The USA's landscapes are truly breathtaking, from the arid deserts of California to the snow-capped Rockies, and from Florida's sandy beaches to the flat, windswept plains of the Midwest. Each location offers a unique experience, akin to visiting an entirely different country. The USA ranks third in the world's most-visited countries list, trailing behind Spain and France, with approximately 67 million tourists annually.
The majority of these visitors flock to New York, followed by Florida, California, Hawaii, and Nevada, home to Las Vegas. In stark contrast, Alaska, the largest and least densely populated state in the USA, receives the fewest visitors. Despite being large enough to fit the entire UK seven times over, its population is only around 730,000, roughly equivalent to the wider Sheffield urban area.
This means vast expanses of its mountain peaks, enormous forests, and glacial landscapes remain untouched and unexplored. But even within Alaska there are different degrees of remoteness. For instance, its largest city, Anchorage, houses around 290,000 residents and boasts an international airport along with all the modern conveniences and chain stores you'd expect in any comparable American city, reports Wales Online .
The southernmost coast of Alaska is a favourite among cruise-goers due to its breathtaking scenery and wildlife, including humpback whales, Orcas, sea lions, and otters. Inland, you'll find bears, moose, caribou, and wolves, to name just a few. Most of Alaska's population resides along a small portion of its southern coast.
However, I am one of the few tourists who has ventured to its northern coast, deep within the Arctic circle, and it was an unforgettable experience. Here are some astonishing facts about the town of Utqiagvik in Alaska (previously known as Barrow): No roads lead there — the only way to get to Utqiagvik is to fly The sun doesn't set for two months in summer When the sun sets in mid-November, it doesn't rise again for 65 days Alcohol is banned The average summer temperature is around 8C or 47F Polar bears roam around the edges of the town You can walk on the frozen Arctic Ocean (but watch out for those polar bears). Despite the harsh conditions, Utqiagvik is home to over 4,000 residents, living in isolation from the rest of the world and situated 320 miles north of the Arctic circle.
The majority earn their livelihood through hunting whales, fish and other wildlife, while the deadly polar bears also inhabit this region. During my visit, I was accompanied by two members of the Inupiat tribe, native Alaskans who have resided here for at least 1,500 years, on a pick-up truck adventure in search of these creatures. Although we didn't spot any, we did discover their enormous paw prints imprinted in the snow.
Later, I found myself sitting on the icy shores of the Arctic Ocean, gazing at the sun that continued to hover above the horizon even though it was past 10pm. It was an awe-inspiring experience. Getting to Utqiagvik, Alaska The only way to get here is by air.
A round trip from Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, takes slightly under two hours and will set you back £300. The flight departs from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and lands at Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport. It's a relatively short flight on a small plane and the views from the aircraft windows are truly beautiful, going over the vast open space of Alaska and also flying over the Alaska Mountain Range.
Things to do in Utqiagvik, Alaska Despite its remoteness, there are hotels and eateries, a school, grocery stores, a library and a post office. There's also plenty to keep you occupied during your stay. Embark on a unique arctic adventure with Tundra Tours , a business that's Inupiat-owned and operated.
Their "day tour" operates during the balmy summer months from mid-May to mid-September. Between 10am-2pm, intrepid explorers can venture out by truck and foot across the rugged tundra. Visits include stops at time-worn sod huts, the iconic whalebone arches, and the remarkable Inupiat Heritage Centre, all while keeping a lookout for the local wildlife that populates the area.
The Inupiat Heritage Centre stands as a beacon of cultural pride, celebrating the rich history, language, and customs of the Inupiat community. It serves as a crucial educational resource, aiming to deepen awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the vibrant Inupiat lifestyle. Experience the ethereal midnight sun : With the sun not setting for approximately two months from June onwards, you've got the perfect opportunity to bask in its glow at the stroke of midnight - just be sure to stay warm.
Dare to swim in the Arctic Ocean . Whether you opt for a toe-tingling dip or a bracing full-body plunge, this is one story you'll be recounting for years to come. You can do it right next to the Top of the World Hotel.
Places to stay in Utqiagvik, Alaska The Top of the World Hotel boasts 70 inviting rooms, with some offering ocean views, complemented by round-the-clock service. Plus, there's an on-site restaurant, Niggivikput, which dishes up classic American fare. The hotel has a 4/5 TripAdvisor rating.
Alternatively, the King Eider Inn might just be your ideal stay, adorned with pine log furniture and featuring a private sauna room. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, relax by a cozy lobby fireplace, and benefit from accessible accommodation options. Travellers award it 4.
5/5 on TripAdvisor. Latitude 71 offers travellers the luxury of a king suite with a private bath, starting at the cool price of $400 per night. It's rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor.
Niggivikput beckons within the Top of the World Hotel, tempting guests with all-day pancake breakfasts, biscuits and gravy, and an array of burgers, salads and sandwiches. Sam and Lee's Restaurant served Chinese and Japanese cuisine, where one patron shared: "The restaurant has a real family feel to it." East Coast Pizza serves "a good variety of pies", as described by a TripAdvisor reviewer.
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