America's Ultimate Wilderness
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.
Alaska
1980
8.4 million acres
~10,000
June to August
Air access only
Dramatic mountain range with peaks rising to over 8,000 feet.
Granite spires offering world-class mountaineering opportunities.
Six designated Wild Rivers perfect for wilderness paddling.
Vast expanses of pristine Arctic ecosystem.
Twin peaks named by wilderness advocate Robert Marshall.
Historic travel corridor for indigenous peoples and cultural resources.
Extreme Arctic conditions. Check weather forecasts. Summer temperatures range from 30-70°F (-1-21°C).
No facilities in the park. Wilderness camping only. Learn about backcountry camping.
Bear country precautions required. Learn about wilderness safety and wildlife.
No roads or trails. Access by air taxi only. Advance arrangements required.
No cell service. Satellite communication recommended. Emergency preparedness essential.
Access from Fairbanks or Bettles. Air taxi services available from several communities.
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.