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Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is one of several conservation units located in the Brooks Range. Many of these units offer the opportunity for extreme wilderness recreation activities such as: backpacking, river running, mountaineering, dog mushing, and others. The remote location and extreme climate of the Brooks Range requires travelers to have exceptionally strong wilderness skills and flexibility to adjust plans. The Dalton Highway offers a road accessible Brooks Range experience for those seeking a rugged wilderness journey on a limited budget. A required backcountry orientation program for recreational travelers is offered at the Bettles Ranger Station, Coldfoot Visitor Center, and Anaktuvuk Pass Ranger Station. Backcountry users not passing through one of these locations must contact the Bettles Ranger Station prior to their visit.
Visiting the Brooks Range is a unique experience. The range is over 800 miles long and up to 200 miles wide. As with any trip, proper planning is essential for a Brooks Range visit. With the remoteness and no facilities within the park each visitor must be well prepared and self sufficient. Equipment, supplies, and even emergency services may not be available. Wilderness skills are essential. In many areas of the park it may be weeks before you encounter another person.
Planning your route is an important part of your adventure. The Brooks Range is a vast area and will require you to spend some time with topographic maps. Topographic maps are available.
Be prepared for emergencies and for radical changes in the weather. It can snow at any time of the year in the Brooks Range. The month of August is usually the rainy season. Always carry enough food for extra days because inclement weather can delay air service. You should allow for extra time and alternate itineraries; you could conceivably wait days for decent flying weather.
Your guide/air taxi operator can provide you with options, and help you formulate realistic plans and expectations. The mosquitoes are out in large numbers from mid-June to mid-August. Other pesky insects can be around throughout September. Please take time to familiarize yourself with information about the following topics as you plan your trip.
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve are open year round. The Anaktuvuk Pass Ranger Station, Bettles Ranger Station, and Coldfoot Visitor Center have backcountry orientation displays. Bettles Ranger Station has an interactive CD-ROM program on site. The Coldfoot Visitor Center has scheduled evening programs during the summer. While in Coldfoot check out the ruins and cemetery of "Old Coldfoot" or visit the historic village of Wiseman just 13 miles up the road.
Headquarters (Fairbanks)
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm - Monday - Friday
Bettles Ranger Station
Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm - Daily - from mid May to mid Sep
Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm - Mon - Fri - mid Sep to mid May
Phone: 907-692-5494
Special Programs - Interpretive Programs are offered periodically year-round. Checkout our "inDepth Link" to the right or contact our Interpretive Specialist at the number above for further information.
Exhibits - Various displays depicting the flora and fauna of the Brooks Range are displayed in this facility jointly operated by Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Kanuti Wildlife Refuge.
Available Facilities - An Alaska Natural History Association outlet, reference library and restrooms are available in this location. However, because Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is a wilderness designated region, there are no NPS campgrounds, roads, established trails or other NPS maintained visitor facilities within the park and preserve boundaries.
Coldfoot Visitor Center
Hours: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm - Daily - Jun through Aug
The Coldfoot Visitor Center has scheduled evening programs during the summer.
Copyright © 1995 - 2007 Hillclimb Media
This site is in no way associated with the United States Government, the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service
