The closest major airport is Fairbanks, located about 200 miles southeast of the park.
Local airlines fly into Anaktuvuk Pass, Bettles, and Coldfoot, Alaska.
There are no roads in the park, although the Dalton Highway comes within about 5 miles of the park's eastern boundary. Other than hiking in from the Dalton Highway, between approximately milepost 190 to milepost 276, access is generally by air.
Scheduled air taxis from Fairbanks serve Anaktuvuk Pass, Bettles, and Coldfoot. Charter flights may be arranged. Contact Bettles Ranger Station for the list of licensed air taxi operators.
Commercial and Charter Air Travel
Access to the interior of the park and preserve is generally accomplished in one of two ways:
1. Commercial flights from Fairbanks to Bettles or Anaktuvuk Pass and charter flights from Bettles or Anaktuvuk Pass to the backcountry.
2. Charter flights from Fairbanks to the destination.
Scheduled service between Fairbanks, Bettles, and Anaktuvuk Pass is available from Fairbanks International Airport. Flight schedules are variable, ranging from several per day during the peak summer season of July and August, to a few per week during the winter. Advance reservations are recommended. Weight is at a premium on these flights and passengers are charged extra for gear in excess of 40 pounds. Outsized bags or gear should be mentioned to airline personnel when making reservations. These carriers vary from year to year. Contact a major airline serving Alaska for information about local carriers offering service to Bettles and Anaktuvuk Pass.
Charter Flights into the Backcountry
The park issues permits for air taxi services who fly clients into the park and preserve. These operators must adhere to permit standards and are allowed to provide point to point transportation within the park and preserve.
Licensed backcountry guide services may offer their own air transportation as part of the guided trip package or may subcontract with an air taxi service. Charter rates for air taxi may range from $100 per hour for a single passenger, to $225 per hour for 3 passengers, to $300 per hour for four passengers. Bear in mind you are actually chartering an aircraft rather than a seat. Time is paid for the plane's empty return flight as well as the flight to the destination. In general, most areas of the park can be reached from Bettles or Anaktuvuk Pass in under an hour's time. It is recommended that you contact air taxi operators and guides in advance for arrangements and current rates.
From the North
Drive south on the Dalton Highway (Stateroad 11) to the Coldfoot Ranger Station.
From the South
Drive north on or to the Dalton Highway (Stateroad 11) to the Coldfoot Ranger Station.
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