One Day in Gates of the Arctic: A Fly-In Itinerary
Fly into Alaska's most remote park for dramatic mountain views, pristine alpine lakes, and untouched tundra.
Gates of the Arctic anchors the central Brooks Range, a landscape of jagged peaks above 7,000 feet, wild rivers, and arctic tundra entirely north of the Arctic Circle. No roads, no trails, and no lodges define this wilderness—only air access to remote lakes and valleys.
- 8.4M Acres
- 700+ Miles of wild rivers
- 0 Marked trails
- June-Sept Visitable season
Day 1: Arrigetch Peaks Scenic Flight and Alpine Lake Landing
Stay: Return to Coldfoot Camp for overnight lodging after your day flight.
This single day captures the remote wilderness essence of Gates of the Arctic—soaring over granite peaks named by explorer Robert Marshall and landing in pristine alpine lakes where Dall sheep roam untouched tundra.
- Depart Coldfoot on a scenic flight through the central Brooks Range, passing between Boreal Mountain and Frigid Crags—the twin peaks that inspired the park's name.
- Land at an alpine lake (Takahula or Walker) in the Arrigetch region for ground time: hike open tundra ridges for Dall sheep sightings, fish clear alpine waters for arctic char and grayling, or paddle by canoe to explore remote valleys.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee?
No. Gates of the Arctic is one of the few U.S. national parks with no entrance fee and no required permits for backpacking or day visits. The NPS strongly encourages you to register your trip at Bettles or Coldfoot ranger stations for safety purposes.
How do I get to Gates of the Arctic?
Bush plane is the primary access. Operators like Coyote Air (based at Coldfoot, Mile 175 of the Dalton Highway) offer flightseeing tours and drop-off services to remote lakes and river bars. Flights from Coldfoot to remote lake landings cost $580–$1,150 per person.
What should I bring for a one-day fly-in?
Bear-resistant food container, satellite messenger or personal locator beacon (no cell service), topographic map and compass or GPS, trekking poles, warm layers (down jacket), rain gear, and tundra boots. Bring much more water than you think you'll need—tundra water sources are unreliable.
What wildlife will I see?
Dall sheep are common on alpine ridges. You may spot caribou, moose, grizzly bears, arctic foxes, and golden eagles. Wildlife viewing is most reliable from higher elevations; stay alert and maintain distance.
What if the weather cancels my flight?
Weather cancellations are common and unpredictable. Book flexible travel dates and always have a backup day scheduled. Your air taxi operator will reschedule or refund if conditions prevent takeoff.
Sources & Further Reading
- Plan Your Visit - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Things To Do - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Getting Around - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Basic Information - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Weather - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Backpacking and Hiking - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- North Fork of the Koyukuk River - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Dall's Sheep - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Flightseeing in Alaska's Brooks Range - Coyote Air Service — Coyote Air Service
- Gates of the Arctic Air Adventure - Northern Alaska Tour Company — Northern Alaska Tour Company
- Bettles Lodge - Arctic Lodging & Gates of the Arctic Gateway — Bettles Lodge
- Coldfoot Camp - Northern Alaska Lodging on the Dalton Highway — Coldfoot Camp
- Gates of the Arctic National Park — Alaska.org
