Backpack Gates of the Arctic

A stunning traverse across Alaska's Brooks Range.

Backpack Gates of the Arctic

$3500 per person

June 19-27, 2021 – 0 of 6 spaces available – A stunning traverse across Alaska’s Brooks Range.

This trip takes place in Alaska’s Brooks Range in Gates of the Arctic National Park on the traditional and current lands of the Iñupiaq people.

This trip traverses the eastern portion of Gates of the Arctic National Park. Our small group will cross the continental divide of Alaska’s Brooks Range as we backpack from the Nunamiut village of Anaktuvuk Pass to the the Dalton Highway. Along the way we’ll cross braided rivers and alpine streams. We’ll keep our eyes open for the various types of wildlife that call this place home, including grizzly bears, wolverines, caribou, moose, dozens of varieties of birds, wolves and a multitude of smaller, though no less charismatic, species. We will travel over river beds, tundra, on caribou trails and steep loose rocks. As we approach the Dalton Highway, we’ll navigate through some relatively dense brush. Daily mileage will range from 8-12 miles with elevation gain/loss between 500′-4000′ per day. Because this trip utilizes a regularly scheduled “mail plane”, it is a relatively low-carbon adventure when compared to trips that utilize bush flights. We offset the carbon from our flight to Anaktuvuk Pass from Fairbanks.

***COVID-19 Disclaimer: Please note that depending on the pandemic situation, travel through the village of Anaktuvuk Pass may not be advisable, appropriate or possible. In that case, this trip will reroute to a loop through the eastern portion of Gates of the Arctic National Park. This alternate itinerary will start and end at the Dalton Highway.**

Non-Profit Partner: The Northern Alaska Environmental Center

Prior to the trip, participants will have a chance to learn about the Northern Alaska Environmental Center’s Clean Water and Mining Program which works to oppose the proposed road to the Ambler Mining district which would cross Gates of the Arctic National Park. A significant monetary donation will be make to the Northern Alaska Environmental Center in honor of this trip. Learn more about our non-profit partner program on our Why Us page.

9 Days
14 years+ Age
Gates of the Arctic National Park
2021 Trips
  • Destination
    Gates of the Arctic National Park
  • Departure City
    Fairbanks
  • Start Date
    June 19, 2021
  • Return Date
    June 27, 2021
  • Gear List
    Personal Equipment Checklist
  • Included
    Food While In The Wilderness
    Lodging on Night One in Your Trip's Departure City (typically Anchorage or Fairbanks)
    Professional Guide Service at a Maximum 3:1 Guide to Guest Ratio
    Roundtrip Transportation from Your Trip's Departure City (Typically Anchorage or Fairbanks)
    Safety & Repair Gear
    Stoves, Cooking & Eating Utensils
    Water Filter
  • Not Included
    Additonal Hotel Nights Pre or Post Trip
    All Non-Wilderness Meals
    Guide Gratuities
    Personal Clothing & Equipment

Our gallery

A Backpacker Overlooks Gates of the Arctic National Park
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Day 1 - 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 - Depart for the Backcountry
We'll gather early 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 we land in Anaktuvuk Pass, we'll visit the Simon Paneak Memorial Museum. 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 - 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 - 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, the cozy Arctic Getaway 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 - Return to Fairbanks
After a delicious breakfast at our B&B, we'll begin heading south back to Fairbanks. Our travels via the Dalton Highway will take between 6-8 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 5pm 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 Reservation 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!