For a visit to the untamed Alaskan wilderness, where your survival depends solely upon you, find your way to Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. There are minimal named locations on a map of this park. In fact, there are no roads and no services — just mountains, rivers, wildlife, and solitude.
Visitors come to this region above the Arctic Circle to really get away from it all, at a rate of fewer than 10,000 people per year.
Why Visit Gates of the Arctic National Park?
Photo Credit: NPS by Laurie SmithImagine ecosystems that haven’t been tampered with, vibrant colors as far as the eye can see, and the northern lights in winter. Gates of the Arctic is a frontier of glaciers, rivers, and wildlife unseen by most, making it a bucket list adventure for any traveler.
Because there are no roads into the Gates of the Arctic, visitors must take an air taxi or hike into the park. Drive your RV to Fairbanks, as several RV parks can act as your home base in this part of Alaska. Then catch a bush plane into any region of the national park for hiking and backpacking in the summer or snowshoeing in the winter.
When to Visit Gates of the Arctic National Park
Photo Credit: NPS by Laurie SmithGates of the Arctic is a wilderness park, open year-round to those seeking solitude and exploration. Time frames to come to the park are dependent upon visitors’ activities.