Gates of the Arctic National Park Tours and Activities

Photo provided by NPS Photo/Sean Tevebaugh
Gates of the Arctic National Park showing tranquil scenes, mountains and mist or fog
Gates of the Arctic National Park featuring aircraft and an aircraft
Gates of the Arctic National Park featuring mist or fog and aircraft
Gates of the Arctic National Park showing a small town or village and mist or fog


Explore a vast frontier land where animals roam free through a landscape of rolling mountains and icy rivers.

Enjoy hiking through this beautiful wilderness and try extreme rock climbing at Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Navigate wild rivers or search for moose, caribou and a plethora of birds.

Covering an area of 13,000 square miles (33,700 square kilometers), the most northerly U.S. park is an ideal place to escape daily life and relax within nature. The Brooks Range comprises approximately 700 miles (1,100 kilometers) of this land, surrounded by vast areas of scrubland and glacial rivers.

Grab your hiking poles and trek through the park heading north. The magnificent peaks of the Brooks Range will soon be visible. Enjoy spectacular views from here with the rolling green land all around interrupted only by the veins of canyons and streams.

Climbers will be pleased to find numerous challenges around the park. Attempt several different ascents of Mount Doonerak at the east end of the park or try Mount Igikpak and the Arrigetch Peaks farther south.

In addition to the many small valleys that fill with rainwater from the mountains, the park has six wild rivers. An obstacle for walkers, they do, however, provide fantastic rafting and kayaking. Try the Alatna River that runs for 83 miles (133 kilometers) from the northwest end of the park or the John River that flows from the north before joining another river near the town of Bettles.

With so few humans around, the park is filled with wildlife. Admire caribou and muskox on the plains or explore the riverbanks in search of beavers and wood frogs. The skies teem with migratory birds including thrush and elegant loons.

Gates of the Arctic National Park is in central Alaska. The park has no entrance road. Either walk from the Dalton Highway that passes within 5 miles (8 kilometers) or fly from one of the nearby towns such as Bettles. Visit between June and August when temperatures average 50 F (10 C). Facilities are almost non-existent, so bring all food and equipment with you.

Enjoy these wild lands the country has preserved as U.S. national parks for affordable vacations.

Plan a trip to see Gates of the Arctic National Park

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Anchors Way Inn
Alyeska Resort
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Best Lodging Options Near Gates of the Arctic National Park

Westmark Anchorage Hotel

Westmark Anchorage Hotel

3 out of 5
720 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK
Westmark Anchorage Hotel
The Lakefront Anchorage

The Lakefront Anchorage

3.5 out of 5
4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK
The Lakefront Anchorage
Puffin Inn of Anchorage

Puffin Inn of Anchorage

2 out of 5
4400 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK
Puffin Inn of Anchorage
Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport

Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport

3 out of 5
4411 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK
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Wingate by Wyndham Anchorage Downtown/Ship Creek

Wingate by Wyndham Anchorage Downtown/Ship Creek

2.5 out of 5
111 W Ship Creek Ave, Anchorage, AK
Wingate by Wyndham Anchorage Downtown/Ship Creek
Alyeska Resort

Alyeska Resort

4 out of 5
1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK
Alyeska Resort
Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
813 Noble St, Fairbanks, AK
Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center
Ingra House Hotel

Ingra House Hotel

2 out of 5
641 Ingra Street, Anchorage, AK
Ingra House Hotel
Breeze Inn

Breeze Inn

3 out of 5
303 North Harbor Drive, Seward, AK
Breeze Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Gates of the Arctic National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park offers an array of activities to enhance your visit, including guided Arctic park tours and winter trips that showcase the stunning wilderness. Explore diverse hiking trails that provide breathtaking views and unique wildlife encounters. While there are no visitor centres within the park, you can find valuable information at nearby locations to help plan your adventures in this remote Alaskan paradise.

Find the best attractions near Gates of the Arctic National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park offers a stunning array of outdoor experiences, with its breathtaking rivers and pristine arctic wilderness. Visitors can immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the arctic circle, exploring the park's diverse landscapes and enjoying the serenity of nature. It's an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and scenic views in a remote setting, making it a must-visit for any traveller.

  • Tinayguk River: Experience stunning scenery and outdoor vibes at Tinayguk River, located 40.2km from Gates of the Arctic National Park. Enjoy the pristine wilderness, perfect for fishing, hiking, and immersing yourself in nature's beauty.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Gates of the Arctic National Park

Visiting Gates of the Arctic National Park can be budget-friendly with several tips. Enjoy free entry to the park and consider using Expedia’s search tool to find affordable accommodations by sorting results from lowest to highest price. Look for eco-certified hotels to support sustainability while saving money. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities through an Expedia package can lead to further savings. Don't forget to compare hotels to ensure you get the best deal for your stay.

  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organize your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type. For instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll discover sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel reservation for Gates of the Arctic National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.