Best trails in Kobuk Valley National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the United States. Located in northwestern Alaska, it lies entirely north of the Arctic Circle. This remote park protects some of Alaska's most unique landscapes. You might be thinking of icy, barren tundra and lots of snow. Instead, you'll find boreal forests that meet giant sand dunes that can reach %{100_feet} tall! These are the largest active sand dunes in the Arctic. The Kobuk River runs through the park, encircled by the Baird and Waring mountain ranges. The park has no roads and no designated trails, just untouched wilderness.
The park's remoteness and its location in a transitional area between boreal forest and tundra makes it a wonderful place for wildlife viewing. Kobuk Valley is home to one of the last great migrations on Earth. Every spring and fall, more than 250,000 Western Arctic caribou travel through the valley to their summer and winter grounds. In the park, you'll also find bears, river otters, Canadian lynxes, Dall sheep, wolves, moose, a wide variety of fish, and so much more.
No roads lead to the park. Most visitors fly to the towns of Kotzebue or Bettles, then take an authorized air taxi to the park. In the summer, you can bring your own collapsible watercraft and float through the park on the Kobuk River. In the winter, you can also access the park by snowmobile or dogsled if you have your own. All of these options require backcountry survival skills, bringing your own gear, and advance planning. Check out the list of authorized service providers to arrange transportation or guided trips.
The best time to visit the park for warm-weather activities is in June or July, when temperatures are around %{65_Fahrenheit}. Because you'll be so close to the North Pole, you'll have almost 24 hours of sunlight each day in the summer, which gives you extra opportunities to spot wildlife. Mosquito season usually lasts from mid-June to the beginning of August. When visiting in the summer especially, we suggest bringing bug repellent and a head net, as well as wearing a tight-weave cotton long-sleeve shirt and pants. Winters are very cold, with little sunlight, but you'll have great chances of seeing the northern lights.
There is no entrance fee to visit Kobuk Valley, and permits are not required for independent backpacking trips.
Top trails
- (2)·Hard·14.6 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hrAn off trail hike along the giant sand dunes in Kobuk Valley National Park. It is very difficult to walk on sand, and there is no defined trail route here so you will need to physically ready for this adventure and prepared with an offline map and good navigational skills to get you back to your start point. Stretch your calves before heading up the dunes to save yourself the pain!
Visitor info
No fee.
No passes needed.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
Kobuk Valley National Park does not charge an entrance fee, but the Interagency Access Pass allows pass holders to receive a 50% discount on other park amenities, such as camping.
The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers. A loaner wheelchair is available.
Many ranger-led programs have assistive listening devices and ASL interpreters available by reservation. Please contact the park at least 10 days in advance to make a reservation for interpretation services.
Additional information about accessibility at Kobuk Valley National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/kova/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers. A loaner wheelchair is available.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
