The least-visited national park in the system — no roads, no trails, no facilities, just untouched Arctic wilderness above the Brooks Range accessible only by bush plane.

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This is fly-in-only, so plan for at least 3 days minimum, with 4 to 5 more typical and 7 or more for a deeper backcountry trip.

There's no formal entry permit, but backcountry planning with a ranger is strongly advised given how remote and trail-less the park is.

Fairbanks and the small village of Bettles are the air-access points into the park.

There's no entrance fee — Gates of the Arctic is free to visit.

Why Visit?:

Gates of the Arctic is the least-visited national park in the entire system, and it earns that distinction honestly — no roads, no trails, no facilities, just untouched Arctic wilderness above the Brooks Range. This isn't a park you casually stop into; it's a genuine backcountry expedition, reachable only by bush plane.

For visitors drawn to true solitude and remoteness, that's exactly the appeal — you're far more likely to see caribou or a grizzly than another person.

Things to Do:

There's no single 'must-do' hike here — the entire experience is self-directed backcountry travel, so most visitors work with an air taxi service and, often, a guide to plan a route suited to their skill level. Popular entry points include the area around the Arrigetch Peaks, known for dramatic granite spires.

Given the total lack of infrastructure, this is not a park for a first-time backpacker — real wilderness navigation and self-sufficiency skills (or a guided trip) are essential before attempting a visit.

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Closest airports: Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is the main gateway, connecting to smaller bush plane services (often via Bettles) that fly directly into the park.

Nearby Attractions:

The Dalton Highway and Arctic Circle crossing are common add-ons for visitors already making the trip this far north, and Fairbanks itself offers aurora viewing in the shoulder seasons.