Roughly the size of Vermont and Connecticut combined, Gates of the Arctic is the second largest national park. It’s also the least visited.
This true wonderland is almost the farthest north you can go in the U.S. To get here, you’ll have to come in by plane. (Really, multiple planes.) Once you’re in, you won’t find any roads or trails. And don’t expect campsites, visitor centers, public facilities or lights. This is nature at its wildest.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a land beyond humanity. Far from it. The area has been occupied by Inuit people from time immemorial, and several tribes continue living within it.
When’s the best time to come? That depends on what you want. If darkness scares you, summer has the midnight sun and better chances of seeing wildlife. Winter is much harsher, as you’ll be within the Arctic Circle. But if the fates favor you, you might get to see the indescribable magic of the northern lights.
