Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve

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CONTENTS

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve

By establishing Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve (GAAR) in Alaska's Brooks Range, Congress has reserved a vast and essentially untouched area of superlative natural beauty and exceptional scientific value - a maze of glaciated valleys and gaunt, rugged mountains covered with boreal forest and arctic tundra vegetation, cut by wild rivers, and inhabited by far-ranging populations of caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and bears (barren-ground grizzlies and black bears). Congress recognized that a special value of the Park and Preserve is its wild and undeveloped character, and the opportunities it affords for solitude, wilderness travel, and adventure. Gates of the Arctic encompasses several congressionally recognized elements, including the national park, national preserve, wilderness, six Wild Rivers and two National Natural Landmarks. The National Park Service is entrusted to manage this area to protect its physical resources and to maintain the intangible qualities of the wilderness and the opportunity it provides for people to learn and renew its values.

IN DEPTH

Things To Do Artist in Residence Application Tips Gates of the Arctic is a unique and remote park.  This in turn creates a unique Artist in Residence program.  As you think about your...read more

Natural World Wild and Scenic Rivers Rivers have been byways for wildlife and humans for centuries. They are the veins and arteries through the heart of the Gates of the Arctic wilderness....read more

Animals Birding Because of its endless summer sunlight, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is the summer destination of many migratory birds. In addition, there are a number of...read more

Sights to See Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska Anaktuvuk Pass, is a remote village located within the Park and Preserve Boundaries. It was established along a major caribou migration route in the early 1950's by...read more

Camping Camping There are no designated campsites in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Camping usually takes place in conjunction with other recreational activities. Camping in the arctic requires...read more

Preservation Trash Trash is a major concern in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. If you pack it in, pack it out. Never burn, bury or litter unused food...read more

Walking & Hiking Backpacking and Hiking Traveling on foot affords more opportunity for exploration and discovery. Hiking on ridges and overpasses reveals splendid vistas, while the slower pace allows for a closer inspection...read more

In A Nutshell Weather and Climate In the wilderness, weather rules. Visitors to Gates of the Arctic need to be prepared for all types of weather. Travel plans in and out of the...read more

At A Glance Contact Information By Mail Bettles Ranger Station (Field Operations) P.O. Box 30 Bettles, AK 99726 National Park Service (Fairbanks Headquarters) 4175 Geist Road Fairbanks, AK 99709 By Phone Bettles Ranger Station: 907-692-5494 Coldfoot Ranger Station: 907-678-4227 Arctic Interagency Visitor Center (Coldfoot): 907-678-5209...read more

Park Regulations & Safety Selecting a Wilderness Campsite Arctic tundra is surprisingly fragile and slow to recover. It is best to camp on durable surfaces. Gravel bars make excellent campsites since they often have...read more

PARK PHOTOS

Gates Of The Arctic : Mountains Stream
Mountains Stream
NPS
Gates Of The Arctic : Plants Sunset
Plants Sunset
NPS
Gates Of The Arctic : Snow Tracks
Snow Tracks
NPS
 

POINTS OF INTEREST