Absolutely no trails or roads exist in Gates of the Arctic NP. Here you'll discover where others have lived for thousands of years with a completely intact ecosystem. Caribou migrate from unmarked trail to unmarked trail here, wild rivers flow their way through glacier carved valleys, and the magical aurora of the winter sky evolves into endless summer nights. This place is nature on steroids.
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
No closed times or seasons for Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. Visitor Center hours vary greatly by location and season. See Visitor Center Hours for more information!
Weather
The climate of Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is generally classified as arctic and sub-arctic, with exceptionally cold winters, relatively mild summers, low annual precipitation, and generally high winds. The weather is influenced by many different systems, and can change rapidly.!!
Things to Do
Backpack the Brooks Range's Arctic Wilderness
Traveling through the park on foot affords opportunities of exploration and discovery. Mountain ridges and passes reveal splendid vistas and can take you to the most remote and least traveled areas of the entire National Parks system.
Float a Wild & Scenic River
From wide glacial valleys to sweeping vistas in the headwaters, to rolling tundra, the wild rivers of Gates of the Arctic can take you on an adventure you’ll never forget. Rivers have been byways for wildlife and humans for centuries. They are the veins and arteries through the heart of the Gates of the Arctic wilderness.
Getting There
Address: 101 Dunkel St Fairbanks AK 99701
Gates of the Arctic is a wilderness park, with no roads or trails into the park lands, so visitors must fly or hike into the park. Access begins in Fairbanks, Alaska & there are several small airlines that provide daily flights into the communities of Bettles, Anaktuvuk Pass, and Coldfoot. Most visitors access the park by air taxi or hike in from the Dalton Highway or from the village of Anaktuvuk Pass. River crossings are necessary from both locations.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Frequently Asked Questions
When is Gates of the Arctic National Park open?
No closed times or seasons for Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. Visitor Center hours vary greatly by location and season. See Visitor Center Hours for more information!
What are the best things to do in Gates of the Arctic National Park?
Popular things to do in Gates of the Arctic National Park include Backpack the Brooks Range's Arctic Wilderness, Float a Wild & Scenic River. See Things to Do above for photos and details.