Gates of the Arctic Naional Park: Untouched Wilderness of Northern Alaska
Gates of the Arctic National Park
“An untouched wilderness north of the Arctic Circle—no roads, no trails, just vast mountains, wild rivers, and rich human heritage.”
Park Overview
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve spans over 8.47 million acres in northern Alaska, entirely above the Arctic Circle—making it the most remote and roadless park in the United States. Established in 1980 through the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), approximately 7.17 million acres are designated wilderness. Visitors arrive by bush plane or strenuous hike, and those who venture here enter one of the world’s wildest landscapes.
Fast Facts
| Location | Brooks Range, northern Alaska |
| Established | Dec 2, 1980 (ANILCA); National Monument 1978 |
| Area | ~8,472,506 acres (second-largest U.S. park) |
| Wilderness | ~7,167,192 acres designated wilderness |
| Visitation (2024) | ~11,900 (least-visited park) |
| Infrastructure | No roads, trails, or visitor centers inside the park |
What to See & Do
- Trail-less Trekking – Navigate glacier-carved valleys, river corridors, and mountain passes with map and compass; solitude guaranteed.
- Wildlife Watching – Spot caribou herds, grizzly and black bears, Dall sheep, muskoxen, wolves, wolverines, and diverse birds of prey.
- Wild & Scenic Rivers – Float or fish along major rivers such as the Alatna, John, Kobuk, Noatak, North Fork Koyukuk, and Tinayguk.
- Mountain Peaks & Landmarks – Explore the Arrigetch Peaks, Mount Igikpak, Limestack Mountain, and the “Gates” flanking the Koyukuk River.
- Cultural Immersion – Traverse lands still used by the Nunamiut and Koyukon Athabaskan peoples and visit the community of Anaktuvuk Pass.
Ecology & Wilderness
From boreal forest and alpine tundra to arctic river valleys and rugged peaks, Gates of the Arctic supports a thriving web of wildlife. The park is home to caribou migrations, predators like wolves and bears, raptors, and cold-tolerant fish. Winter temperatures can plunge to −75°F, yet this land remains biologically rich and nearly untouched by development.
Human History & Culture
Humans have lived here for more than 12,000 years. Today, descendants of the region’s Indigenous peoples still rely on the land for subsistence hunting and gathering. The park’s name came from explorer Robert Marshall, who dubbed the peaks flanking the North Fork of the Koyukuk River the “Gates of the Arctic.” In 1980, the area became a national park and preserve.
Visit & Planning Tips
There are no roads, trails, or designated campsites. Visitors typically arrive by air taxi from Bettles, Coldfoot, or Fairbanks. This park is best suited for experienced backpackers, paddlers, and those comfortable navigating true wilderness. All travelers must be entirely self-sufficient and ready for extreme remoteness.