Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is a U.S. National Park in Alaska. It is the second largest at 13,238 miles, about the same size as Switzerland. The park’s name comes from a nature activist who, while exploring the North Fork of the Koyukuk River, saw two mountains, Frigid Crags & Boreal Mt., flanking the river on each side and christened this portal the “Gates of the Arctic”. What is remarkable is that such a large chunk of land has remained one of the most remote and unspoiled places in the world. No roads lead into the park, and there are no trails or bridges inside. Gates of the Arctic National Park’s summer season is from mid-May to mid-September. The main park ranger station is located in Anaktuvuk Pass. The village hosts visitors from around the world, and offer tours about life in the village.

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Devils Tower was the first declared United States National Monument, established on September 24, 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. A National Monument is a protected area that is quickly declared by the President of the United States without the approval of Congress. Devils Tower sits across the state line in northeast Wyoming. It is 867 feet from its base to the summit. It stands 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River and is 5,112 feet above sea level. It was formed by the intrusion of igneous material. Devils Tower National Monument is open year-round 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Admission is $10 per vehicle and $5 for bicycles and pedestrians for a seven day pass.

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Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming just south of Yellowstone National Park and just north of the town of Jackson. It is very popular for climbers, hikers and photographers. The area is spectacular. The words cannot describe its beauty. The people are very friendly and helpfull at any visitor center. The peaks of the Teton Range stand nearly 7,000 feet (2,135 meters) above the valley floor. The park also contains a number of beautiful lakes which lie at the foot of the mountains, such as Leigh Lake. The park includes 485 square miles (1,256 square kilometers) of both the Teton Range and Jackson Hole.

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