Gates of the Arctic National Park

Established in 1980, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve protects 8.4 million acres of pristine wilderness. Located entirely north of the Arctic Circle in northern Alaska, it is the northernmost national park in the United States.

The park features the rugged peaks of the Brooks Range, vast Arctic tundra, and six designated Wild Rivers. With no roads or trails, it offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience true wilderness and traditional subsistence lifestyles still practiced by local communities.

Quick Facts

Location

Alaska

Established

1980

Size

8.4 million acres

Annual Visitors

~10,000

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Accessibility

Air access only

Park Highlights

Brooks Range

Dramatic mountain range with peaks rising to over 8,000 feet.

Arrigetch Peaks

Granite spires offering world-class mountaineering opportunities.

Wild Rivers

Six designated Wild Rivers perfect for wilderness paddling.

Arctic Tundra

Vast expanses of pristine Arctic ecosystem.

Gates of the Arctic

Twin peaks named by wilderness advocate Robert Marshall.

Alatna River Valley

Historic travel corridor for indigenous peoples and cultural resources.

Popular Activities

Backpacking
River trips
Mountaineering
Photography
Wilderness camping
Wildlife viewing
Winter recreation
Backcountry exploration

Essential Information

Weather & Climate

Extreme Arctic conditions. Check weather forecasts. Summer temperatures range from 30-70°F (-1-21°C).

Lodging & Camping

No facilities in the park. Wilderness camping only. Learn about backcountry camping.

Wildlife Safety

Bear country precautions required. Learn about wilderness safety and wildlife.

Transportation

No roads or trails. Access by air taxi only. Advance arrangements required.

Communication

No cell service. Satellite communication recommended. Emergency preparedness essential.

Getting There

Access from Fairbanks or Bettles. Air taxi services available from several communities.

Plan Your Visit

The main visitor season is June through August. Winter visits are possible but require extensive experience and preparation.

The Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot provides information and orientation. Advance planning is essential for all visits.

There are no entrance fees. All visits require extensive preparation and self-sufficiency. Guide services are strongly recommended for inexperienced wilderness travelers.