This Is The Least Visited National Park In The Entire US

National parks in the United States are wonderful destinations in which to learn about and enjoy in the varied scenery that makes so many parts of the U.S. special. As a state well-known for its amazing nature, Alaska features a handful of national parks with scenery not widely found in the other 49 states. While Alaska's parks feature things like stunning hiking trails and bear viewing adventures that are popular with outdoor enthusiasts, the Last Frontier still has some places that are even more off the beaten path.

Alaska is home to Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, the least visited national park in the U.S. In 2024, this park saw just 11,907 visitors. It's a stark contrast compared to the 12 million at Great Smoky Mountains and popular western parks like Zion, Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone — each with at least 4 million visitors. A hint as to why Gates of the Arctic receives so few visitors is right in the name. This awe-inspiring remote nature escape is entirely within the Arctic Circle, which is not exactly a part of the globe that finds itself on most travel itineraries.

Aside from its frigid location, tourists might also avoid Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve because it does not have any roads or mapped out hiking trails. A great starting point for national park explorers is the visitor center, but the ones for Gates of the Arctic are not within the park's boundaries. This national park truly is as untouched as can be. 

As you may have already guessed from the absent infrastructure, the National Park Service warns that Gates of the Arctic is not for the everyday traveler. Visitors to this park need to prepare for difficult terrain even away from mountain peaks as the park's over 8 million acres of space includes rivers and thick forests. Bears in this part of the state have shown that they are not afraid of humans either. Gates of the Arctic becomes even more hazardous when you factor in the lack of phone service, as only satellite phones work here. There may not be a way to contact emergency services if you need help.

The difficulties of visiting Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve might be for the best. Some national parks in the United States are dealing with overwhelming numbers of visitors. This not only puts the region's wildlife at risk of human interference, but it also makes for crowded scenic points of interest and hiking trails. While national parks are established for public enjoyment of their nature and history, the national park designation allows for federal protections on the land too. For Gates of the Arctic, the emphasis is on the latter.

Travelers can still check Gates of the Arctic off their national park bucket lists as long as they understand that nature and wildlife conservation is of the highest importance. There is a parking lot at the Bureau of Land Management Galbraith Lake campground if you want to enter the park on foot. Charter plane companies can get you there too. If you are leery about trekking the park on your own, check out guided options through organizations like Chugach Mountain Institute or Alaska Alpine Adventures.