Backpacking ANWR – 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.”

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.