Kobuk Valley National Park
Fast Facts
- Location
- Founded
- Popularity
- Size
- Website
- Phone
- Yearly
- Closest City
- Time Zone
- Alaska
- 1980
- 61 of 63
- 2,735 sm/7,085 skm
- www.nps.gov/kova
- (907) 442-3890
- 15,760 (2019)
- Kotzebue, AK
- Alaska
Current Weather
Map
Sitting above the Arctic Circle in Alaska is the remote and wild Kobuk Valley National Park. The park is an untouched wilderness with no roads or amenities. The park is also known for its massive sand dunes, formed by glaciers in the last ice age, although the park contains no glaciers currently. In the park you’ll find mountains, the massive Kobuk River and amazing wildlife. The park contains massive herds of caribou, along with bears and wolves. Every spring and fall, the herd of a quarter million caribou pass through the area during their migration.
Established as a national park in 1980, the park is one of the least visited in the park system. Only Gates of the Arctic, which is adjacent to the park sees fewer visitors. Getting to the park is challenging. There are no roads in or to the park. To get there, you’ll need to fly to Kotzebue and then fly into Kobuk Valley. The park is a recreational paradise with plenty of opportunities for hiking, backpacking, camping and fishing. You’ll want to visit in the summer, when temperatures are comfortable and you’ll have very long days. It’s also the best time to see the park’s amazing wildlife. In the winter, temperatures are likely to be below zero, there is little sunlight and much of the park will be inaccessible.
Getting There
Find out how to get to the park, including the closest airport and and highways.
Plan Your Trip
Things to know before coming, including cost, weather and the best time of the year to visit.
Attractions
Find out everything there is to do in the park. Don’t miss these recommendations from TripAdvisor.
Best Hikes
Discover the most popular and beautiful hikes the park has to offer. Alltrails has reviews and more.
Top 3 Must See
Limited time, or just want to hit the highlights? These are our top three “must see” attractions in the park.
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