For serious adventurers, hiking in Alaska’s rugged and remote Arctic Circle region is a lifetime trip. The highlights include the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and Gates of the Arctic National Park, both of which are home to the Brooks Range, the world’s highest mountains within the Arctic Circle. During the peak of summer the region experiences 24 hours of daylight.

Arctic Alaska is accessible via air taxi and hiking is off-trail (like the majority of the state). Passable routes mostly are along riverbeds, game trails, and elevated valleys and ridgelines. The Brooks Range and its foothills offer phenomenal hiking with rolling mountains, wide-open vistas, and abundant wildlife. Late August is prime for watching the caribou migrations.

Hiring a local hiking guide is highly recommended: they know the terrain, will arrange for transportation, and have all the equipment for a safe trip. Below is a list of guides, many of which also run rafting trips in the Arctic region.
 

Hiking Guides in Arctic Alaska

Alaska Alpine Adventures

  • Backpacking trips in Gates of the Arctic and combination canoeing and hiking trips in ANWR
  • Nearly 20 years of Alaska adventure and expedition planning expertise
  • Runs a wide range of outdoor trips throughout the state

Alaska Ultra Sport

  • Backpacking trips in the Brooks Range, either Gates of the Arctic or ANWR, depending on the time of year
  • Predetermined itineraries and customized trips
  • Owners are the organizers of the Alaska Ultra Sport races with extensive knowledge of the Alaska backcountry

Arctic Treks

  • Offers backpacking trips in ANWR, Western Arctic, and Gates of the Arctic
  • Over 30 years of guiding experience
  • Based out of Fairbanks

Arctic Wild 

  • Backpacking trips in ANWR and Gates of the Arctic
  • Unique trips including Solstice and Glaciers, Noatak Valley, and April snowshoeing
  • Base camp trips for photographers, naturalists, and families

REI

  • Offers a comprehensive Arctic Alaska itinerary that includes day hiking in Gates of the Arctic and ANWR
  • A reputable company that offers a good way to meet fellow travelers

Wilderness Alaska

  • Runs some of the most comprehensive hiking trips in the region ranging from 6 to 15 days
  • 40 years of guiding experience in Arctic Alaska
  • Flexible trip planning to accommodate a range of date
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