All about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is located in northeast Alaska. It is the largest national wildlife refuge in the United States.  The refuge was created in 1960 but it was expanded in 1980.  The area protects six different ecozones from the northern coast to the Brooks Mountain range to the mighty Yukon River to boreal forest.  The area is home to polar bears, caribou, wolves, eagles.  During the summer, thousands of migratory birds visit.  The refuge is open to the public and is true wilderness.  There are no roads in the ANWR or any services outside of the small town of Kaktovik.

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Profile

Region Alaska Region
Park Size

19,286,722 acres (30,135 sq miles) (78051 sq km)

About the size of South Carolina

ElevationHighest point: 8,901 feet (2,713 m) at  the summit of Mount Chamberlin
Lowest point: 0 feet (0 m) at the Beaufort Sea
Location North Slope Borough
Nearby CitiesKaktovik
Founding Date

Arctic National Wildlife Range – December 6, 1960

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge  – December 2, 1980 

Visitor3,510,000 (in 2017) 
Busy SeasonJuly to early October
Visitor CentersNone
Park HoursOpen 365 days (24 hours a day)
 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF LAND

On this site, we promote travel to the United States and beyond that are the traditional lands of  Indigenous and First Nations peoples.

With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to these lands’ past and present people.

To learn more about the people who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

DISCLAIMER

National Park Obsessed assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site (NationalParkObsessed.com). The information contained in this site is provided with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. You are encouraged to conduct your own due diligence before acting on the information provided on this site and should not rely on the opinions expressed here.

There is an inherent risk in all outdoor recreation activities, the reader assumes all responsibility for their own personal safety.

DISCLOSURE

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Privacy Policy • About Us • Contact

Select stock photography provided depositphotos

Copyright ©2023 National Park Obsessed, LLC