Wrangell Mountains Base Camp

Wrangell Mountains Base Camp

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DATES

July 20, 2024 - July 25, 2024

REGION

Wrangell St Elias National Park

TRIP COST

$5,600

calendar

DATES

July 20, 2024 - July 25, 2024
region

REGION

Wrangell St Elias National Park
price

TRIP COST

$5,600

Enjoy a week of big wilderness and big views in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park this summer. From our comfortable camp on the flanks of a volcano we can explore the surrounding mountains and glaciers, search for Dall sheep, and simply enjoy the solitude and wilderness of this mountain kingdom.

TRIP DETAILS

The high country in Wrangell-St. Elias is beyond compare. With 9.6 million acres of designated wilderness, Wrangell- St. Elias National Park is part of the largest federally protected area in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape of the northern Wrangells is one of smoking volcanoes covered in ice; rocky spires jut into the blue sky above sinuous valleys with glacial torrents careening between sheer valley walls. And amongst the raw elemental power of the place we find green glens rich with fern and wildflowers and verdant plateaus dotted with Dall sheep and nesting song birds. It is a land of contrasts and beauty.

The lower elevations of the Park are forested and very brushy, beautiful but difficult to navigate. In contrast, the high-country offers endless vistas and relatively easy hiking both on the mountain sides and along the valley floor. We will make camp near the toe of the glacier and use this place as a base of operations.

We can hike to the ice and (if conditions permit) may be able to explore onto the glacier. We can take a fairly easy hike downriver along the rushing glacial stream and we can climb the ridges and small peaks near camp for views in all directions. Each day brings its own weather, its own wildlife and its own surprises.

This is a rarely visited portion of the park and requires flights in an airplane which can only take a single passenger at a time. This nimble airplane allows us to enjoy true wilderness solitude in a unique and pristine location. Join us for adventure and solitude in America’s largest National Park.

Last updated: July 27, 2024

Itinerary

What follows is a general flow of events. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible.

July 20

Meet your guide at 9 am at the Arctic Wild headquarters for a pre-trip orientation. Once questions have been answered and equipment checked, we will start our drive into the mountains. Its a 4-1/2 hr drive to the Wrangells from Fairbanks with lots of interesting stops on the way.

We can take a hike, fish a side creek and enjoy the scenery as we head southeast along the Richardson Highway to the town of Chistochina. Once we arrive we are greeted by our hosts who operate the Red Eagle Lodge where we spend the night.

July 21

The adventure begins in earnest. After enjoying a beautiful breakfast at the lodge, our pilot shuttles us into the mountains one at a time and by mid-day we have camp set-up and can take our first hike in the mountains.

July 22 - 24

Days (and nights) are yours to do as you please. With thousands of acres to ourselves the limit to our adventures are few.

July 25

One last walk to the river, one last scan for sheep above camp and it is time to pack-up and head back to Chistochina where our vehicle waits. If the weather cooperates we can be back in Fairbanks in the evening, ready for the next adventure.

Our guide was an encyclopedia on legs. His knowledge for the flora, fauna, and natural history of the tundra is astonishing. He was always willing and ready to teach, to talk, to listen, to do another hike, or to lie low in camp if we were beat. He truly gave us the trip we wanted!

 

- Brent, Colorado, USA

DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Transportation beyond Fairbanks

One night lodging in Chistochina, AK

Food while in the wilderness

Stoves, cooking & eating utensils, water filter, safety & repair gear

Professional guide service

Select camping equipment is available through Arctic Wild

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Lodging (except one night in Chistochina)

Non-camp meals (except breakfast at the lodge in Chistochina)

Personal clothing and gear per our Equipment List

Gratuity for guide.

WEATHER & BUGS

Temperatures vary dramatically in the Alaska. Late July is usually mild and warm, and the Northern Wrangells are one of the driest parts of the state. That said, it could be cool and rainy so be prepared for anything.  Temperatures will range from the 20s to 80s. Snow is possible any day of the year, but we get lots of sunny weather this time of the year. Mosquitoes should not be an issue but bring a mosquito head net and a small bottle of DEET repellent just in case.

RECOMMENDED READING

To the Bright Edge of the World, Eowyn Ivey

The Copper Spike, Lone E Janson

Pilgrim’s Wilderness, Tom Kizzia

More Alaska reading is available from our Bookstore

Ready for your adventure?
Find out what's next.

  1. Fill out the Reservation Request form
  2. We will contact you to discuss your trip
  3. Secure your trip with a deposit
  4. We will send you a detailed packing list
  5. Book your flights and accommodations
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"The wilderness was spectacular, the leadership perfect."
"I am just finishing my tenth trip with you guys. As always, the trip was more than I expected and I had a great time. See you next year!"
"Of all outfitters with whom we have worked (and that is quite a number), you were by far the most organized and responsive."
"That feeling of wide open wonder, the possibilities for nearly limitless wandering, and the image of those proud caribou...that will stay with me a long time"
"Our guide was an encyclopedia on legs. He was always willing and ready to teach, to talk, to listen, to do another hike, or to lie low in camp if we were beat. He truly gave us the trip we wanted!"
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Eileen - Canning River
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