Venture Into Denali

Road still has limited access until the snow comes

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By John Thain

Story Created: Sep 23, 2012 at 8:03 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Sep 23, 2012 at 8:03 AM AKDT

DENALI - The summer tourist season is ending in Alaska.

But every year, before the gates close at Denali National Park, 400 lucky lottery winners get to drive their own cars or trucks into the park each every day for four days.

CBS 11's photojournalist John Thain was also there.

Denali National Park: six million acres of wilderness and one 92-mile long road.

On this day, 400 visitors are given special access to that road. They cruise slowly through the valleys, keeping one eye on the road, and one eye on the hills, hoping to see the parks world famous residents.

There’s no guarantee for wildlife sightings, but Denali rarely disappoints.

Park spokesperson, Chris Fister, is also keeping an eye on the wildlife, reminding visitors to enjoy these sights from a distance.

Fister says summer months in the park are full of visitors from all over the world. During this weekend Alaskans are the majority

And unlike other places, visitors actually look forward to traffic jams

But tasty roots and berries won't be here much longer, and it won't be long before the bears and the visitors hibernate for the winter.

If you still want to experience the park there is still time – the road will be open to cars up to mile 30 until the snow falls. After that, road travel into the park will be limited to the first few miles near park headquarters.

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