Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

The National Park Service (NPS) is promulgating an interim rule to require mountain climbers to register a minimum of 60-days before any climb on Mount McKinley and Mount Foraker in Denali National Park. Mountaineering in the park has increased dramatically over the last ten years. The number of climbers on Mount McKinley has risen from 695 in 1984 to 1,277 in 1994. Climbing-related injuries and deaths have correspondingly increased. By requiring advance registration, the Denali park staff will be able to provide information to prospective mountaineers in advance of their climb. This may include information on the specific dangers they may face, how to prepare and equip, other safety related issues, and requirements concerning resource protection issues such as litter removal and human waste disposal. Currently, climbers are required to register, but may do so as late as the day they depart for the mountain.