National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo / Sean Tevebaugh
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
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.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Activities
Top Hikes
0 mi · 0 ft gain · out & back
The Arrigetch Peaks are dramatic granite spires rising from the Brooks Range, accessible via bush plane to Circle Lake or Arrigetch Creek. The Inupiat name means 'fingers of the hand extended.' A premier wilderness backpacking destination.
Starts at: Bush plane to Circle Lake or Arrigetch Creek
0 mi · 0 ft gain · out & back
The park's namesake landmark — Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain flanking the North Fork Koyukuk River. Bob Marshall named these formations the 'Gates of the Arctic' in 1929. River travel and off-trail hiking through the valley.
Starts at: Bush plane to North Fork Koyukuk River
0 mi · 0 ft gain · point to point
The John River is one of six designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in the park. The broad valley offers relatively open hiking terrain through boreal forest and tundra with wildlife viewing opportunities including caribou, wolves, and grizzly bears.
Starts at: Bush plane to upper John River
0 mi · 0 ft gain · point to point
The Alatna River flows south from the Brooks Range through spruce forests and wide gravel bars. A popular float trip that can be combined with overland hiking to access the Arrigetch Peaks.
Starts at: Bush plane to headwaters or Takahula Lake
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, October, November, December
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
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.!!