| Lying entirely north of the Arctic Circle, this park and preserve includes a portion of the Central Brooks Range, the northernmost extension of the Rocky Mountains. It is often referred to as the greatest remaining wilderness in North America.This second largest unit of the National Park System is characterized by jagged peaks, gentle arctic valleys, wild rivers and numerous lakes. The forested southern slopes contrast to the barren northern reaches of the site at the edge of Alaska's "north slope." Adding adjacent Kobuk Valley National Park and Noatak National Preserve, it is one of the largest park areas in the world.Three Ranger stations within the park provide varying degrees of interpretive materials. The Anaktuvuk Pass Ranger Station, Bettles Ranger Station and Coldfoot Visitor Center have backcountry orientation displays. Bettles Ranger Station has an interactive CD-ROM program on site. The Coldfoot Visitor Center has scheduled evening programs during the summer. While in Coldfoot check out the ruins and cemetery of "Old Coldfoot" or visit the historic village of Wiseman just 13 miles up the road.There is no commercial lodging in the park. Commercial facilities exist in Anaktuvuk Pass, Bettles, Coldfoot and Wiseman. There is also a campground managed by the BLM at Dalton Highway Milepost 180 (five miles north of Coldfoot). The campground is open from June through mid-September. It is the responsibility of the visitor to obtain all of the necessary information and avoid private property. Supplies are generally not available within the park. Visitors must plan to be self-sufficient. |
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