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ANWR Solstice Hot Springs Backpacking- Trip Itinerary

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Backpacking and Hot Springs Adventure in the Romanzof Mountains

• Dates: June 18 through June 25, 2012

• Region: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge- Romanzof Mountains.

• Cost: $3,800 per person

Highlights:

This Alaska backpacking adventure combines spectacular mountain scenery, moderately difficult backpacking, and the opportunity to visit the remote and unique Okpilak Hot Springs in the heart of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Celebrate the solstice with 24 hours of sunlight!

Sketch of the ANWR Hot Springs Backpack trip…

This moderately difficult backpacking trip covers about 20 miles of some of the most spectacular mountain country in arctic Alaska. Starting in the austere Okpilak Valley, the route threads its way below the highest peaks in the Brooks Range, staying high in the alpine tundra, exploring broad river valleys and penetrating the quiet side canyons. Glacier carved peaks over 9,000 feet tall dominate the views to the south and beckon the hearty day-hikers. To the north the land falls away across the vast coastal plain toward the frozen arctic ocean. At this latitude the sun never sets in June. The vastness of the landscape and the unending daylight create a euphoric sense of possibility. Wildlife is of course unpredictable, but the area is home to the 200,000 strong, Porcupine caribou herd and many years they throng through the foothills and cross the Okpilak just after Solstice. 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 is a dramatic, and beautiful, Alaska backpacking route. Starting in the Okpilak Valley we will search out the hot springs and enjoy their warm waters and unique flora. From the Okpilak we head west, climbing onto the flank of of Mt. Hubley and Mt Waw. From this vantage we can look directly west at Mt. Michelson or north across the expansive coastal plain. And from our campsite numerous glaciers and peaks are within striking distance. We have ample time to cover the distance and the focus will be on exploring the area unencumbered by our packs. Eventually our route heads into McCall Creek and to the Jago River but we intend to make several day-hikes towards the dramatics peaks and glaciers looming to the south.

This Alaska backpacking adventure offers a good mix of valley walking, ridge climbing, exceptional scenery and wildlife. This is one of the shortest routes we offer and there should be several days when heavy backpacks are not worn. There promises to be some steep terrain and some difficult hiking but this route is a good opportunity to experience the joys of Brooks Range backpacking without embarking on a 30 or 40 mile trek.

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. 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.