Last updated: September 27, 2026
Itinerary
What follows is a general flow of events. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible.
March 15
Rendezvous at the Arctic Wild headquarters in Fairbanks for a pre-trip meeting and gear check with your guides at 4 pm.
March 16
We will pick you up bright and early, loading into our truck for a 3-1/2 hour drive to the Yukon River stopping at an historic crossroads for coffee along the way. At the Yukon you’ll meet our team of friendly huskies and we’ll cover some dog sledding basics. Then we hit the trail, gliding through the winter wonderland!
Depending on conditions we may use a combination of dog power and snowmobiles to transport you to the camp we set up a few days prior. But regardless of how we go, after about 3 hours of travel plus stops to warm up, rest, and snack, we arrive at our tent camp tucked into the forest.
Once the fires are lit and the tents are warm and we can relax and relish in the beauty of the land.
March 17
The day starts with the crackle of a spruce fire in the tent’s stove and the sound of dogs excited for their breakfast. Before long camp is busy with activity.
A hearty breakfast and sleds loaded, and we are back on the Yukon headed upriver. Three or four hours of travel (more if the trail is rough with jumble ice) and the dogs surge with excitement as the roadhouse nears.
We plan to stay at Slaven’s Roadhouse for two nights. It is like living in a museum! We may also encounter other river travelers using the Roadhouse as a stopover.
March 18
Based at Slaven’s Roadhouse, this day brings its own adventure and surprises. Your desires and the weather will dictate the schedule. Wildlife sightings quicken the pulse and the process of learning to work with the dogs is immensely rewarding. If you prefer to relax in camp and watch the snowy landscape from the comfort of the roadhouse, enjoy! If you prefer to spend the whole day on the trail discovering one new vista after the next, we can go up the Charley River and fish, or we can break trail to Coal Creek and check out the mining history of the Park.
When the day’s adventures are done we have excellent chances to see the Aurora dancing green and red above the mountains while the dogs howl in the arctic twilight.
March 19
Our final morning at Slaven’s and time to say goodbye to the trails and vistas you have grown to love. Then it is back on the sled for the run back to our tent camp on the Yukon.
Cut wood, melt snow, feed dogs, feed ourselves, and enjoy a final night on the broad and beautiful Yukon River.
March 20
A half day of mushing down the Yukon brings us back to Circle, Alaska. Where we meet the vehicle. Kiss your favorite dog goodbye and then head back towards civilization.
We encourage you to spend a few extra days in Fairbanks to enjoy more winter time activities like the ice carving championships.
