Gates of the Arctic National Park—our 19th visited national park—is Alaska’s most remote and untamed wilderness, where glacier-carved peaks, wild rivers, and endless tundra unfold above the Arctic Circle. With no roads, trails, or visitor centers, this is a land shaped only by nature and time. Whether you’re dreaming of a flyover adventure or planning a deeper journey into the Brooks Range, this hub page gathers our top resources to help you explore one of America’s last truly wild places.
🧭 Gates of the Arctic at a Glance
Here are a few quick facts to help you get oriented before planning your visit to this vast and untamed Alaskan wilderness.
- Location: Northern Alaska, entirely above the Arctic Circle—accessible via Coldfoot, Bettles, or Anaktuvuk Pass.
- Established: December 2, 1980.
- Size: Over 8.4 million acres, making it the second-largest U.S. national park.
- Annual Visitors: ~11,000, making it one of the least-visited parks in the system.
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-June through early September for fly-in access, wildlife viewing, and backcountry exploration.
- Top Highlights: Remote flyovers, glacier-carved peaks, Arctic tundra, Wild & Scenic Rivers, and true wilderness solitude.
- Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
Gates of the Arctic National Park Weather Forecast
See today’s conditions and the 7-day forecast to plan your adventure in Gates of the Arctic National Park.
Coldfoot, AK WeatherFlying Over Alaska’s Wildest National Park
Our aerial journey through Gates of the Arctic began in Coldfoot and offered a rare glimpse into one of America’s most remote landscapes. We flew over glacier-carved peaks, braided rivers, and endless tundra—all entirely above the Arctic Circle. After landing, we toured the visitor center to learn more about the park’s history, ecosystems, and how to safely explore this vast wilderness.
👉 We Flew Through Gates of the Arctic National Park Alaska. What Was it Like?
We flew in, touched down, and stepped into the quiet heart of the Arctic. The view from above was unforgettable—but landing made it real.
Video: Flying Through Gates of the Arctic
Join us on a breathtaking aerial journey over Alaska’s most remote national park. From Coldfoot, we flew above glacier-carved peaks, winding rivers, and endless tundra—all entirely above the Arctic Circle. This video captures the raw beauty, solitude, and scale of Gates of the Arctic, including our brief landing to explore the visitor center and soak in the silence of true wilderness.
🎥 Watch below:
Coming Soon: More Gates of the Arctic Resources
We’re working on even more helpful guides, including:
- How to experience the park without backpacking.
- Ways to explore the park.
Bookmark this page — we’ll add new links as they go live!
Ready to Explore?
Use the links above to explore each highlight and start planning your adventure. Don’t forget your sense of wonder—glacier peaks, Arctic rivers, and untamed silence are calling.
Featured image credit: Miles with McConkey