Itinerary · 2 days · Alaska
2 Days in Gates of the Arctic National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Gates of the Arctic National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Jul–Aug. Closest major airport: Fairbanks (FAI), then a bush flight.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Float the Noatak or Alatna River. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Backpack through the Brooks Range.
- Evening: Watch caribou migrate.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: See the Arrigetch Peaks.
- Afternoon: Experience the midnight sun.
Go with an experienced outfitter unless you're a seasoned wilderness traveler. Rescue is far away and slow.
When to go
The best time to visit Gates of the Arctic National Park is July–August.
Best time to visit Gates of the Arctic, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Gates of the Arctic National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: float the noatak or alatna river and backpack through the brooks range on day one, then see the arrigetch peaks on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Gates of the Arctic itinerary?
Go in Jul–Aug, when the park is rated at its best. July and August offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Gates of the Arctic in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss see the arrigetch peaks. Two days is the sweet spot.