June 30, 2009, 2:28 pm
For one long September weekend, Alaskans get to reclaim Denali National Park from bus loads of tourists and see their best-known reserve in its autumn glory.
But only if they act by today.
Applications for the Denali Park Road Lottery must be completed online or postmarked today.
For nearly 20 years, the National Park Service has offered the annual road lottery -- one long weekend that opens Denali to visitors and their private vehicles. Each year, 1,600 permits are issued, allowing up to 400 vehicles per day to see the park up close.
Typically, some 6,000 people from Alaska as well as outside the state apply to drive the 92-mile road to Wonder Lake.
"This is our single-largest special event in the park, and it's very popular ... with Alaskans," public information officer Kris Fister said. "It gives us a chance to get to know our users and have an opportunity to reach the folks in the state."
The dates are Sept. 18-21 (Friday through Monday), weather permitting. Occasionally, early snowfall closes part of the road.
