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Gates of the Arctic National Park is enormous, second only to Wrangell-St Elias in size and is entirely north of the Arctic Circle. The access to Gates of the Arctic is by flying, hiking or in the winter by dogsled. Flying over this vast wilderness the mountains struck me as very different with sharply angled ridges and steep canyon walls. Glaciers, defined as moving rivers of ice, had deep turquoise pools glinting among the frozen crystal white landscape. We actively searched for the Western Arctic caribou herd with no success. Nor did we see grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, moose or  wolverines but were told that they are residents of this remote wilderness. Landing on rocky river bed in a small four-seat plane was an exhilarating and memorable experience. Our hike along the river revealed beautiful wildflowers, a myriad of butterflies, boreal forests and crystal clear water. This national park is one of the least visited in the USA; however, what a tragedy to miss its beauty, serenity, and peacefulness – in short, a quiet respite from our chaotic world.