Arrigetch Peaks Backpacking- Custom Trip for Adam Hanover

Arrigetch Peaks Backpacking- Custom Trip for Adam Hanover

DATES

August 1, 2016 - August 9, 2016

REGION

Gates of the Arctic

TRIP COST

$11,000 (Party of one.)

calendar

DATES

August 1, 2016 - August 9, 2016
region

REGION

Gates of the Arctic
price

TRIP COST

$11,000 (Party of one.)

Want stunning scenery, arctic wildlife, and a good workout? Backpacking in the Arrigetch Peaks is the perfect choice.

As we fly into Gates of the Arctic, we will get tantalizing glimpses of the Arrigetch Peaks. Once we land near Arrigetch Creek, we will don backpacks and head up the valley towards the granite spires.  Arrigetch is means “fingers of the outstretched hand”  and aptly describes these iconic peaks. Explore the wilderness with us this August.

TRIP DETAILS

Last updated: September 27, 2016

Itinerary

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

July 31

Meet your guide for a pre-trip meeting at 4 pm in Fairbanks at Arctic Wild headquarters.

August 1

Fly north from Fairbanks across the Yukon River to Bettles, a little “Outpost of Progress” in the Brooks Range.  Here, we board a smaller plane and continue on into the Gates of the Arctic National Park.  Our skilled pilot lands us on a gravel bar . . . and then the plane leaves and we are alone in the grandeur of the wilderness.

August 2 - 7

There are several routes we can take, and the route will be tailored to your interests and abilities. One version is about 30 miles and one variant almost 40. Some of the terrain is difficult. All of it is spectacular. There are no constructed trails and a 6 mile-day with packs is enough to make you feel you have earned your dinner. It usually takes a couple days of hiking to get into the high alpine basins. Once in the high country, we time to explore the spires, tarns and high passes. After crossing the high pass we descend back to the Alatna Valley with lighter packs and trail-hardened legs.

August 8

Await the arrival of our bush plane at Takahula Lake.  Weather permitting we fly to Bettles and spend the night in this frontier town easing your transition into the busy world. Your lodging is included but meals are on your own.

August 9

Catch the morning flight to Fairbanks.

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

DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Transportation beyond Fairbanks, food while in the wilderness, stoves, cooking & eating utensils, safety & repair gear and professional guide service. Select Rental Equipment is included in the price of the trip. One night lodging in Bettles on Aug 8th.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Lodging except August 8th in Bettles, non-camp meals, personal clothing and gear. Gratuity for guide. See full equipment list.

WEATHER & BUGS

A variety of weather should be expected including rainy periods and bright sunny conditions. Temperatures can range from in the 70’s or higher down into the 30’s or lower. Generally at this time of the year we get some sunny and some rainy weather. Snow is also possible. Bugs should be on the wane, especially up high, but carry a head net and one bottle of DEET insect repellent, just in case. Early August tends to have some of the best summer weather.

RECOMMENDED READING

Arctic Wild, Lois Crisler; Alaska Wilderness, Robert Marshall; Make Prayers to the Raven, Richard Nelson; Alaska’s Brooks Range, John Kauffmann. More Alaska reading is available from our Bookstore.

"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