Gates Of The Arctic National Park and Preserve - Plan Your Visit

Gates of the Arctic National Preserve by National Parks Service

Operating Hours Seasons

The Park and Preserve

are open year round. It is best to call each office prior to arrival to confirm current operational hours.

Fairbanks Headquarters:

Open Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed on Holidays.

Bettles Ranger Station / Visitor Center:

From mid-June to the end of September: Open 7 days a week, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (sometimes closed noon - 1:00pm for lunch). Remainder of Year: Open Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - Noon / 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed on Holidays.

Coldfoot Ranger Station:

Open Year Round Monday-Friday, 8:00am-Noon / 1:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Closed on Holidays.

Arctic Interagency Visitor Center:

Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, 7 days a week, 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Anaktuvuk Pass Ranger Station:

Year-round outside Visitor display. Call for ranger station hours.

Getting There

From Fairbanks proceed by air to one of our jump-off communities. Some popular entry points are Bettles, Coldfoot, Anaktuvuk Pass and Kotzebue; or by vehicle along the Dalton Highway Corridor. Commercial air service is available from Fairbanks to Bettles, Anaktuvuk Pass and Kotzebue. You will have to travel by air because there are no roads to these communities.

From Bettles, Coldfoot, and Kotzebue arrange to fly into the Park and Preserve with an air taxi service. Your destination in the Park and Preserve determines which community from which you will leave. Please call an air taxi service for specific price information.

From the Anaktuvuk Pass airfield one can hike into the Park and Preserve. Anaktuvuk Pass and the surrounding land is private property. Hikers should be certain they are in the Park and Preserve before camping.

From the Dalton Highway you can drive to Coldfoot and fly into the Park and Preserve via air charter. Those seeking a rugged wilderness journey on a limited budget can begin hiking directly off the highway.

Before you leave for your trip, contact the Park and Preserve for updates and advisories. Wherever you access the Park and Preserve, stop in at the Visitor Center or Visitor Contact Station to speak to a ranger, check out the Bear Resistant Food Containers you need, and become a Guardian of the Gates.

Logistics:

Expect to move at a slower pace in the bush. People and schedules must be flexible to the demands of weather and other exigencies. Feel free to contact park staff for information. We are happy to help you focus your planning. Because landing sites and flying conditions limit access, other good sources of information are the outfitter/guides and air taxi operators. They can provide you with options and help you formulate realistic plans and expectations.

Your ability to deal with the rapidly changing weather in and around Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve could well determine the level of satisfaction you derive from your trip into the Arctic. Be prepared for rapid, and severe changes in the weather. Choose your clothing, gear and food with great care. Also, be sure to pack a well-equipped emergency kit, including various means of first aid, signaling for assistance and keeping warm. There will be no opportunity for replacement after you enter the Park and Preserve. Fairbanks is the last stop for getting supplies. Few, if any, supplies are available in bush communities.

Also, please note, food and equipment may not be delivered by airborne means without a permit (i.e. these items cannot be dropped from an airborne aircraft to someone on the ground). If you plan to utilize a re-supply mid-trip, private parties can have an airplane land and leave a cache of supplies anywhere in the park if it is properly stored. Food should be in Bear Resistant Food Containers (BRFC) and equipment should be stored in a manner to prevent damage from wildlife. It is strongly recommended that you meet the aircraft for resupplies.