Anchorage Daily News

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.

Only one entry per person is permitted. There is a $10 application fee. Winners pay a $25 pickup fee and $20 to get into the park. The park service expects to post winners on its Web site by July 15. Alaskans dominate the application list.

"It just makes sense because we're the ones who are here," Fister said. "But this is open to whoever wants to put in for it."

But be prepared. It can snow, particularly in mountain passes along the road, that time of year. Temperatures often dip into the teens at night. Many of the shops and businesses have shut down for the winter, but a few stay open, welcoming the late-season arrivals and the chance to earn some extra money.

And if you score a permit, purchase a $6 copy of the "Denali Road Guide," an essential companion. The small handbook, produced by the Alaska Natural History Association, gives a natural history description of the road, broken into sections.

How to apply • Online: Go to www.pay.gov and enter "Denali National Park" into the "Search Public Forms" box. More information at www.nps.gov/dena/whatsnew.htm. For questions, call 1-907-683-2294. • Mail: Indicate your order of preference for dates on the back of your envelope. Mail entries with a $10 check made out to National Park Service: Denali National Park and Preserve Road Lottery P.O. Box 9 Denali Park 99755

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