guided backpacking trips alaska

GUIDED ALASKA Backpacking

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ARCTIC WILD Backpacking

Featured trips.

Caribou Migration Backpack (Egaksrak)

Explore the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with us. Backpack through the northern Brooks Range following caribou trails in search of the Porcupine River Caribou Herd.

High Peaks Backpack

Backpack through the high-peaks of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with Arctic Wild. Caribou trails lead us deep into the mountains under the midnight sun.

Backpacking

Alaska backpacking tours are an opportunity to travel lightly through the Arctic wilderness. These guided trips offer a chance to appreciate the landscape step by step, and to experience the Arctic at your own pace.

With spectacular destinations like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Gates of the Arctic National Park you will be as delighted by the Brooks Range scenery as you are by our professional guides.

Summer in the Brooks Range is serene with daylight as our constant and companion. The complete lack of darkness frees us of a time-oriented schedule and so we eat when hungry, walk when inspired, and sleep when the sun circles lazily along the northern horizon. Backpacking in the Brooks Range is an adventure.

What to Expect from Alaska Backpacking

Backpacking in Alaska is always an adventure. We frequently use streams as highways, as do the migrating wildlife. There are vast gravel bars where we can take long strides and take in the magnificent views of the mountains. There are dry ridges where we will feel as if we are walking amongst the clouds.

Backpacking in Alaska, and especially in the Brooks Range, is an off-trail experience, so a 6-mile day leaves us happily tired but with some energy left over for exploring near camp. We will typically travel around 35 miles over 8 days with one or two days devoted to hiking without our packs, watching wildlife, or just enjoying the beauty of the Brooks Range from camp.

Alaska Backpacking Preparation

While Alaska backpacking is appropriate for both experienced backpackers and newcomers in good shape, it is a very good idea to have some experience with overnight backpacking prior to the trip. Each hiker will get 15-20 pounds of food and community gear to carry, expect to start the trip with a pack weighing close to 50 pounds.

Conditioning is highly recommended for everyone. We recommend walking as often as possible with 25-30 pounds in your backpack. Use the boots you will be hiking in. A couple weeks before your trip, add weight until your pack weighs 40-45 pounds. You can alternate this with the Stairmaster or bike riding. The better condition you are in, the more you will enjoy your backpacking trip.

Such a joy to spend days where time was meaningless.  A wonderful adventure and I would like to return next year for a longer, more challenging trip.

You mentioned to me in an email that you have terrific guides – you do indeed.  Dave is a superb guide. He is personable, knowledgeable about the Arctic, and has excellent group management skills. I appreciated the time he spent teaching me to read the map, which is not easy without trails.   He allowed Adrian and me to hike at our own pace and he encouraged all of us to explore the area surrounding our campsites. I know the others would concur in my praise.

- Sandra, California, USA

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Arctic Wild provides professionally guided wilderness trips in Alaska's Arctic and beyond. Book your next adventure with us today for an unforgettable, life-changing experience.

9 Best Alaska Backpacking Trails To Thru-Hike

Looking for the best Alaska backpacking trips? Alaska has no shortage of amazing multi day backpacking trails to follow, especially thru-hikes.

Backpacking in Alaska can be an extremely fun and rewarding experience. You can choose to create your own path in the remote backcountry but there are plenty of established backpacking trails routes that won’t require any off-trail hiking.

Alaska long distance trails aren’t that long in comparison to other thru-hikes elsewhere. The longest fully established hiking trail in this list is only 39 miles long.

In this post, I’m going to share the best backpacking trails in Alaska and directions on how to get to each trail.

9 Best Alaska Backpacking Trips To Thru Hike

9. grace ridge trail, 1. resurrection pass trail.

Distance: 39 miles one-way Time: 3 to 5 days Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet Difficulty: Moderate

Resurrection Pass Trail is one of the best thru-hikes in Southcentral Alaska. This 39-mile long trail is well maintained and has a ton of campsites and cabins to stay in along the way.

You can complete this backpacking trip northbound from Cooper Landing to Hope or southbound from Hope to Cooper Landing.

The south trailhead in Cooper Landing is located 106 miles south of Anchorage and is best used from June to October. However, the trail is open year-round and a lot of people ski or bike to the public use cabins during the winter.

This trail also connects to Devils Pass Trail , which is another great option for backpacking.

Read the full trail guide: Backpacking Resurrection Pass Trail in Alaska

How to get to Resurrection Pass Trail South in Cooper Landing:

From Anchorage, head south on the Seward Highway and continue for 87 miles. Take a slight right onto the Sterling Highway. Continue for 16 miles through Cooper Landing. Resurrection Pass Trail South parking lot will be on your right.

2. Historic Chilkoot Trail

Distance: 33 miles one-way Time: 3 to 5 days Elevation Gain:  6,800 feet Difficulty: Difficult

The Chilkoot Trail is a 33-mile historic trail that starts in Dyea, Alaska, and ends in Lake Bennett, British Columbia, and each summer over 10,000 people hike some or all of it. 

Hikers set out to retrace the journey of gold rush stampeders and pass by artifacts left behind by gold rush stampeders. The hardest part of this trail is ascending the very steep gully, known as the “Golden Stairs.”

There are many designated campsites along the trail but you will need to acquire a permit to camp overnight as well as enter into the Canadian side of the trail.

The Chilkoot Trail is best hiked from June to August. You can access the trail from Skagway, which is a popular tourist and cruise-ship destination.

How to get to Chilkoot Trail in Dyea From Skagway:

From Skagway, head northwest on 5th Avenue toward State Street. Turn right onto State Street. Continue onto Alaska Route 98. Turn left onto Dyea Road. You’ll find a large overnight parking lot.

3. Bomber Traverse

Distance:  32 to 50 miles one-way Time: 3 to 5 days Difficulty: Difficult

The Bomber Traverse is a hut-to-hut backpacking trail in Hatcher Pass. This trail includes steep, loose boulder and scree slopes, and glaciers.

Part of the backpacking trail is established and the other part is not. Experienced hikers should be confident in bouldering, glacier crossings, and route finding.

In order to stay in the huts, you must be a member of the Mountaineering Club of Alaska .

How to get to Bomber Traverse:

You can start this trail from either the Reed Lakes or Gold Mint Trail parking areas. Depending on where you start the hike, you should leave another vehicle at the other parking area where you will end your hike.

4. K’esugi Ridge Trail

Distance: 29 miles one-way Time: 3 days Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet Difficulty: Moderate

K’esugi Ridge Trail is the best backpacking trail in Denali State Park. You will traverse miles of rolling alpine terrain with epic views of Denali.

This trail is best hiked between late June and mid-September. It’s also best to hike the trail from the north end at Little Coal Creek to the south end at Byers Lake Trailhead as the northern end of the trail is higher at 3,550 feet elevation.

How to get to K’esugi Ridge Trail in Denali State Park:

From Anchorage, head north on the Glenn Highway. Follow the Glenn Highway until Mile Post 163.9. Turn right towards the Little Coal Creek Trailhead parking lot.

5. Crow Pass Trail

Distance: 23.1 miles one-way Time: 2 days Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet Difficulty: Difficult

Crow Pass Trail is one of the most scenic and diverse trails in the Chugach Mountains . Crow Pass is best hiked from Girdwood to Eagle River because after the initial climb, it’s basically all downhill from there.

You’ll find a bit of everything on this trail including, glaciers, waterfalls, gorgers, valley views, and wildlife sightings, which definitely makes this one of the best Alaska backpacking trips.

Even though the mileage is shorter than other backpacking trails in Alaska , the river crossings and rope and ladder obstacles make this a difficult trip.

Crow Pass is one of the closest established backpacking trails near Anchorage, Alaska.

How to get to Crow Pass Trail in Girdwood:

From the Alyeska Highway, turn left onto Crow Creek Road. Crow Creek Road turns slightly left and becomes Pack Trail. You will find parking for Crow Pass Trail at the end of the road.

6. Johnson Pass Trail

Distance: 23 miles one-way Time: 2 days Elevation Gain:  1,000 feet Difficulty: Moderate

Johnson Pass Trail is a 23-mile well-maintained trail on the Kenai Peninsula. The views along the trail are incredible. From mountain vistas and bridge crossings to lakes and waterfalls, this trail has it all.

You’ll find designated campsites along the trail that have storage lockers and backcountry toilets. Keep in mind that this trail can get muddy, very overgrown, and mosquito heavy.

Johnson Pass is also a very popular mountain biking trail in Alaska and I think it’s a great way to complete this trail.

How to get to Johnson Pass Trail From Anchorage:

From Anchorage, head south on the Seward Highway. Follow the Seward Highway for 63 miles until you reach the Johnson Pass Trail North parking area.

7. Russian Lakes Trail

Distance: 21.8 miles one-way Time: 2 days Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet Difficulty: Easy

Russian Lakes Trail is a hut-to-hut backpacking trail near Cooper Landing. This trail has 3 public use cabins and 7 designated campsites.

Highlights along the trail include Russian River Falls, Lower Russian Lake, and Upper Russian Lake.

I will mention that this trail is very bear-y! I’ve never seen so much bear scat on a trail in my entire outdoorsy life in Alaska.

On top of that, the trail can be very overgrown, which makes it super intimidating.

How to get to Russian Lakes Trail from Anchorage:

From Anchorage, head south on the Seward Highway and continue for 87 miles. Take a slight right onto the Sterling Highway. Continue for 15 miles through Cooper Landing. Turn left onto Russian River Campground Road. Follow for one mile until you reach the trailhead parking.

8. Lost Lake Trail

Distance: 16 miles one-way Time: 2 days Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet Difficulty: Moderate

Lost Lake Trail near Seward is an incredibly scenic route, especially on a bluebird day. The trail follows an alpine ridge full of lakes and vistas. You can either start from the Lost Lake side or the Primrose side.

You’ll start off in the rainforest and gradually climb above the treeline to open landscapes. You can see everything from lakes and waterfalls to glaciers.

Lost Lake Trail is another popular mountain biking trail in Alaska (bike northbound). It’s best used from June to September but you should check conditions because the trail may still be covered in snow.

How to get to Lost Lake Trail in Seward:

From Anchorage, head south on the Seward Highway and stay left towards Seward. Turn right onto Scott Way which turns into Rough Drive. Turn left onto Heather Lee Lane. Turn right onto Hayden Lane. Continue to the Lost Lake Trailhead.

Distance: 9 miles one-way Time: 2 days Elevation Gain:  3,100 feet Difficulty: Moderate

Although it’s the shortest thru-hike in Alaska, Grace Ridge Trail is one of my favorites. It’s easy enough to complete this trail in one day but there are some amazing ways to turn your day hike into an overnight adventure.

The main reason I love this trail is because of the epic views. You’ll be rewarded with 360-degree summit views of the surrounding mountains, fjords, and islands in Kachemak Bay.

The location of this hiking trail is also a treat. You can only access the trail by taking a water taxi from Homer, which is a really fun change.

Read the full trail guide: Hike Grace Ridge Trail in Kachemak Bay

How to get to Grace Ridge Trail from Homer:

The only way to get to Grace Ridge from Homer is by water taxi. Two companies on the Homer Spit that offer roundtrip services to Grace Ridge: Coldwater Alaska and Mako’s Water Taxi .

Happy backpacking!

Other Thru Hikes in Alaska

Other thru-hikes you can find around Alaska are Ship Creek to Indian Valley , Crescent Lake to Carter Lake , Seven Pass Route in Wrangell St. Elias National Park, and Mt. Eielson Loop in Denali National Park, which is one of the only established backpacking loop trails in Alaska.

Answering Your Questions

What is a thru hike.

A thru hike means to hike an established end-to-end or long-distance trail heading in one direction.

What is the longest hiking trail in Alaska?

Currently, the longest established hiking trail in Alaska is Resurrection Pass Trail. This trail is 39 miles long.

The Southern Trek of the Iditarod National Historic Trail (INHT) would be the longest but it’s only partially completed at 120 miles.

There is also a proposal to build a 500-mile trail from Seward to Fairbanks called the Alaska Long Trail .

What do you need for a 4 day backpacking trip?

If you are planning a 4 day backpacking trip, you will need the right backpacking gear. Check out my 4 day backpacking checklist to get started.

Do I need bear spray in Alaska?

Yes, you will need to carry bear spray in Alaska. There are bears everywhere and it’s best to be prepared.

Backpacking Resurrection Pass Trail in Alaska

4 Day Backpacking Checklist

Everything I Ate Backpacking

Alaska Travel Guide

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Do you have any questions about the best Alaska backpacking trips? Leave them in the comments.

About Andrea Kuuipo

I was born and raised in Anchorage and have been able to travel to many places around Alaska. As an Alaska Travel Blogger, I love sharing my favorite things to see and do in my home state to help others plan an incredible trip!

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Wrangell-St.Elias National Park

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We are the oldest continuously operating business in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and having been taking people into this very special part of the Alaskan wilderness since 1978—before it was even a national park! This means we have had the time to explore the park, refine our systems and our product so we can provide you with a superior all-around experience.

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Explore alaska with our multi-day trips, customized group wilderness tours, thrilling river rafting and mountaineering trips.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, our river rafting and mountaineering trips push your limits. Navigate the untamed rivers of Alaska or conquer towering peaks with our expert guides leading the way. These trips are perfect for adventurers who crave excitement and a sense of accomplishment.

Are you ready to embark on your Alaskan adventure? Contact us today to book your tour with St. Elias Alpine Guides. Let us guide you to Alaska’s unparalleled beauty and exhilarating experiences.

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Alaska Climbing Trips from basic courses to summiting spectacular, remote mountains.

Join us for a day of glacier hiking, river rafting, ice climbing, history tours, and more!

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Top Trips to Book

Browse some of the most popular trips for this 2024 season. Book a private trip custom tailored just for you or jump into one of our group trips that is already scheduled!

Women’s Ice Climbing Camp

Wolverine Cirque

Backcountry Photography Backpacking Course

Three-day ice climbing camp.

Fan Glacier Fly-In Hike

Erie Mine Hike

Ice Cave Exploration

Upper Chitistone Goat Trail

Kennecott Mill Town Tour

Choose how you want to explore the wilderness. Authentic adventure starts here…

2023 Summer Season Photo Recap

Good for all ages and abilities, families with small children, first time campers, or those wanting an easygoing trip.

Steamboat Hills

Alpine Alaskan lakes nestled amid rolling tundra and easier terrain make it a more laid back choice - also a great family spot. Usually done as a base camp or hybrid trip with some backpacking and some day hiking. Enjoy the fantastic scenery with more moderate hiking.

Fan Glacier

Ideal for folks with no backpacking experience as we usually set a base camp and do some day hikes on the Fan Glacier and alpine ridges with stunning views. This area of Alaska gets little snow making it a great early season hiking destination.

Turquoise Lake

Enjoy deep wilderness adventure without heavy backpacking loads. On this base-camp style trip near the shores of Turquoise Lake the focus is on day hikes that can be as mellow or adventurous as you want.

Mt Wrangell

Perched on the knees of Mt. Wrangell, this spot offers stunning views of the mountain. The amazing scenery is matched with easy hiking terrain making this an excellent spot for an easy-going basecamp trip in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Some prior backpacking experience may be required or preferred. Must be in good condition and able to hike about 6 hrs per day.

Donoho Glacier Trek

One of our most popular shorter trips. Quintessential Alaskan terrain featuring glacier exploration and jaw-dropping, in-your-face views of glaciers, icefalls and Wrangell range peaks. Our most economical backpacking trip.

Iceberg Lake

Stunning and dramatic terrain with hanging glaciers, icefields, glacier hiking, ridge walks, alpine lakes, moderate scramble summits. A classic Alaskan valley and ridge-line for moderate backpacking and exploration.

Skolai Pass

One of the most popular spots in the park due to the dramatic peaks, hanging glaciers and great Alaska wildlife spotting including Dahl sheep and caribou. Backpacking, base camp and loop style trips are possible. This is a classic Alaskan pass.

Wolverine Alpine NEW

This trip is all about exploring the high country in the Wolverine Mountain area. Amazing ridge walks and exploring opportunties. This is a combination of backpacking and base camping so the best of both allows for a lot of flexibility. Discovering the many fossils in the region is a bonus on this trip!

Talkeetna Mts High Country

Great Alaska backpacking trip with moderate terrain and easy logistics. Trip departs out of Anchorage and has you in the backcounty by lunch same day! Reasonable cost and  solitude on this backpacking trip in a seldom visited part of Alaska!

Agiak Lake - Gates of the Arctic

A new addition to our Alaska lineup. Enjoy an Alaska backpacking trip in remote solitude in Gates of the Arctic National Park. We have the freedom on this trip to do lots of backpacking or mix it up with some day hiking and exploration. Remote doesn’t have to mean hard-core.  

Mount Drum NEW

This trip has so much going for it. We put in at Chelle Lake at around 3100 feet at the base of Mt. Drum near Mt Sandford and Mt. Wrangell. So the landscape is stunning but the hiking terrain is fairly moderate.

Denali S.P. - Kesugi Ridge

Shorter, closer to Anchorage - ridge walk with awesome Denali views! Great for those not looking for a hard core Alaska trip. We do backpack most days on this trip but once we hump it up the ridge the terrain eases back a bit. Good for fit beginners.

Sanford Plateau

This trip presents the rare opportunity to hike directly beneath the shadow of the giants of the Wrangell range in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park - Mt. Sanford, Wrangell, Zanetti and Drum! If the weather gods cooperate you are sure to come home with some trophy photos in this incomparable setting.

These trips require prior backpacking experience. You must be in very good physical condition and up for some challenging and longer days. May include some bushwhacking. Must be ready to carry 50 lbs. plus over challenging terrain.

Unique Alaska high country backpacking route with amazing views, waterfalls, hanging glaciers…Our #1 trip for spotting wildlife including black and brown bears, dall sheep, mountain goats and caribou. Those with an interest in Alaska geology will love this trip - geodes, fossils and more abound.

This is our ultimate Alaskan sampler trek with a lot of variety over the route. Terrain runs from glaciers to verdant valleys to high lonesome passes. If you think you will only go on one Alaska backpacking trip, this one should be on the short list.

Allie's Alpine Traverse

High alpine lakes, lush green valleys and views that change every day make this one of our top routes. Many folks find this the perfect mix of challenge and reward. It will test you at times but it doesn't go over the top into extreme challenge.

Alpine Gold Miners

Guide's Choice!  This trip is a consistent favorite with our guides. Remote Alaskan adventure with amazing ridge walks, stunning views of snow covered peaks near and far plus a bit of gold mining history. Trek Alaska pioneered this route and it is very lightly travelled. If you seek solitude this is the one!

Lake Clark Alpine

Alpine route through amazing Alaska lake country in the heart of Lake Clark National Park. This is a lake to lake backpacking trip with the added bonus of opportunities to fish at the lakes along the way. Trip originates with flight out of Anchorage so the day we depart is same day we start backpacking in this Alaska gem of a park. Challenging at times but overall not in the overly challenging range.

Arrigetch Peaks - Gates of the Arctic

Explore one of the most stunning spots in Gate of the Arctic National Parlk in the heart of Alaska’s Brooks Range. The Arrigetch Peaks will leave a lasting impression. A challenging backpacking trip so you need to be ready. The payoff for the rugged hiking terrain is the chance to get up close to the unique granite spires of the Arrigetch bowl.

Extensive experience is required and you need to be ready for a very serious challenge. Must be ready to carry 50+ lbs. over very challenging terrain. Extended bushwhacking may be required.

Wrangell/Skyscraper

An extremely challenging Alaska backpacking trip recommended only for those with extensive backpacking experienced including experience on Alaskan routes. Very rugged and steep terrain but the reward is the chance to see Alaskan country that only a handful have travelled. One of the only routes that passes through the rugged Wrangell range. A great capper to a wilderness travel career.

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Discover The REAL Alaska

Alaska’s most authentic national park experiences – since 1998 .   Award-winning , fully-guided , and all-inclusive small group adventures immersed well beyond the crowds .

There are 8 National Parks in Alaska which encompass over 54-million acres of federally protected land – an area larger than the state of Idaho. Bush flights, included with each & every trip, are required to access these remote destinations.

Be Challenged

Explore life.  Find adventure.   Experience REAL Alaska!   We have designed our menu of trips with options to suit most adventure travelers.  Our groups are capped at 8-guests, and the experience has been described as, “transformational!”

Our hand-selected team of expert Alaska guides (2 lead-guides accompany most trips), are experienced outdoor professionals.  Add 24-hour support from our front-office, and every expedition departs with unparalleled attention to risk management.

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From Denali to Wrangell-St. Elias, Lake Clark to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and BEYOND!

• Denali National Park

• Lake Clark National Park

• Gates of the Arctic National Park

• Katmai National Park

• Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

• Kobuk Valley National Park

• Aniakchak National Monument

• Northwest Arctic Parks

Expedition locations as spectacular and diverse as the Great Land itself!

Featured Adventures

All of our adventures have been specifically curated and hand crafted, but below is a sampling of some all-time favorites.  From 4-day basecamp hiking in adventures to 12-day backpacking expeditions, our shortlist of favorites is a great place to start exploring the REAL Alaska!

Backpacking Katmai – Katmai & Lake Clark National Parks

Twin Lakes Paddle – Lake Clark National Park

Backpacking Denali National Park – 7 Day

Turquoise to Twin Traverse – Lake Clark National Park

Turquoise Glacier High Route – Lake Clark National Park

Lake Clark Unexplored – Lake Clark National Park

Turquoise Kayak and Hike – Lake Clark National Park

Basecamp Bears – Katmai National Park

Noatak River & Great Kobuk Sand Dunes Combination

We’ve got more remarkable adventure trips throughout Alaska. View all our trips.

How BIG and WILD is Alaska?

It’s really big and wild.

Get this — If you were cut Alaska in half, Texas would still be the third largest state. In fact, Alaska is much larger than California, Montana, and Texas combined!!! To say Alaska is BIG just doesn’t quite match the reality of truly experiencing it, and even when totally immersed deep within the backcountry, those attempting to grasp the incomprehensible scale of the place are often left utterly speechless.

It’s one of those places on our planet where the moments spent trying to find the right words to describe what’s being witnessed are often replaced with a simple, “WOW!”

Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve, encompassing 586,000 acres of pristine Alaska wilderness, offers amazing hiking, and some of the wildest weather in Alaska, in one of the least visited and most remote units of the National Park System. A vibrant reminder of Alaska’s location in the volcanically active “Ring of Fire,” Aniakchak is home to an impressive six-mile wide, 2,500 ft. deep caldera formed during a massive eruption 3,500 years ago.

Established in 1917 with the mission of conserving wildlife, Denali National Park encompasses 6 million acres of Alaska’s wilderness, and is often referred to as the crown jewel of the National Park System. Flaunting complete unaltered ecosystems, countless rivers, glaciers, expanses of tundra, and the tallest peak in North America, Denali is not to be missed. Since it’s creation, Denali National Park has been the laboratory of a phenomenal group of scientists who have been able to study the magic of an intact subarctic ecosystem.

Hiking and backpacking in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is simply a trip 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.

At over 3.5 Million acres, Katmai National Park is home to the largest brown bear population in the world, holds the spawning grounds of literally millions of sockeye salmon, and contains within its wild borders the unaltered evidence of one of the world’s most powerful volcanic eruptions ever recorded. Katmai National park is most known for it’s majestic Brown Bears, most notably those at Brooks Falls.

To this day, Lake Clark National Park represents the roots of our enterprise. Not only is it where we guided our first trip and the base of summertime operations, it is also the backdrop for most of our itineraries and, quite simply, our favorite place on earth to explore. From white summits of glacier-clad volcanoes, laced ribbons of wild and scenic rivers, endless expanses of verdant tundra, to salmon choked waters of azure lakes, Lake Clark is without equal. Since its creation in 1980 to protect the amazing scenery, abundant wildlife and traditional lifestyles of its residents, it has been hailed as Alaska’s epitome, and for Alaska Alpine Adventures it remains home.

Gates of the Arctic National Park, despite being the recipient of frequent media attention over the past 45 years, remains one of the most remote and unspoiled places on earth. Its 8.4 million acres cover an area twice the size of Connecticut and only slightly smaller than Switzerland. The park is essentially a road-less wilderness area and, except for limited and difficult access along the Dalton highway, most recreational visitors choose to enter the park via chartered airplane.

Bering Land Bridge & Cape Krusenstern National Monuments – two of the most remote and certainly the least visited park units in the entire system. With world class birding, abundant wildlife, and remote access, these areas offer ample solitude, fantastic camping, and a window into 5000 + years of human history layered within the landscape. Bering Land Bridge offers an amazing hot springs at Serpentine and fantastic hiking through a landscape of rolling tundra hills and granite tors. Cape Krusenstern National Monument also has spectacular hiking, remote camping, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Entirely above the arctic circle, Kobuk Valley National Park is distinct in a multitude of ways. As one of the least visited national parks it the system, it is certainly one of the most difficult to get to, and perhaps the park’s hallmark, the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes represent the largest active arctic dune field in North America.

In addition to being America’s largest national park (larger than Rhode Island and Vermont combined), Wrangell-St. Elias is home to the continent’s most impressive list of superlatives. The Alaska, Chugach and Wrangell-Saint Elias ranges converge in what is referred to as the “mountain kingdom of North America.”

This spectacular wilderness includes the continent’s largest assemblage of glaciers, and the greatest collection of peaks above 16,000 feet, including Mount St. Elias (18,008′), the second highest peak in the United States, the largest non-polar icefield in the world, and a boundary that when combined with Kluane Tatshenshini/Alsek National Park in Canada and Glacier Bay National Park, encompasses the world’s largest internationally protected area at 24 million acres.

Celebrating 25 Years of Award Winning Adventures

Expertly crafted adventures.

Alaska Alpine Adventures has been slowly and methodically handcrafting our selection of the finest and most inclusive adventure itineraries across the Great Land for more than two decades.

Our posted trips represent the best of the best — adventures that have been cultivated by combining our passion for exploration, our deep love and respect for Alaska and its people, and the profound humility that comes with the privilege of sharing Alaska’s national parks and wildlife refuges with amazing people just like you.

Why Travel With Us?

Leaders & Advocates of Alaska Wilderness Travel

Since 1998, Alaska Alpine Adventures has been leading authentic small-group adventure vacations and remote expeditions throughout Alaska’s spectacular national parks, wildlife refuges, and state parks.  With multiple national awards and widely recognized as a longtime leader in Alaska’s adventure travel industry, Alaska Alpine Adventures is committed to providing the highest level of customer service and the absolute best adventure trips that Alaska has to offer.

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A Talented and Passionate Team

We specialize in multi-day and  multi-sport Alaska hiking tours ,  rafting trips ,  Alaska backpacking trips , and  kayaking adventures  throughout the Last Frontier, and our guided Alaska adventure tours include itineraries to  Lake Clark National Park ,  Denali ,  Wrangell-St. Elias ,  Kenai Fjords , the  Arctic National Wildlife Refuge ,  Gates of the Arctic National Park and beyond .

• Exceptional guides
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A test of will and determination and a spectacular adventure shared with two incomparable guides. A reaffirmation of my life’s dream of stepping into the wild.

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Recent Trip Reviews

We value our guests feedback and take every review to heart.  In fact, it’s the reviews from our guests (both the good and the not-so-good) that continually drive progress around here.

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.

Josh Strother

I took the big trip, 12 days in Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley, from Aug 8 to Aug 19, 2023. You might be wondering if you can do it. I’m 62 and in reasonable shape–I walk 20 miles a week–but I’m also about 20 pounds overweight. I had not slept on the ground in a while. But it was fine. Don’t kid yourself, it gets hot and cold out there, there are bugs, you have to paddle fair distances, and your sleeping mat is not your memory foam bed at home. BUT, if you are in generally good shape and can roll with the circumstances as they change, you can do this.

The trip organization and the guides are 100% top notch. I mean, every detail is accounted for and safety is #1 by a long, long distance. Our guides were 24 and 26 years old, but they were both seasoned professionals. They were friendly and helpful the whole time. They took extra care of one member of our party who was having a pretty tough time with some of it.

That part in the description about “the Alaska factor” is real. When we got to Bettles, it was too smoky from wildfires to travel til the next day. When we finished the river portion, it took 24 hours for the clouds to clear and get a plane in. So, yes, it went from 85 and smoky to 50 and raining with wind in about 7 days. But you know what? We got to canoe 83 miles as promised and we spent the night at both national parks. But there are factors beyond anyone’s control and they will come into play.

We saw 6 grizzlies which, oddly, we saw on the same day. 2 musk ox. 2 caribou. A fox. The scenery is stunning. You will never think of another area as “wilderness” again. Canoes, paddles, tents, etc. are top notch. And the food is, of course, a little heavy on noodles, but it was all tasty. It is not the freeze dried stuff from the store. They have their own kitchen and bring real food, vacuum-sealed. Snacks are great. Coffee and tea every morning.

I strongly recommend this trip. It’s not “easy,” but you don’t have to be in any special condition to do it if you are willing to sleep on the ground (on a mat), paddle a canoe, and be hot/cold/dry/wet in the same day. The guides do an amazing amount of the work, so be prepared to tip lavishly. Believe me, by the end, you’ll recognize what they were worth.

Finally, the price. It’s not cheap. But think about it a minute. 12 days. A night in a nice hotel. FIVE internal flights. Full-service guides the whole time. Every meal. Canoes. Hiking poles. Quality tents. Try to price out what it would cost to do it yourself. Then pay AAA the money.

Arthur Farnsley

Both Brian and Dan were phenomenal guides and took the experience to another level. They were extremely helpful and engaged throughout the week, and they ensured our safety while maximizing fun.

Andrew Alcorta

Could not be improved by much. Both guides were wonderful. The activities were just right as were  the accommodations.  Weather was perfect, activities were fine and both guides were willing to go out of their were to make sure we all had the best time.

Jeff Goldman

Great trekking, great guides and great food… just a really spectacular experience from start to finish. You’ve got a repeat customer in me for sure.

Ryan Drescher

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. If anything, I would have planned for a longer stay! Thanks to all of you who made it easy for me to enjoy the Alaskan wild!  The trip exceeded all of my over the top expectations!

Dave Lockhart

Our guests get to experience some of the most remote corners of Alaska. View all our trip reviews.

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The Alaska Experience

"When I find myself within the vast landscapes of Alaska's wilderness, I undergo a physical and emotional transformation; as if the experience of being immersed in the wilds is the catalyst that reunites my body with my soul.”

Dan Oberlatz, Founder

Each member of team at Alaska Alpine Adventures is hand-selected, thoroughly trained, extraordinarily competent, super thoughtful, and really nice too!

Dan Oberlatz

Aaron Fetter

Michael Kleinman

Sean Johnson

Sara Olbright

We’ve got a great team of talented & professional Alaska guides. View all our guides.

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• Explore Our Trips

Basecamping Trips

Why carry a heavy backpack when you don’t need to? A guided basecamping trip just might be the way to go.

For many folks a better option is to fly in a remote landing strip, unload the plane, setup camp and enjoy the backcountry without the burden of a 45 pound backpack on your shoulder.

Sounds fun to me.

Let the bush plane do the work for you. You’ll be glad you did.

Review the trips below. Most of them are available as either camping trips with day hikes for exploring or lighter-weight backpacking trips. You choose.

The FAQ section beneath that should answer many of your questions and concerns.

Alaska Basecamp Tours

Turquoise Lake Basecamp

Camping in the Mountains. Stunning Turquoise Lake. An Alaska Gem. The perfect getaway.

On a scale of 1 – 5, five being the most challenging, one boot is appealing. Basically it means “You got this” .

1 boot = basecamp/dayhike easy 2 boots = easier backpacking trip 3 boots = intermediate level trip 4 boots = intermediate to advanced backpacking 5 boots = ask yourself are you really ready for this?

Expect whatever level you think might best fit you to be one level LOWER on our scale. Hiking here in Alaska is generally a step or three above what you’ll find in the Lower 48 states.

One boot is about as easy as we do here in Alaska. That doesn’t mean it’s easy; you’re carrying gear, and even on a basecamp trip you’ll find expending some effort required of you. And there is always the weather or some other adversarial element to contend with.

Great option for starters, the older or the younger folks who want to see some astonishing remote wild country, without all the rigors or the more common backpacking adventures we undertake. You’ll love it.

On a scale of 1 – 5, five being the most challenging, two hiking boots is at the easier end of the spectrum.

Realize that backpacking is never “easy”. You’re carrying from 35-50+ pounds on your back day after day. You’ll be hiking for a number of hours each day (varies trip to trip, day to day), and that’s not “easy” for most people.

That said, our “2 hiking boots”  level should meet the need for most novice backpackers, and are generally what I recommend for families with younger kids, etc as well. Terrain challenges aren’t usually a problem, and the walking is somewhat more orthodox. You won’t be traversing 1 mile of steep sidehill covered in slippery rocks, or snaking through dense thickets of alder and willow.

Heart of the Park

Backpack the heart of the Wrangell Mountains. Explore America’s Largest National Park.

Intermediate

On a scale of 1 – 5, five being the most challenging, three hiking boots is smack in the middle.

If you consider yourself up for an intermediate level hike, for example, assume that a trip rated intermediate here will probably be a bit tougher than you’re expecting; not impossible, but harder than you think. Intermediate level trips don’t mean you won’t be challenged, won’t struggle at times, and won’t have any easy sections either. On any trip you’ll probably find some easy sections, some harder, and some are challenging.

Also, understand that all these rating are so completely subjective that they’re not entirely all together practical. They’re a VERY loose idea of how the trips might compare to one another, for some people.

Lastly, understand that even a trip we might rate as “intermediate” (3-4 hiking boots) may still have some difficulty at times. Weather changes things. There may be a tough steep climb on the route that takes a few hours.

50 Shades of Blue

“You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince”

Skolai Pass Basecamp

One week in the mountains. One lifetime of Wow.

Nizina Basecamp

A Family Trip. Wilderness Adventure for the Intrepid. Packraft Nizina Lake. Hike Nizina Glacier. Walk These Waterfalls.

Iceberg Lake Basecamp

A Land of Ice and Rock. Mountains and Glaciers. And You.

Steamboat Hills

Hike in the Heart of the Park. Camp Above the Clouds.

Alaska Landscapes Photo Tour

Photograph Wrangell-St. Elias National Park’s Skolai Pass.

Snowshoe and XC ski tour

Winter’s Coming. Enjoy it.

Basecamp FAQs

Camping or backpacking what's the difference.

As a general rule, these camping trips are not roadside camping trips. We fly in to some pretty remote wilderness areas and camp and hike or packraft, etc.

Backpacking trips involve packing up camp every day (or so) and moving, hauling all your gear on your back. It’s challenging but rewarding.

Camping trips mean we’ll set up a base somewhere fun and hike during the day with just a small day pack for snacks, a jacket, etc. It can still be a challenge, depending how hard you want to hike.

What's involved?

Largely trip dependent. Most of these trips run out McCarthy , AK, in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park .

We’ll fly from McCarthy in to our chosen landing trips, unload the plane, say goodbye to the pilot and setup camp.

Dayhiking (or day hiking and packrafting) is the way to get around, see the landscape and visit the wild.

At the end of the trip, break down camp, meet our air taxi and fly back to McCarthy.

What about accommodation in McCarthy?

Typically Expeditions Alaska will include that for you. If you’re on your own schedule and would rather handle those logistics yourself, let me know and we’ll work out the pricing structure accordingly.

Flexibility is the name of the game here.

Can we book a basecamp trip if we don’t own any camping gear?

You sure can.

Fully outfitting your trip is a small additional fee. The exact amount will depend on your trip length, as well as what stuff you need.

For single individual items, contact me and we’ll see what you need and work that out.

A tent (1, 2 or 3 person) is $50.00 per person for the trip. If you just want us to handle food and you have all your own gear (tent, etc) we can do that as well.

Longer trips (5+ days) the food costs go up. But most basecamps are not longer.

We do NOT provide sleeping bags or sleeping pads or backpacks (except for the scheduled photo tours we include sleeping pad).

Information about McCarthy

McCarthy, AK is such a cool place. You’ll love it.

Typically we’ll stay across the river from the small town of McCarthy in a small cabin or lodge. The lodge backs against Kennicott Glacier. The awesome Stairway Icefall sits just beyond. A 7000′ vertical wall of ice.

So beyond the astonishing mountain views, McCarthy is a small rustic town in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park . Originally a feeder town to the nearby Kennicott Copper Mines, McCarthy is now the hub of the park.

It’s a short 1/2 mile walk into town from Brad’s Lodge ( Kennicott Glacier Cabins ). We walk because the public bridge across the Kennicott River is a small bridge for foot traffic only. The vehicle will stay on the lodge side of the river.

A 10 minute walk will pretty much cover the entire town. There are a couple of small air taxi services, a hotel and hostel, a bar/restaurant, a souvenir store and another newer eatery/bar called the Potato. Good food, fun folks, and a wonderful charming environment.

A 5 mile jaunt up the road from McCarthy is Kennicott (there is a shuttle service available and included to get us up and back; or walk the wagon trail). In Kennicott you’re free to wander the town and look at the historic mill building (schedules private tours available), poke your head in the door of the various establishments (guide services, restaurant/lodge, stores, the National Park Service Visitor Center, etc).

Just remember a lot of the buildings ARE private residences so don’t intrude.

A couple of hiking trails out of Kennicott can take you out to the Kennicott Glacier or up to the old mines (Bonanza, Jumbo and Erie).

An afternoon in Kennicott is a ton of fun and a great way to wind down after your backcountry expedition.

Backpacking Gear Check List

Here’s a very simple gear check list. Email me if you have any specific gear/food questions. Try not to overpack but don’t short change yourself on essential items like raingear, tent, backpack, boots, sleeping bag, etc. Temperatures can be below freezing with rainy and even snowy weather.

Remember  Once we leave Anchorage (or Fairbanks), there are usually  NO  options for purchasing gear, supplies, food, etc. Anchorage has a great REI and several other gear stores, groceries, etc. The best option is to bring as much as you can with and only use Anchorage for forgotten and last minute items.

Expeditions Alaska will supply bear resistant food canisters, fuel (white gas/coleman fuel, or isobutane mix) and water filter system, First Aid Kit and maps. I highly recommend bringing your own  “boo boo kit”  – a basic first aid supplies, like sunscreen, blister kit, bandaids, ibuprofen/aleve, etc). We can, if you need, provide tents and food as well. Let me know if you have any specific gear requirements. We’re always glad to work to accommodate them.

I also recommend you see this post for my gear list for more information.

Camping Gear

Food Tent, w/ groundcloth Sleeping Bag (20degF min) Backpack –  w/ rain cover Trekking poles – (Provided if necessary, highly recommended*) Sleeping pad Lighter/matches Plastic garbage bags Eating utensils bowl, mug Water bottles

Stove (check with Carl) Cook set (check with Carl) Fuel bottle (check with Carl) A couple of gallon sized zip lock bags Flashlight/headlamp (if before mid-Aug) Compass

Long underwear (wicking, top & bottom) Long sleeve nylon shirt Nylon Pants Fleece Jacket Additional thermal layer Rain shell – Pants and Jacket Wool or fleece gloves Hat – Cap and 1 Fleece Wool socks & liners Backpacking Boots Stuff Sacks Sandals/Camp Shoes River shoes MUST be closed toe shoes

Head Net/mosquito Repellent

Personal Items

Toiletry items – Toothbrush, toothpaste, Floss, Toilet paper Biodegradable soap, etc

Small first aid supplies

Blister stuff (mole foam second skin, etc) Ibuprofen tablets Bandaids Sunscreen Sunglasses Lip balm

Small bath towel (2′ long) Book/Reading material Camera & Film/memory cards Brush/comb

Mandatory items

20˚F, or lower, sleeping bag Waterproof-breathable rain jacket and pants Pack rain cover Fleece jacket (min. 200 wt) or (even better) down/synthetic fill jacket Sleeping pad Closed-toe river crossing shoes

Do NOT Bring

Poncho Trash bag as rain gear or pack cover Flip flops for river shoes 35˚F or higher rated sleeping bag

What’s A Fully Outfitted Trip Involve?

That is trip dependent.

For backpacking trips, a fully outfitted option includes your tent (one or two person tent), all your kitchenware, food and cooking by Expeditions Alaska. A typical trip, up to 12 days long, costs an additional $450.00 per person for the fully outfitted option ($350 for 4 day trips or shorter).

Available “á la carte” options are (per person)

Tent $50.00/tent Food/cooking $325.00 (up to 4 day trip duration) Food/cooking $425 (any trip 5 days or longer)

For personal items such as a backpack, or sleeping pad, talk to me prior to your trip and we’ll see if we can possibly arrange something. If you need a pack I recommend you rent a backpack from a reputable local outfitter. They can find and fit a pack to you rather than “making do” with one of mine that may or may not be a good fit for you.

Items such as BRFC, bear spray, fuel, hiking poles are included gratis with Expeditions Alaska trips. See What’s Included?  for more info.

I Have More Questions

I know you do. I do as well.

I recommend starting with the General Trip FAQ page

More questions?  Email me  or  call me  and we’ll go through them.

Upon your reservation I’ll also send out a comprehensive trip information packet that covers just about everything and more you might imagine about your trip.