About Gates of the Arctic
This vast landscape does not contain any roads or trails. Visitors discover intact ecosystems where people have lived with the land for over ten thousand years. Wild rivers meander through glacier-carved valleys, caribou migrate along age-old trails, endless summer light fades into aurora-lit night skies of winter. Virtually unchanged, except by the forces of nature.
Things to do: Camping · Backcountry Camping · Canoe or Kayak Camping · Climbing · Rock Climbing · Mountain Climbing · Hiking · Backcountry Hiking · Off-Trail Permitted Hiking · Hunting and Gathering · Hunting · Paddling · Canoeing · Kayaking
Trails
Gates of the Arctic has roughly 0 named trails. Log the one you hiked in the app — or just the park if you're not sure.
Camping
There are no NPS campgrounds inside the park. Lodging and private campgrounds are typically available nearby.
Best time to visit
Peak season: June – August. Access is seasonal — confirm opening and closing dates on NPS.gov before you go.
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.!!
Getting there
Nearest city: Fairbanks, AK. Park center: 67.780°, -153.300°.
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.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Gates of the Arctic National Park?
Entry is Free. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at every national park.
When is the best time to visit Gates of the Arctic?
Peak season is June – August. Access is seasonal; check NPS.gov for opening dates. 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.!!
Can you camp in Gates of the Arctic National Park?
There are no NPS campgrounds inside the park; lodging and private campgrounds are available nearby.
What is the closest city to Gates of the Arctic National Park?
Fairbanks, AK is the nearest major city. 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.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.