Arctic Refuge Basecamp

A stunning, mountainous traverse through Alaska's central Brooks Range.

Arctic Refuge Basecamp

$3600 per person

An immersive backcountry experience that allows for

This trip takes place in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the traditional and current homelands of the Iñupiaq and Gwich’in people.

Join us for a basecamp hiking trip in far northern section of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge(ANWR). A basecamp trip affords you the luxury of fully immersing yourself in

Daily mileage can vary based on the groups fitness abilities and desires, but expect to travel between 5-10 miles with elevation gain/loss between 500′-2500′ per day.

Because this trip utilizes bush flights to access this destination, it is a relatively higher-carbon adventure that some of our other trips. Carbon offsets for all air travel is included in the price of the trip.

9 Days
14 years+ Age
Gates of the Arctic National Park
2022 Trips
  • Destination
    Gates of the Arctic National Park
  • Departure
    Fairbanks
  • Departure Time
    June 25, 2022
  • Return Time
    July 3, 2022
  • Dress Code
    Personal Equipment Checklist
  • Included
    Food While In The Wilderness
    Lodging on Night One of Your Trip (Location Varies by Trip)
    Professional Guide Service
    Roundtrip Transportation from Your Trip's Departure City (Typically Anchorage or Fairbanks)
    Safety & Repair Gear
    Stoves, Cooking & Eating Utensils
    Water Filter
  • Not Included
    Additional Food or Meals (beyond those described in the itinerary)
    Additonal Hotel Nights (beyond any described in the itinerary)
    Alcoholic Beverages
    Guide Gratuities
    Personal Clothing & Equipment

Our gallery

A Backpacker Overlooks Gates of the Arctic National Park
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Day 1 - Saturday, June 25th - Arrive in Fairbanks
Arrive in Fairbanks any time before 4pm this day. Check into our hotel - details will be in your pre-trip information email. We'll meet at 4pm as a group to get to know one another, go over your equipment, distribute personal and group gear that you will be carrying and review our route. We will plan to wrap up by 6pm to ensure plenty of time for you to enjoy a tasty dinner in Fairbanks, grab any last minute items you may have forgotten (Fairbanks does have an REI and other small gear shops) and get a good night's rest before we depart for the backcountry.
Meals included: none; Accommodations: Hotel in Fairbanks
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Day 2 - Sunday, June 26th - Depart for the Backcountry
This morning we'll gather for a group breakfast at our hotel in Fairbanks before departing for the airport. At the Fairbanks airport we'll board the "mail plane" bound for Anaktuvuk Pass. Once in Anaktuvuk Pass, we'll visit the Simon Paneak Memorial Museum - if it is open. After learning a bit more about the community of Anaktuvuk Pass, the natural environment around it and the Nunamiut Iñupiaq people who call this place home, we'll don our backpacks and head east into Gates of the Arctic National Park. We will travel several miles up the Anaktuvuk River before making camp for the night.
Meals included: all; Accommodations: tents
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Days 3-7 - Monday, June 30th - Friday, July 1st - Backcountry Travel
We'll continue to travel eastward through Gates of the Arctic National Park, crossing rivers, streams and precipitous mountain passes along the way. We'll camp next to crystalline lakes and along alpine streams. We'll enjoy cozy evenings under the cook tent and fresh coffee or tea each morning. While we will be hoping for clear skies, we'll travel the country regardless of the weather, be it rain, snow or sunshine. Some days, we might see all three!
Meals included: all; Accommodations: tents
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Day 8 - Saturday, July 2nd - Backcountry to Wiseman, AK
By the end of this day, we will have descended from the alpine, through some relatively dense brush and finally down to the boreal forest along the Dalton Highway. Our ride will pluck us from the should of the road where we emerge and deliver us to our home for the night, a cozy lodge/B&B in Wiseman, Alaska. We will have certainly earned our hot showers and a hearty meal!
Meals included: all; Accommodations: Arctic Getaway B&B
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Day 9 - Sunday, July 3rd - Return to Fairbanks
After a delicious breakfast, we'll begin heading south back to Fairbanks. Our travels via the Dalton Highway will take between 7-10 hours, depending on the road conditions. We'll stop along the way for fuel, bathroom stops and photo opportunities. If returning home this day, please schedule flights for after 8pm to allow for any unexpected delays. Better yet, if your schedule allows, give yourself a couple of days to explore Fairbanks and beyond to see a little more of what Alaska has to offer. We are happy to suggest additional adventures and destinations if you are able to stay and explore more of Alaska.
Meals included: breakfast; Accommodations: none

About Gates of the Arctic National Park

The area of public land currently known as Gates of the Arctic National Park occupies the historical and current lands of the Iñupiaq, Koyukon and Gwich'in people of Alaska. Gates of the Arctic National Park is the 2nd largest National Park and was created by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980. Gates of the Arctic is currently threatened by the planned development of an industrial road to access the Ambler Mining District.

Ready to Join this Trip?

  1. Fill out the Trip Interest Form.
  2. We will get in touch with you to discuss the trip.
  3. Confirm your participation with a trip deposit.
  4. Prepare by downloading the Personal Equipment Checklist, commit to a physical training plan if necessary and stock up on some books and podcasts from our recommended list to get stoked.
  5. Book your flights and pre- and post-trip accommodations.
  6. Stay in touch with any questions that come to mind!