Backpacking Trip to the Gates of the Arctic National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve exist entirely within the borders of Alaska and is one of the most remote areas of Alaskan wildlife and natural habitats anywhere in the world. This is a national park because it is not connected to any international tourism agency or even a national park planning authority. It is entirely surrounded by the Arctic Ocean, with its arctic tundra covered by a thick layer of land and rocky cliffs on three sides. The eastern boundary of this park lies in the Chuit Island region, while the western boundary is in the area of Norton Sound. The south and west boundaries each fall within the boundaries of Denali National Park.

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve consists of a vast coastal plain of approximately 8.4 million acres. This area is completely without human habitation and contains numerous glaciers and marine life. There is a thriving arctic walrus population in this preserve, as well as a wide variety of seal and arctic bear populations. There are also a number of rare marine mammals such as the beluga whale, beluga calf, and the unique sperm whales. This coastal plain is also home to a large number of wildlife species, including the Alaskan gray seal and an abundance of migratory birds.

The interior of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve consist of a series of high, snow-capped mountains that gradually become deeper and more difficult to reach, and finally become impossible to climb. At the top of each of these mountains, which ranges from two hundred to five hundred feet above sea level, is a massive ice sheet with a thickness of up to ten miles. Most visitors to the park to stay at least one night in Fairbanks, and the remainder drive to the park on foot or by dog sled.

A very beautiful section of road would lead visitors to the world-famous Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, where the sun will rise and set each day and snow will fall dramatically. In fact, the only time when you might not see snowfall is on April 12th, which is a national holiday in Alaska. The road would start out in the town of Denali and meander through huge tundra regions, which were once blanketed by a lush forest. It would then take a dramatic left turn and head towards the gates of the national park and preserve, which boasts a spectacular view of Arctornia, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the historic San Francisco skyline.

Because the road is a very long one, it is advised that you arrive early, pack comfortable clothing, food and water, and bring along some survival skills for a few days’ hike in the Alaskan wilderness. Since the nearest civilization is about five hundred miles away, you will need to carry some supplies with you on your trip, such as food bars or energy bars, a compass, a GPS/maps, a cell phone with voice mail, a first aid kit, some bottled water and some sun block. Because the weather in Alaska tends to be very unpredictable, carrying some form of survival gear can prove to be invaluable in case the weather turns bad. If you plan to go on a longer hike, consider also bringing along a tent or small cabin with hot tubs or a log house inside. Some other items to consider purchasing include drinking water bottles or raincoats, a folding camping chair, sleeping bags or sleeping pads, a first aid kit, and a compass.

If you are not planning to stay overnight in the area, you will find that a lot of local merchants have stores within the wilderness area. Since the area is open year-round, you will be able to purchase all sorts of items including cookware, hiking shoes, clothing, and camping supplies. One of the best parts about backpacking in Alaska’s Gates of the Arctic national park is that you can get all of your food, however little or large, at one of many of the restaurant locations. You can easily purchase all of your food at the store in town, but since there are no hotels or campgrounds in the wilderness, you will need to carry all of your items on your back. The experience you have will truly be unforgettable.