High Peaks Backpacking in ANWR- Trip Itinerary

Arctic Backpacking in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge's Romanzof Mountains

• Dates: July 1 through 7, 2012.

• Region: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in the heart of the Romanzof Mountains.

• Cost: $3,600/ person from Fairbanks

Highlights:

• Backpacking in the highest part of Alaska's Brooks Range

• Wildlife such as Dall's sheep and caribou from the Porcupine Herd

• Learning wilderness skills from an accomplished guide

Sketch of the High Peaks Backpack…

Alaska's arctic is a land of extreme beauty, and the Romanzoff Mountains in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge are the steepest and most dramatic part of the whole Brooks Range. Abundant wildlife, free flowing rivers and unnamed mountains delight and inspire backpackers. 9,000 foot peaks in the Romanzoff Mountains tower over green tundra valleys and seem to erupt from the coastal plain. We will backpack in the Romanzoff Mountains for a week this July, wandering by bubbling creeks, marveling at brilliant wildflowers and ascending ridges headed for the sky.

This is a stunningly beautiful Alaska backpacking route which follows the Jago River to its very headwaters. From the glacier studded headwaters of the Jago, you will traverse a snowy pass and begin the descent into the Hulahula River watershed. With constant daylight we are free to explore side canyons during a lunch break, climb a rocky peak above our camp before heading to bed, or sit on a ridge and watch wildlife in the early morning light. We will hike a total of about 35 miles with our packs over varied terrain. Like the caribou and wolves, when practical, we will stick to the river bars where the footing is solid and the views unobstructed. As we climb, green tundra gives way to rocky alpine conditions and when we finally reach the pass above the Hulahula River there will be some snow to negotiate. After a rewarding and challenging day crossing the pass it is "all downhill". The Hulahula valley is broader than the upper Jago and offers endless opportunities to explore side ridges and valleys.

This Alaska backpacking trip will have its challenges but there is ample time for day hikes and leisure. Dall sheep will be a common sight on the ridges--rams with heavy horns resting on the cliffs and big bands of ewes and lambs grazing on the high tundra. Golden eagles, horned larks, and an Asian bird called a northern wheatear thrive even in the starkest of alpine areas.

This Alaska backpacking adventure offers a good mix of valley walking, ridge climbing, exceptional scenery and wildlife. Whether this is your first backpacking adventure in the arctic or your tenth, this mountainous route will delight and inspire.

Weather this time of year is typically dry and though this is the warmest part of the year, we can get some powerful storms that can either bring rain or snow.  Precipitation is generally light, however, and it is fairly easy to keep comfortably dry. You can expect temperatures to range from the 30s to the 70s.  Mosquitoes could be bothersome down in the river valleys but should be nearly absent up high among the rocks and glaciers. Best to come prepared for encounters with Alaska’s most numerous wildlife species by bringing insect repellent and a headnet.

Hiking in the arctic is an “off-trail” experience, so a six-mile day can take as long and be as taxing as ten miles in other parts of the world.  This is a good trip for both experienced backpackers and newcomers in good shape who are willing to push themselves. Experience with overnight backpacking prior to the trip is highly recommended.  Each hiker will get 15-20 pounds of food and community gear to carry. Due to the small party size and the trip’s duration, expect to start the trip with a pack weighing no less than 50 pounds.