Gates of the Arctic Wilderness
Area Management
The Gates of the Arctic Wilderness is part of the 110 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. This System of lands provides clean air, water, and habitat critical for rare and endangered plants and animals. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities like hiking, backpacking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, horse packing, bird watching, stargazing, and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. You play an important role in helping to "secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by the Congress of the United States through the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the requirements outlined below and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting the Gates of the Arctic Wilderness to ensure protection of this unique area.Bear Resistant Food Cannisters (BRFCs) are REQUIRED for overnight visits into the Park. No permits are required to enter the Gates of the Arctic. There are no fees required. The Park requests that you stop in Coldfoot, Bettles or Anaktuvuk Pass and receive a backcountry orientation. BRFCs are available free of charge to visitors on a first come first served basis.
