In a year, just over 11,000 people visit the Gates of the Arctic: where are they headed?

Many national parks in the USA are stunning destinations due to their picturesque beauty and iconic geological features. However, it turns out that not all of them are equally popular among travelers: some attract over 13 million visitors annually, while others see just over 11 thousand, as reported by IFLScience.

Despite the scenic landscapes, the least visited national park has been identified as Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. According to data from the National Park Service (NPS), in 2023, only 11,045 people visited this site, which is a 16.8% increase from the previous year. Still, this number seems incredibly small compared to the staggering 13,297,647 visitors that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomed in the same year.

Researchers note that there are substantial reasons behind such statistics. In fact, Alaska is home to numerous national parks, all of which rank among the least visited. These include the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve — all of which, unfortunately, are in the bottom ten.

According to Peter Christian, the Public and Legislative Affairs Director for the Alaska region of the National Park Service, the national parks in Alaska are at the bottom of the list for one significant reason — they are difficult to access. Regarding Gates of the Arctic, researchers believe it is the wildest and most remote location one can find in North America.

Although people have lived in this area for at least 12,000 years, Gates of the Arctic still encompasses 3,428,701 acres of untouched wilderness. Researchers point out that there are no roads or trails leading into this park, meaning that visitors must either hike or fly in.

Those who do manage to reach Gates of the Arctic will face another challenge — there are no visitor amenities available. In simple terms, travelers must rely solely on their knowledge, skills, and the gear they bring with them.

However, experts say that if travelers are well-prepared for a visit to Gates of the Arctic, they are likely to have a rewarding experience. The park and preserve are home to the picturesque Brooks Range, shaped by tectonic and glacial activity, as well as extensive stretches of boreal forest, followed by meadows and tundra.

Researchers note that visitors can encounter a variety of wildlife here, including ptarmigans and Dall sheep, as well as larger and more dangerous animals like lynxes, grizzly bears, and moose.