National park · United States
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
Go only if you are already flying in Arctic Alaska: entry is free, but a bush-plane charter to Serpentine Hot Springs runs about US$2,000–4,000 per group, so treat it as a 1–2 day add-on from Nome in Jun–Aug, not a standalone trip.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
10,922 km² (4,217 sq mi)4,217 sq mi (10,922 km²)
approximate
Established
1978
Best months
Jun–Aug
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 10,922 km² (4,217 sq mi)4,217 sq mi (10,922 km²)
- About 2.7 million acres (check); the boundary is unmarked on the ground.
- Established
- 1978
- Best months
- Jun–Aug
- Permits
- For some areas
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve protects the Seward Peninsula land that, during the last ice age, was dry ground linking Asia to North America — the route the first people walked into the Americas. Today it is roadless tundra, lava flows, hot springs and coastal lagoons, reached only by small plane, boat, snowmobile or dogsled. There is no entrance fee, no visitor centre at the gate and no lodging inside. Almost everyone who goes does so as a day trip from Nome, most often to Serpentine Hot Springs.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1978.
Size and age
10,922 km² (4,217 sq mi)4,217 sq mi (10,922 km²) · national park since 1978
About 2.7 million acres (check); the boundary is unmarked on the ground.
Why go
- Stand on the land bridge itself: this tundra was the dry corridor between Asia and North America during the last ice age.
- Serpentine Hot Springs, a natural hot pool with a rustic NPS bunkhouse, is the one destination most visitors aim for.
- Lost Jim Lava Flow and the Trail Creek Caves are genuine backcountry objectives for fit, self-sufficient parties.
- Muskoxen, caribou and brown bears in a landscape with no roads, no fences and almost no other people.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepGo
- OctAvoid
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- Jan−23 to −29 °C (−9 to −20 °F) typical lows; access by ski plane or snowmobile only−9 to −20 °F (−23 to −29 °C) typical lows; access by ski plane or snowmobile only
- FebColdest stretch; −54 °C (−65 °F) has been recorded in the regionColdest stretch; −65 °F (−54 °C) has been recorded in the region
- MarLong daylight returns; winter travel still expert-only
- AprSnow cover, overflow on creeks; snowmachine season
- MayBreak-up: ice unsafe, tundra wet, flights unreliable
- JunLong days, wildflowers, bush planes flying; expect mosquitoes
- JulWarmest and greenest; peak for charters and hot springs
- AugBerries, good flying weather, still no dark nights
- SepAutumn colour; storms and early snow can cancel flights
- OctFreeze-up; between seasons for both boats and skis
- NovDark, cold, limited charter availability
- DecPolar night conditions; no visitor access
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muskoxen (reintroduced in 1970)All year · Give them a wide berth; they can be aggressive when pressed. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Caribou and reindeerApr–Oct · Movements vary year to year with the herd. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Brown bearsMay–Oct · Active across the preserve in summer; store food properly. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Nesting waterfowl, including sandhill cranes and yellow-billed loonsMay–Aug · Keep away from nests on the tundra and lagoons. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Salmon runs in Seward Peninsula riversJul–Sep · Timing varies by river and species. | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Nome
No roads reach the preserve. Fly in by bush plane (summer) or ski plane (winter), or travel by boat, snowmobile or dogsled; charters leave from Nome.
1–2 h flight
From Anchorage
Commercial flight to Nome first, then a charter; there is no road link.
1.5 h to Nome, then charter
From Arctic Alaska plan
Where the roadless parks fit into a Nome-based trip.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Serpentine Hot Springs area | Hot pool, NPS bunkhouse and a gravel airstrip in the north of the Seward Peninsula. | Fly-in or long overland travel; no road. |
| Lost Jim Lava Flow | Young lava field with rough, sharp rock and collapsed lava tubes. | Open; expert navigation required. |
| Trail Creek Caves | Limestone caves with archaeological material from early human use of the region. | Open but remote; no facilities or fixed route. |
| Coastal lagoons and Devil Mountain Lakes | Wetland and lake country used by waterfowl and migratory birds. | Open; boat or floatplane access. |
Sketch map
- 1Nome (charter base) · Town≈64.501, -165.406Approximate; all flights and most supplies start here.Map ↗
- 2Serpentine Hot Springs · Ranger station≈65.850, -164.720Approximate; hot pool, bunkhouse and airstrip.Map ↗
- 3Lost Jim Lava Flow · Trail≈65.550, -163.900Approximate; rough lava terrain, no trail.Map ↗
- 4Trail Creek Caves · Cave≈65.830, -163.400Approximate; remote limestone caves.Map ↗
- 5Devil Mountain Lakes · Viewpoint≈66.400, -164.500Approximate; large maar lakes in the north of the preserve.Map ↗
Take the points offline
5 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions across a very large roadless area, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance | Free | person | No entrance fee for this NPS unit. |
| Bush-plane charter from Nome (Serpentine Hot Springs day trip) | US$2,000–4,000 | group | 2026 estimate; depends on aircraft, load and operator — confirm when booking. |
| Serpentine Hot Springs bunkhouse | Free | person | No fee; first-come, no reservations (check current NPS status). |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | vehicle | Not needed here — this unit charges no entry — but useful for other federal lands. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
None for general entry no permit
Aircraft landing at Serpentine Hot Springs permit or guide
Research or commercial filming permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$2,000–4,000
- US$80
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on NPS — Bering Land Bridge National Preserve before you go.
Park rules
- No roads, no services
- There is no road into the preserve and no lodging, food or fuel inside it. You are responsible for your own survival and rescue.
- Leave no trace
- Pack out all rubbish, including human waste where required; the tundra recovers very slowly.
- Wildlife distance
- Do not approach bears or muskoxen; keep food secured and away from camp.
- Hot springs and bunkhouse
- The Serpentine bunkhouse is shared and unbookable; follow posted NPS rules and leave it clean (check current conditions).check
- Cultural sites
- Archaeological sites and Inupiaq cultural material are protected; do not remove or disturb anything.
Where to stay
In the park
Serpentine Hot Springs bunkhouse
A basic NPS shelter near the hot springs; no reservations, no fee, no bedding — bring a sleeping bag.
Near the park
Nome hotels and B&Bs
The practical base for charters; book ahead in summer.
Safety
Weather stranding you in the backcountry high
Bears and muskoxen medium
Cold water and river crossings high
No phone signal high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- There are no developed trails, boardwalks or accessible facilities in the preserve.
- Accessibility is limited to what your charter aircraft and party can arrange; the Serpentine area has uneven ground and no paved paths.
Visiting lightly
- Fly in with a full group to spread the fuel cost and the impact of each charter.
- Do not build fires on the tundra; use a stove and pack out ash and rubbish.
- Keep to durable ground where possible — tundra plants and lichens take decades to recover.
- Respect Inupiaq land use and subsistence activities; you are a guest in a working homeland.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Bering Land Bridge National Preserve?
Nothing. There is no entrance fee and no permit needed to enter. The real cost is getting there: a bush-plane charter from Nome to Serpentine Hot Springs is roughly US$2,000–4,000 per group (2026 estimate), and you also need lodging in Nome.
What are the best hikes in Bering Land Bridge National Preserve?
There are no maintained trails. The usual objectives are a walk around Serpentine Hot Springs, the Lost Jim Lava Flow and the Trail Creek Caves. All of them need navigation skills, and the lava flow in particular is rough, sharp and unmarked.
When is the best time to visit Bering Land Bridge National Preserve?
June to August, when bush planes can land and the tundra is green. Winter travel is possible by ski plane, snowmobile or dogsled but is expert-only, and May and October are between-season months when access is least reliable.
How do I get to Bering Land Bridge National Preserve?
Fly to Nome, then take a bush plane, boat, snowmobile or dogsled — there is no road into the preserve. Charters are arranged locally and depend on weather.
Can I stay overnight in the preserve?
There is no lodging, but the NPS bunkhouse at Serpentine Hot Springs is open to whoever is there first, with no fee and no reservations. Otherwise you camp, or fly back to Nome the same day.
Do I need a national park pass?
Not for this preserve, because it charges no entry fee. An America the Beautiful pass is only worth buying if you are also visiting parks that do charge.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go