Kobuk Valley National Park | American Tour Association

A PLACE TO REMEMBER

Make room for the wonder.

Arctic sand dunes and a broad river landscape give Kobuk Valley an unusual wilderness character. This is a remote journey shaped by air access, weather and the skills needed to travel without visitor roads.

sun setting on sand dunes — The setting sun casts shadows of black spruce on the dunes and colors the water of Ahnewetut Creek a deep blue.
NPS Photo · Photography credit

A green pack canoe sits on the bank of the Kobuk River. Clouds are mirrored on the water's surface. — A quick pause on a canoe trip down the Kobuk River.
NPS Photo / Justine Schmidt · Photography credit

BUILD YOUR OWN PARK DAY

Places to consider

01Great Kobuk Sand Dunes
02Kobuk River landscapes
03Guided wilderness travel

Choose the stops that suit your time and your party. These are ideas for exploring, rather than a fixed itinerary or a promise that every road, trail or facility will be open.

Before you set out

Arrange transport and experienced support before traveling. Do not plan this as an ordinary drive-in park or an improvised short excursion.

Give the day room

Allow time for the approach, parking and breaks. Pick walks for the least mobile members of your party, and leave space for weather or a change of plans.

Bring your group

Confirm vehicle access, drop-off and parking with the park. Check any guided tours, transport and accessibility arrangements before fixing the rest of the itinerary.

Official park visitor guide ↗Current conditions ↗

Check the official NPS guide for current access, fees, passes, reservations and permits. Gateway names identify useful surrounding communities or access areas, not exact entrance directions. Photographs may show earlier seasons or conditions.