Gates of the Arctic National Park

About

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve sits entirely above the Arctic Circle in northern Alaska, protecting over 8.4 million acres of wild, roadless terrain. This is one of the last truly untouched places in America. There are no roads, no trails, and no campgrounds. It's wilderness in the purest sense of the word.

Despite its remoteness, the park draws visitors who want to experience the raw beauty of the Brooks Range, vast river valleys, and Arctic tundra stretching to the horizon. The park gets its name from two peaks, Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain, that stand like massive gates on either side of the North Fork Koyukuk River.

Most visitors begin their journey in Fairbanks, about 250 miles south. From there, you can fly by small bush plane into the park's backcountry or drive the Dalton Highway to access areas near the eastern boundary. The drive along the Dalton is an adventure in itself, passing through boreal forest and tundra with views of the pipeline and distant peaks.

The park has two visitor facilities where you can plan your trip and learn about the Arctic ecosystem. The Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot sits along the Dalton Highway and offers exhibits, films, and ranger programs during summer months. The main park headquarters and visitor center in Fairbanks provides year-round information, trip planning assistance, and educational displays about the region's natural and cultural history.

Wildlife thrives here. Caribou from the Western Arctic Herd migrate through the park by the thousands. Grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, moose, and wolverines roam freely. Birders can spot golden eagles, gyrfalcons, and dozens of migratory species during the brief Arctic summer.

The park is open year-round, though most visits happen between June and September when temperatures are milder and daylight is nearly constant. Winter brings extreme cold, short days, and the chance to witness the northern lights dancing above the Brooks Range.

Accessibility

Gates of the Arctic presents significant accessibility challenges due to its completely roadless, trailless wilderness. The backcountry itself has no developed infrastructure and is not wheelchair accessible. However, the park's visitor facilities provide accessible entry points for learning about and experiencing the Arctic.

The Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot, located along the Dalton Highway, has wheelchair-accessible ramps and designated accessible parking. Inside, visitors can view exhibits and watch films about the park and surrounding region. The Fairbanks park headquarters and visitor center also offers accessible facilities, including ramps and restrooms that meet ADA standards.

Rangers at both visitor centers are available to assist visitors with disabilities and can help plan experiences suited to individual abilities. Programs and films shown at visitor centers offer a way to connect with the park's stories and environment without entering the backcountry.

For those who want to experience the park beyond visitor centers, scenic flights over the Brooks Range provide stunning aerial views of the wilderness and are worth considering as an alternative to ground-based exploration. Some air taxi operators may be able to accommodate mobility devices, though arrangements should be made well in advance.

The Dalton Highway drive to Coldfoot passes through dramatic Arctic scenery and is itself an accessible way to experience the region from a vehicle. Contact the park directly at the Fairbanks office (907-457-5752) or the Coldfoot visitor center for current accessibility details and to discuss your specific needs before planning a visit.

More accessible places in Alaska

• Alaska SeaLife Center (Seward)
• Alaska Aviation Museum (Anchorage)
• Alaska Botanical Garden (Anchorage)
• Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center (Fairbanks)
• University of Alaska Museum of the North (Fairbanks)
• Wrangell St. Elias National Park (Wrangell–St. Elias NP)

Photo credits

• Gates of the Arctic National Park - ak-gates-of-the-arctic-national-park-preserve-us-national-park-service-1: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Gates of the Arctic National Park - ak-gates-of-the-arctic-national-park-preserve-us-national-park-service-3: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Gates of the Arctic National Park - ak-gates-of-the-arctic-national-park-preserve-us-national-park-service-4: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)