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10-days

Backpacking ANWR – Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

$8595 /person

27+ Years of Adventures | Over 6000 Happy Guests | Recommended by 98% of Travellers

Trip Stats

Activity:
Backpacking
Price:
$8595 /person
Duration:
10-days
Length:
60+ miles
Intensity:
Level 3
Begins In:
Fairbanks
Ends In:
Fairbanks
Airport:
Fairbanks International (FAI)
Wildlife:
Moose, Bears, Wolves, Dall Sheep, Caribou

Featured & Recommended By…

$4,595/Person
Deposit: $1,000

✅ Lowest Price Guarantee
✅ Interest-Free Payment Options
✅ Flexible Cancellation Policy
✅ Fully Refundable Within 24 hours

⏰ Limited Spots Available
⚠️ Popular Dates Filling Fast

Trip Details

$8595 /person - 10-days

At 19-million acres, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is the largest federally protected conservation area in North America, and our ANWR backpacking trips offer the completely immersive experience into the Mollie Beattie Wilderness. To say the the refuge is big would be paltry misrepresentation of its magnitude – ANWR is in fact incomprehensibly massive. It’s one of the few places left on the planet where one can literally disappear within the complex topography and utterly disconnected serenity of the far north. That said, it’s also one of the most approachable and user friendly wilderness areas anywhere in Alaska – the hiking is simply sublime! Combine all of this with an ancient, though largely invisible, history of human presence and the Arctic Refuge could possibly be the perfect representation of the America’s incomparable culture of wilderness preservation.

Join Alaska Alpine Adventures for one of our truly remote and incredible ANWR backpacking trips throughout the world’s most celebrated wilderness areas – join us for a backpacking trip in the Arctic Refuge.

In 2014, owner Dan Oberlatz and longtime guide Haley Johnston completed a 100 mile backpacking traverse of the eastern portion of the massive Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with longtime guests (15 straight years longtime!!!) Mark & Joan Strobel. They were so astounded by the experience that Dan vowed to make an extended backpacking trip in ANWR a new offering for the 2015 season. Not only did the Arctic Refuge deliver on the customary and expected fronts – ample wildlife and spectacular mountain scenery – but it also served up absolutely breathtaking tundra hiking and a huge helping of solitude. They didn’t see another human being for 12 full days.

What’s Included

  • All group gear: Expedition quality tents, all cooking equipment & eating utensils
  • Toilet supplies including TP, trowel, and hand sanitizer
  • Safety equipment: Satellite phone, Garmin InReach, maps, and medical kit
  • Water treatment options
  • Trekking poles
  • Roundtrip air transportation from Fairbanks to Arctic Village
  • Roundtrip air transportation from Arctic Village into the wilderness
  • Lodging on night one in Fairbanks
  • Professional guide service at a maximum 4:1 client to guide ratio
  • All meals from dinner on day one through lunch on the final day of the itinerary

What’s Not Included

  • Personal gear (sleeping bags, packs, rain gear, etc.)
  • Trip cancelation insurance
  • Additional room nights due to weather delays
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Guide gratuities (Suggested 5-10% of the trip price)

Alaska Factor: The Real Deal

While Alaska Alpine Adventures endeavors to follow our itineraries as written, odds are in fact slim that you actually will during the camping portion of this trip. The expeditionary factors at play quite often compel our guides to deviate from the written itinerary. Guide considerations could include weather conditions, group preference, individual ability, specific safety considerations, or unforeseeable circumstances; collectively what many have called “The Alaska Factor.” Flight times into and out of the wilderness may also vary based on any number of similar factors. Therefore we strongly suggest that you approach any adventure in Alaska with an open mind.

Want More Details About This Trip?

Request a FREE EXPEDITION GUIDE! Inside are daily schedules, gear lists, weather info, packing tips from veteran guides, insider tips on getting to and from Alaska, and more. It’s easy to share with friends and family and will help ensure this adventure is right for you and your group.

Cancellation Policy

If We Cancel
We reserve the right to cancel a trip for internal reasons (e.g. low signups, staff injury, gear damage). If that happens, you’ll receive a full refund of what you paid us — nothing more, nothing less.

If “God Cancels”
If your trip is disrupted by something out of everyone’s control — like weather, natural disasters, pandemics, or travel bans — refunds aren’t guaranteed. That’s why we strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance.

If You Cancel

  • 60+ days out: Refund minus $500 admin fee or full credit toward a future trip.
  • 45–59 days out: No refund, but you can keep 75% as future trip credit. (valid for up to 3 years  ).

Less than 45 days: No refund or credit.

Fully Refundable Within 24 Hours

Book with confidence. Change your mind? Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. No stress, no risk.

Premium Trips. Transparent Pricing.

When you reserve directly through Alaska Alpine Adventures—either online or by phone—we guarantee you’ll receive the best available rate for your trip.

Interest-Free Payment Options

Break up the cost—without paying more. Reserve your trip now and spread out payments over time, 100% interest-free.

Why Choose Alaska Alpine Adventures?

We specialize in authentic, small-group expeditions that take you beyond the tourist trails and deep into Alaska’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes. Recognized by National Geographic Adventure and Outside magazines as offering “Trips of a Lifetime,” we bring over 25 years of expertise, a passion for adventure, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

But with so many outfitters offering trips across the state, what makes Alaska Alpine Adventures the first choice for true wilderness exploration?

All-Inclusive & Stress-Free

Just show up — we handle the rest. From trip planning to top-tier gear, gourmet meals, and smooth bush plane logistics, we’ve got it covered. Our guides prep every meal and provide all the gear, including premium tents and emergency comms.

Remote, Wild, and Unparalleled Destinations

No roads, no crowds — just raw, remote Alaska. We take you deep into the wild: Lake Clark, the Arctic, and beyond. Paddle glacial lakes, hike mountain passes, and see wildlife where few others go. This is the Alaska most travelers never see.

Small Groups, Personalized Experience

We cap trips at 8 guests for a reason. With a 4:1 guide ratio, you’ll get personal support, shared stories, and space to challenge yourself without ever feeling lost in the crowd.

Guides Who Are More Than Experts

Our local guides are educators, safety pros, and passionate stewards of the land. They don’t just lead the trip — they elevate it, making each moment safer, smarter, and more meaningful.

Surprisingly Gourmet Camp Cuisine

Forget freeze-dried. Real meals. Real ingredients. Made from scratch. Our menus are handcrafted, hearty, and full of flavor — designed to fuel big days and leave you genuinely impressed

Crafted by Alaskans. Customized for You

We’re a local, Alaskan-owned company — not a big-box tour operator. That means your experience is personal. Whether you want to unplug, push your limits, or learn something new, we tailor the journey to fit your adventure style.

Our Guests Say It Best

The true magic of Alaska Alpine Adventures? Our guests say it better than we ever could!

It’s a big investment, but honestly, the memories, the places we saw, and how well we were taken care of—totally justified the cost.

Yes, it’s a premium trip—but worth every penny. This was not just a vacation, it was a life-changing experience.

From bear safety to river crossings, the guides were on it. I never felt at risk. It was rugged, but not scary.

My husband and I are not ‘hardcore’ hikers, but we were able to enjoy every part of the trip. It was challenging in a good way, and the guides helped us through.

I have dietary restrictions, and they were not only accommodated, but I ate better than I do at home. The guides took such care with every meal.

I didn’t expect gourmet meals in the backcountry, but every meal was incredible. From fresh-baked bread to salmon dinners—truly impressive.

Every detail was handled—gear, campsites, water safety. I could just relax and enjoy the stunning scenery knowing we were in expert hands.

At 58, I questioned whether I’d be able to do this. But it turned out to be the most empowering experience of my life. I’m so glad I didn’t let that doubt stop me.

Life Changing Experience! I was nervous about being in the Alaskan wilderness, but the guides were incredibly professional and made me feel safe every step of the way.

Over 27 Years of Award-Winning Tours

Itinerary

Day 1
Dinner & accommodations included

Today you are free to arrive in Fairbanks on your own. From the airport, grab the complimentary airport shuttle to Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, which is located near the airport on the banks of the Chena River. After checking into the lodge, you’ll meet your guide by late afternoon for orientation and gear check, followed by a group dinner featuring gourmet pizza and local craft brews. The orientation will include a discussion of the route, an introduction to our unique style of Alaska wilderness travel, a familiarization of the principles of Leave No Trace, and a conversation about traveling safely in bear country.

Day 2
All meals included

After breakfast at the lodge, we’ll make our way over to Wright Air Service to check in for our bush flight to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. You’re in for an incredible day of aviation, so make sure you have the camera at the ready – your flight(s) will take you past the White Mountain National Recreation Area, over wild & scenic rivers, across the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge and the Yukon River itself, and finally into the rugged Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Today, we’re bound for a small tundra airstrip situated on the headwaters bank of the majestic Jago River. Depending on the timing of the flights, we’ll either set up camp on the river or choose to move up valley. Regardless – you will be awestruck by the magnitude of the first “real” day. Welcome to the arctic!

Day 3-8
All meals included, Average Daily Distance: 8-10 miles, Average Daily Elevation Gain: 2000′

For the next week, we’ll make our way west through the refuge. Our route will take us up into both forks of the Jago, and finally down into the Hulahula River drainage to our pickup airstrip. As with all Alaska Alpine Adventures backpacking trips, we’ll take at least one full layover day over the course of the expedition, and the overall pace will be steady and rhythmic. While the primary goal of this trip to complete this point-to-point backpacking adventure, our true motive is revealed by truly experiencing the wonders of the Alaskan landscape. We’ll spend the entire trip in the alpine zone – far above treeline, and most of the hiking will be on a mix of dry alpine tundra, some tussocks, and a fair share of high mountain talus, scree, and glacial ice. The rest of the miles will pass along the river bars and riparian zone of both the Jago & Hulahula Rivers. Over the course of the journey we plan on covering more than 50 miles of wilderness travel.

Day 9
All meals included

By the afternoon of the 9th day of the expedition, we’ll be headed south along the Hulahula River towards the gravel bar airstrip and our pickup location. Here we’ll set up our final camp of the trip, revel in the success of the accomplishment, and enjoy our last evening under the midnight sun.

Day 10
Breakfast & lunch included

After a leisurely morning alongside the Hulahula River, we’ll begin to break camp and prepare for our bush flight out of the wilderness and our return Fairbanks. If you’re leaving Alaska this evening, please schedule your homebound flight for after 10PM. Better still, opt for another night in Fairbanks at Pikes lodge.

Location

More Trip Reviews

I flew to Alaska a few times during my time in the Marine Corps. I instantly fell in love with everything Alaska. It took longer that I would’ve hoped, but I finally got to take my trip this summer. I have to say, it did not disappoint. Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable and very accommodating. Visiting one of the most remote places on earth with a group of people was an experience of a lifetime. We took over 1000 pictures between the 7 of us and I can say that none of them do this landscape justice. It was boggy, wet, mosquito ridden, rocky, cold, hot…you get the idea. However, it was the most wonderful experience of my life. The folks at AAA know how to treat their guests and I can only hope to go back one day on another trip.

It was amazing. My impressions of ANWR defy description. I want to go back!

The reality is that Alaska Alpine Adventures sets the standard for backcountry adventures. Everything about the trip was first rate and met the exceedingly high standards that we expect from Alaska Alpine Adventures.

Looking for more reviews? View all trip testimonials.

Trip Photos

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about this trip? We’ve got answers.

Why go to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

Rafting and hiking in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is simply an experience of a lifetime. ANWR is one of the least visited and remote areas left in North America, and, despite the media attention it receives, it offers the opportunity for unparalleled exploratory adventure. Though the exact number is unknown, it is estimated that the 19 million acre Arctic refuge – an area the size of South Carolina – receives approximately 1500 recreational visitors a year. ANWR lives up to its description as “America’s Serengeti” and this vast area supports more species and habitat diversity than any conservation area in the northern hemisphere. The US Fish and Wildlife Service calls the refuge, “The only conservation system unit that protects, in an undisturbed condition, a complete spectrum of the arctic ecosystems in North America.”

Where is the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lies 250 miles northeast of Fairbanks, and over 450 miles north of Anchorage. The national wildlife refuge is the eastern component of the 700 square mile protected Brooks Range. Gates of the Arctic National Park makes up the central portion, and the Noatak Preserve the western.

How do you get to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

Access to the refuge is mainly by small aircraft or, in some instances arduously accessed by foot.

Is transportation to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge included in the price of the trip?

Absolutely, our Arctic trips are all inclusive from Fairbanks. All you need to do is get yourself to our lodge in Fairbanks on Day 1 of your itinerary.

Where will you meet us?

Your Alaska Alpine Adventures guide(s) will meet you in the afternoon at the lodge on day 1 for an orientation dinner and gear check.

Who will I be flying with and what time will we be departing on day two?

You will join your guides for breakfast at the lodge on the morning of day two. From there, the group will shuttle to the air taxi for the flight to Arctic Village. We will be flying with Wright Air from Fairbanks to Arctic Village. From there, we’ll transfer to another plane equipped for tundra landings for our flight into the wilderness.

Is the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge a good place for viewing wildlife?

Absolutely. The wildlife refuge is home to grizzly and polar bears, Dall’s sheep, caribou, moose, wolves, and tremendous seasonal populations of migratory birds.

I'm traveling solo. Is there a single supplement charge?

Yes, there is an additional fee of $275 if you request OR end up in your own room at the hotel on night one.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & PARTICIPATION

How physically demanding are your trips?

Each of our adventures involves physical activity, but you don’t need to be an elite athlete. We rate each trip from Level 1 to Level 4, and you’ll find exact mileage and elevation info on each itinerary. If you can hike for a few hours with a pack, you’ll likely do great — and your guides are trained to help pace the trip to the group’s needs.

Do I need to be an experienced backpacker or kayaker?

Not at all. Most of our guests are active travelers, not survival experts. Whether it’s your first multi-day backcountry trip or your tenth, our guides will show you the ropes and make sure you’re comfortable with everything from river crossings to camp life.

What’s the best way to prepare physically for this trip?

We recommend staying active in the months leading up to your trip — regular walking, hiking, light strength training, and mobility exercises can go a long way. If you can hike comfortably with a daypack and enjoy being outdoors for several hours, you’ll be in good shape for most of our trips.

What if I’m older than the rest of the group?

Not a problem. Many of our guests are in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. What matters most is your attitude, not your age. We design trips with a range of activity levels and provide support to help you feel strong and capable every step of the way.

What if I can’t keep up with the group?

Our guides are trained to manage a wide range of fitness levels. We hike at a group pace, take breaks, and support each other. If you’re nervous, just let us know — we can help match you to the right trip and provide tips to prep.

What if I’m not “outdoorsy” enough?

You don’t need to be a hardcore backpacker. You just need a spirit of adventure and a willingness to try something new. We’ll guide you, support you, and make sure you’re comfortable the whole way.

Can I participate if I have a medical condition or use a CPAP?

Many medical conditions can be managed on trip with planning. If you use a CPAP, let us know early so we can help assess feasibility depending on the itinerary. We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs safely.

GEAR & PACKING

What gear do I need to bring — and what do you provide?

We provide all group gear (tents, cooking equipment, safety gear, etc.). You’ll need to bring personal items like a sleeping bag, hiking boots, rain gear, and clothing. We also rent a few key items. A detailed gear list is provided for each trip, and we’re happy to help you prepare.

Is the gear you provide actually high quality?

Yes — we partner with premium brands like Hilleberg, Black Diamond, and MSR. This isn’t rental-grade gear. We invest in top-tier equipment so you’re safe, warm, and dry no matter the weather.

What do I do with extra luggage or valuables?

We offer secure storage for any luggage you don’t need while in the field. We recommend leaving valuables at home whenever possible — this is a chance to travel light and disconnect.

Can I bring a camera or drone? How do I charge devices?

Yes to cameras — and many guests bring small solar chargers or power banks. Drones are not permitted in most national parks, so we recommend leaving them at home unless explicitly allowed.

What about protecting my gear from rain or water?

We provide waterproof dry bags for our water-based trips and will guide you on how to pack your gear securely. Rain is always a possibility in Alaska, so keeping things dry is a top priority — and we’re good at it.

FOOD, DRINK & DIETARY NEEDS

What kind of food do you serve in the backcountry?

Think gourmet camp cuisine — hearty, home-cooked meals like curry, chili, brownies, and great coffee. We cater to many dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan. That said, menu variety may be more limited for special diets. Please let us know early so we can accommodate you.

Can you accommodate special diets or food allergies?

Yes, in most cases. We can provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive meals — with the understanding that remote cooking has limits. Vegan and gluten-free meals may include specialty dehydrated options, and we may ask you to bring some personal snacks.

Can I bring my own snacks or personal food items?

Absolutely. Especially if you have specific preferences or dietary needs, we recommend bringing a few of your favorite bars, snacks, or trail-friendly items.

What about alcohol?

We don’t provide alcohol on our trips, but you’re welcome to bring a small amount for personal use where appropriate. Just remember, this is a wilderness setting — moderation and safety always come first.

What if I’m a picky eater or used to fancier meals?

We aim to impress even seasoned foodies — but wilderness cooking has its limits. If you’re used to fine dining, be open to the rustic charm of hearty, satisfying meals prepared in the backcountry with care and creativity.

CAMP LIFE & COMFORT

What are the bathroom arrangements like?

This is a common concern, so let’s talk about it. For our basecamp and water-based trips, we bring a clean, portable backcountry toilet and provide all supplies. Your guides will explain everything clearly and respectfully — and yes, there’s privacy.

How do I stay clean during the trip?

You won’t have a shower, but you can feel clean. We recommend biodegradable wipes, a personal towel, and a good “wilderness hygiene” kit. Many guests are surprised how quickly they adjust — and how refreshing a glacier-fed lake rinse can feel.

What if I need to manage feminine hygiene?

We encourage you to bring whatever products work best for you. We provide the know-how to manage it comfortably and respectfully in the wilderness — you won’t be the first or the last.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

We provide high-quality tents for either shared (same-gender) or solo use, depending on your preference. Sleeping is typically two per tent unless a single supplement is requested. Campsites are scenic, quiet, and often unforgettable.

Will I be able to swim or bathe in lakes or rivers?

Yes — when conditions allow, a quick dip is often one of the highlights. Just be aware that Alaska’s water is cold, even in summer, so this is more of a refreshing rinse than a spa soak.

What about bugs and critters?

Yes, there are bugs — especially early summer. But we’ll guide you on how to dress, what repellent works, and how to stay comfortable. Some people hardly notice them, others bring a head net and are glad they did.

SAFETY & EMERGENCIES

Will I get eaten by a bear?

No. We are in bear country, yes — but our guides are highly trained in wildlife safety, carry bear spray, and follow strict protocols. Most bear sightings are peaceful, distant, and deeply memorable.

What if I get sick or injured out there?

Our guides are certified Wilderness First Responders and carry emergency communication devices. We’re fully prepared to handle illness or injury and can initiate evacuation procedures if needed.

Can people contact me in case of emergency?

Once we’re in the field, there’s no cell service — but we carry satellite devices that allow two-way communication in case of emergency.

Will there be communication devices like a satellite phone?

Yes. Our guides carry both satellite phones and Garmin InReach devices on every trip. These allow us to stay in contact for emergencies, weather updates, or coordination with floatplanes.

RESERVATIONS & PAYMENT

How far in advance should I book?

Many of our trips sell out 6–9 months in advance — especially for peak summer dates. Booking early guarantees your spot and gives you time to prepare.

What’s the deposit and cancellation policy?

A $1,000 deposit holds your spot. Cancel more than 60 days in advance for a refund minus a $500 admin fee, or keep the full amount as credit. Inside 60 days, partial or no refunds apply. Full details are available on our website.

Can I make payments over time?

Yes — after the deposit, the balance is due 60 days prior to your trip. We’re happy to work with you to split payments leading up to that point.

What if the trip I want is sold out?

We recommend joining the waitlist — we sometimes get cancellations, and we’ll contact you if a spot opens. You can also call us to explore other similar trips.

Do you offer travel insurance or recommend any providers?

We strongly recommend travel insurance. Many guests use Ripcord or Travel Guard. It protects your investment in case of weather delays, illness, or other interruptions.

What if Alaska Alpine Adventures has to cancel?

If we cancel due to internal reasons (staffing, logistics), you’ll receive a full refund. In the case of weather or force majeure (e.g., wildfires, pandemics), our regular cancellation policy applies — which is why travel insurance is so important.

GROUPS & SOLO TRAVEL

Is this trip good for solo travelers?

Absolutely. Many of our guests come solo and leave with new trail friends. We’ll pair you with a same-gender tent mate unless you request a private tent.

Do I have to share a tent or room with someone?

If you’re traveling solo, we’ll pair you with a same-gender guest, or you can pay a single supplement for your own space (subject to availability).

Can I book a private group trip or charter?

Yes! We regularly design private adventures for families, friend groups, or company retreats. Contact us to create a custom itinerary.

Do you offer group discounts or referral incentives?

We occasionally offer discounts for groups or returning guests. If you’re bringing friends or booking multiple spots, reach out and we’ll do our best to take care of you.

What’s the group size — and who else will be on the trip?

We cap trips at just 8 guests to keep things intimate and personal. Our guests range from solo travelers to couples and friends, usually in their 30s–60s, all looking for a genuine Alaskan adventure.

WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE

Why is this trip so expensive compared to others I’ve seen?

We get it — there are cheaper Alaska trips out there. But this isn’t a basic sightseeing tour. This is an all-inclusive, small-group, deep-wilderness adventure run by seasoned Alaskan guides, including bush flights, premium food, and expert logistics. Every detail is handled — so you can focus on the experience, not the stress.

What makes this different from a cheaper or shorter tour?

In a word? Immersion. Our trips aren’t about ticking boxes or sitting in vans. We get you into the wild, not just near it — with real connection, fewer people, and expert guides who live for this work.

Will I be completely offline — what about cell signal?

There’s no cell signal once we leave the floatplane — and most guests tell us it’s one of the most refreshing parts of the experience.

I’m nervous about being unreachable.

We get it — that can feel unsettling. But while you’ll be offline, our guides carry emergency satellite devices that can be used to contact the outside world if needed. Most guests find that once they settle in, being unplugged feels more freeing than scary.

What wildlife might we see — and how do you manage safety?

Depending on the trip, you may see bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and more. We respect all wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles, observing from safe distances and never interfering.

What kind of weather should I expect?

Alaska weather is unpredictable. Expect everything from sun to rain to wind — sometimes in the same day. We’ll send a full packing list and tips for preparing, but the key is flexibility and layering.

Want More Details About This Trip?

Request a FREE EXPEDITION GUIDE! Inside are daily schedules, gear lists, weather info, packing tips from veteran guides, insider tips on getting to and from Alaska, and more. It’s easy to share with friends and family and will help ensure this adventure is right for you and your group.

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$8,595/Person
Deposit: $1,000

✅ Best Price When You Book Direct
✅ Interest-Free Payment Options
✅ Flexible Cancellation Policy
✅ Fully Refundable Within 24h

⏰ Limited Spots Available
⚠️ Popular Dates Filling Fast

Note: Our peak dates regularly sell out 9–12 months in advance, so book early to avoid disappointment

$8595 /person
Deposit: $1,000