Haleakalā Joins Gates of the Arctic, Dry Tortugas, Kobuk Valley, and Isle Royale to the List of America’s Most Isolated National Parks: The Untouched Amazing Wilderness Awaits!

Published on December 14, 2025

America is home to some of the most isolated national parks in the world, and Haleakalā has just joined an elite group of wilderness gems. Haleakalā, along with Gates of the Arctic, Dry Tortugas, Kobuk Valley, and Isle Royale, now stands proudly as part of America’s most untouched and remote landscapes. These parks are not just places to visit; they are experiences that take you far away from the modern world. The amazing wilderness within these parks is untouched by urban development, allowing visitors to connect deeply with nature. From volcanic craters in Haleakalā to the arctic tundras of Gates of the Arctic, each park offers breathtaking isolation. If you’re seeking pure adventure and unspoiled beauty, these parks are calling your name. The untouched amazing wilderness of these national treasures is waiting for you.

Haleakalā National Park: A Hawaiian Paradise in Complete Seclusion

Located on the island of Maui, Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii is a breathtaking example of remote natural beauty. This park is 2,400 miles from the U.S. mainland, sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most isolated places you can visit. Visitors to Haleakalā come to see its giant dormant volcano, which towers over the island at over 10,000 feet above sea level. This volcanic summit creates a dramatic landscape, with massive craters and sweeping views of the island below.

The isolation of Haleakalā is not just geographical but also environmental. The park is home to unique species of plants and animals, many of which can only be found in Hawaii. For instance, the Haleakalā silversword is a rare plant species that has adapted to the harsh conditions of the crater. If you’re a nature lover, this park offers a rare chance to see these endemic species in their natural habitat, far from the noise of city life.

Getting there is an adventure in itself. You’ll have to fly into Maui first and then drive for hours along winding mountain roads to reach the park. No highways connect this remote park to the mainland, making it feel like a world away from the bustle of everyday life.

Dry Tortugas National Park: An Ocean Fortress Lost in the Gulf

While Haleakalā is isolated by land, Dry Tortugas National Park is surrounded entirely by water. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, Dry Tortugas is a remote coral island group in the Gulf of Mexico, where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic Ocean. This park’s isolation means you can only reach it by boat or seaplane — and that journey across open water only adds to the mystique of this incredible location.

Dry Tortugas is a place of rich history and natural wonders. It’s home to Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century military structure that once served as a strategic stronghold, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. It’s also a vital breeding ground for seabirds and home to spectacular coral reefs. The surrounding waters are ideal for snorkelling, with underwater gardens full of vibrant fish and marine life waiting to be explored.

Because of its location and lack of road access, Dry Tortugas remains a pristine natural environment, untouched by the pressures of mass tourism. Visiting this park requires careful planning, and most visitors opt for a multi-day trip to make the most of its tranquillity and isolation.

Gates of the Arctic: The Ultimate Alaskan Wilderness

If you truly want to get away from it all, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska offers some of the most remote and rugged wilderness in the world. Situated north of the Arctic Circle, this park is entirely roadless. In fact, no roads, trails, or developed paths exist within the park’s boundaries. Visitors who want to experience its raw beauty must rely on bush planes, river boats, or long treks through the wild.

Gates of the Arctic spans over 8 million acres, a vast wilderness filled with mountains, glaciers, and tundra. It’s a haven for wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose, and wolves, all of which roam freely through the park’s untouched landscapes. This level of isolation makes it perfect for those seeking an authentic Alaskan adventure, far from the crowds of more accessible parks.

This park’s harsh climate and extreme conditions mean that only the most determined adventurers come here, but for those who do, the rewards are enormous. The Northern Lights, wild rivers, and the peace of complete solitude make it a once-in-a-lifetime destination for nature enthusiasts.

Kobuk Valley National Park: Arctic Dunes in the Wilderness

Another remote treasure in Alaska, Kobuk Valley National Park is often overlooked due to its isolation. Located in the northwest Arctic, this park is famous for the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, an unusual feature that stretches across the wilderness. These dunes are surrounded by glaciers and rivers, creating a surreal landscape that feels like another world.

Getting to Kobuk Valley is not easy. There are no roads or developed access points, and the only way to visit the park is by bush plane or riverboat. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself in a wild, unspoiled environment with no other people for miles. The park’s isolation means that you’ll be able to explore its rugged terrain without the interference of modern development, providing an opportunity to connect with nature in the purest way possible.

Wildlife is abundant here, and visitors can spot caribou, moose, and grizzly bears. However, the park’s isolation and remoteness require careful planning and preparation, as visitors are on their own in the wilderness.

Isle Royale National Park: A Water-Bound Wilderness in Lake Superior

On the shores of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is a remote island sanctuary that feels worlds away from any major city. The island, which is part of Michigan, is accessible only by ferry or seaplane, and the journey over Lake Superior takes you into one of the most isolated national parks in the U.S.

The park is known for its wild, pristine environment, with dense forests, clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. Visitors often come to see the famous wolf and moose populations, who roam freely in the park’s remote ecosystems. The isolation of Isle Royale has allowed its wildlife populations to evolve in unique ways, and it’s one of the few places where you can witness the predator-prey relationship between wolves and moose in action.

With no roads, no car access, and no significant infrastructure, Isle Royale is perfect for those who want to experience nature as it was meant to be: raw and untouched. The park’s isolation, combined with its serene landscapes, makes it a perfect destination for those seeking peace and solitude.

Wrangell-St. Elias: The Largest Remote Park in the U.S.

At over 13 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the United States. Located in southeast Alaska, this park is a massive expanse of glaciers, mountain ranges, and wild rivers. Due to its size and remote location, the park is incredibly isolated. While some areas are accessible by road, much of the park is only reachable by air or boat.

The isolation of Wrangell-St. Elias means that human impact on the park’s natural environment is minimal, allowing wildlife such as bears, moose, and mountain goats to thrive in their natural habitats. The park is a true wilderness, where visitors can hike, kayak, and explore untouched landscapes. With few other tourists around, it’s the perfect place to experience the great Alaskan wild in its purest form.

Conclusion: Why Isolated National Parks Are Worth the Effort

While visiting remote national parks may require more effort and planning than more accessible destinations, the rewards are worth it. Whether you’re exploring the volcanic landscapes of Haleakalā, the secluded islands of Dry Tortugas, or the icy wilderness of Gates of the Arctic, these parks offer an experience that’s unparalleled in the world.

These parks are not just destinations; they are opportunities to connect with nature in a way that’s impossible in more developed, accessible areas. The complete isolation of these parks allows visitors to experience wild landscapes, abundant wildlife, and natural beauty in their purest form, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

So, if you’re an adventurous spirit looking for your next great escape, consider a visit to one of the most isolated national parks in the U.S. You’ll be rewarded with solitude, natural beauty, and an experience you’ll never forget.

Source: National Park Service