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

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 Labor Day: 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.

Marion Creek 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

Plane
Access to the Park and Preserve begins in Fairbanks and, for most visitors, proceeds by air to one of three neighboring communities: Bettles, Coldfoot or Anaktuvuk Pass. A few parties also access the Noatak or Kobuk Rivers via Kotzebue and Ambler. There are no roads to these bush communities but commercial air service is available from Fairbanks. From these access points most people travel in and out of the park in small aircraft operated by air taxi operators although some walk in from the Anaktuvuk Pass airfield. For a list of air taxi operators with Incidental Business Permits in Alaska go to the Alaska Region Concessions web site using the "more" link below. Air taxi costs vary greatly. Please contact an air taxi service for specific price information.

Due to the variable arctic weather, you should allow plenty of extra time on both ends of your trip because it is possible to wait days for safe flying weather. Likewise you should bring extra food with you as a contingency.

Car
There are no roads in the park, although the Dalton Highway comes within about 5 miles of the park"s eastern boundary. The Dalton Highway offers a road accessible Brooks Range experience for those seeking a rugged wilderness journey on a limited budget. You can drive to Coldfoot and fly into the Park and Preserve via air charter or begin hiking directly off the highway. There are no trails into the Park and Preserve from any location and river crossings are necessary.

Getting Around

A trip to Gates of the Arctic Park and Preserve is for many the trip of a life time. Careful planning is important for a successful trip. It is important to remember that this is a remote wilderness park. Visitors must be self sufficient, able to navigate with a map and compass and proficient in first aid. Below are some tips that will help you plan a successful wilderness adventure.

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 & 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.