Gates of the Arctic National Park - United States

About Gates of the Arctic National Park

RV quick facts for Gates of the Arctic National Park

Best time to visit Gates of the Arctic National Park

June through early September is the prime window, when daylight is nearly continuous, rivers are navigable, and tundra is free of snow. July offers the warmest temperatures and peak wildflower bloom, while late August brings fall color and early caribou movement. Shoulder months see rapid weather swings, lingering snow on passes, and mosquito pressure that peaks in midsummer. Winter travel is the domain of experienced expedition parties only.

Things to do at Gates of the Arctic National Park

• Fly-in Backpacking in the Brooks Range Strenuous

  Backpacking is the primary way to experience the park's trail-less wilderness. <cite index="9-1">The landscape contains no roads or trails</cite>, so routes follow ridgelines, river bars, and game paths accessed by air taxi from Bettles or Coldfoot. nps.gov/gaar/planyourvisit/index.htm

• Float the Wild and Scenic Rivers Moderate

  Paddling is the classic Gates of the Arctic trip. <cite index="3-7">Six National Wild and Scenic Rivers flow through the park, natural thoroughfares for humans and wildlife, inviting paddlers to experience places few have seen.</cite> The Alatna, Noatak, and John rivers are among the most popular floats. nps.gov/gaar/planyourvisit/index.htm

• Dalton Highway Scenic Drive and Arctic Circle Crossing Moderate

  RV parking available

  The Dalton Highway is the only road corridor near the park and offers RV-accessible views of the Brooks Range. Drivers cross the Arctic Circle and pass gateway communities like Wiseman and Coldfoot, where interpretive stops provide context for the park beyond. blm.gov/visit/dalton-highway

• Visit Anaktuvuk Pass Easy

  Anaktuvuk Pass is a Nunamiut Inupiat community located inside the park boundary and reachable by scheduled flights from Fairbanks. <cite index="1-10,1-11">Eleven designated resident zone communities in the vicinity of the park have special privileges regarding subsistence within park boundaries, including Nuiqsut, Wiseman, Anaktuvuk Pass, Bettles, Evansville, Allakaket, Alatna, Hughes, Kobuk, Shungnak, and Ambler.</cite> The Simon Paneak Memorial Museum interprets local culture and history. nps.gov/gaar

• Wildlife Viewing and Caribou Migration Moderate

  The park protects habitat for one of North America's great caribou migrations along with grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, and moose. <cite index="9-3">Caribou migrate along age-old trails</cite> through the central Brooks Range, best observed in late summer from ridge camps or air taxis. nps.gov/gaar

• Mountaineering in the Arrigetch Peaks Strenuous

  <cite index="3-9">Climbers are drawn to the craggy Arrigetch Peaks, testing themselves against the granite spires, whose name in the Iñupiaq language means fingers of the hand outstretched.</cite> Access is by air taxi to Circle Lake followed by a multi-day approach hike. nps.gov/gaar

• Flightseeing from Bettles or Coldfoot Easy

  RV parking available

  Flightseeing is the most accessible way to experience the park in a single day. <cite index="3-12">Fixed-wing tours circle the namesake Gates, a picturesque spot where two peaks, Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain, allow the passage of the North Fork of the Koyukuk River.</cite> Departures run from Bettles, Coldfoot, and Fairbanks. nps.gov/gaar/planyourvisit/index.htm

• Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot Easy

  RV parking available

  The Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot is the main road-accessible orientation point for Gates of the Arctic. <cite index="11-21">Summer hours: Open 12 p.m. - 9 p.m., late May through mid-September, including holidays.</cite> RV travelers on the Dalton Highway can stop for exhibits, ranger programs, and trip-planning help before arranging flights into the park. blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/arctic-interagency-visitor-center