National Parks in Alaska
19 NPS units in Alaska — complete visitor guides with fees, hours, hiking, camping, and seasonal tips.
Visiting National Parks in Alaska
Alaska is home to 19 units managed by the National Park Service, ranging from 2 full national parks to historic sites, monuments, and recreation areas. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a multi-week adventure, Alaska's national parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States.
Before your visit, make sure to check current entrance fees, operating hours, and any active alerts — all updated daily on each park's page. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units and is highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks in Alaska.
National Parks in Alaska
Kenai Fjords
At the edge of the Kenai Peninsula lies a land where the ice age lingers. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from…
Full visitor guide →
Kobuk Valley
Caribou, sand dunes, the Kobuk River, Onion Portage - just some of the facets of Kobuk Valley National Park. Thousands…
Full visitor guide →Other NPS Units in Alaska
Alagnak
Wild River
The headwaters of Alagnak Wild River lie within the rugged Aleutian Range…
Alaska Public Lands
Alaska’s parks, forests, and refuges are rich and varied. The Alaska Public…
Aleutian Islands World War II
National Historic Area
The remote Aleutian Islands, home to the Unangax̂ (Aleut) people for over…
Aniakchak
National Monument & Preserve
Given its remote location and challenging weather conditions, Aniakchak is one of…
Bering Land Bridge
National Preserve
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve lies at the continental crossroad that greatly…
Cape Krusenstern
National Monument
A bridge to the past and a land for the future, Cape…
Denali
National Park & Preserve
Denali is six million acres of wild land, bisected by one ribbon…
Gates Of The Arctic
National Park & Preserve
This vast landscape does not contain any roads or trails. Visitors discover…
Glacier Bay
National Park & Preserve
Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild…
Iñupiat Heritage Center
On the rooftop of the world, the Iñupiat Heritage Center in Barrow,…
Katmai
National Park & Preserve
A landscape is alive underneath our feet, filled with creatures that remind…
Klondike Gold Rush
National Historical Park
Headlines screamed "Gold!" The dream of a better life catapulted thousands of…
Lake Clark
National Park & Preserve
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a land of stunning beauty.…
Noatak
National Preserve
As one of North America's largest mountain-ringed river basins with an intact…
Sitka
National Historical Park
On an island amid towering spruce and hemlock, Sitka National Historical Park…
Wrangell - St Elias
National Park & Preserve
Wrangell-St. Elias is a vast national park that rises from the ocean…
Yukon - Charley Rivers
National Preserve
Located in Interior Alaska, Yukon-Charley Rivers offers exploration in a largely untouched…
Planning Your Alaska National Park Trip
- →Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer the best combination of good weather, open facilities, and manageable crowds across Alaska's parks.
- →America the Beautiful Pass: At $80/year, this annual pass covers entrance to all 19+ NPS units in Alaska and all other NPS units nationwide.
- →Book early: Lodging and campsite reservations at popular parks fill up months in advance. Plan and book as early as possible, especially for summer visits.
- →Check alerts: Road closures, fire restrictions, and seasonal closures can affect your plans. Check each park's page for current alerts before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national parks are in Alaska?
Alaska has 2 designated national parks and 19 total NPS-managed units, including monuments, recreation areas, and historic sites.
What is the best national park to visit in Alaska?
The best park depends on your interests. Kenai Fjords is one of the most popular options. Browse the parks above to find the one that matches your travel style.
Do I need a pass to visit national parks in Alaska?
Most NPS units in Alaska charge an entrance fee. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all of them and is great value if you plan to visit more than 2-3 parks.
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.