ARCTIC BASECAMP
Experience the magic of spring in the Arctic, with long days, lingering sunsets, snow-capped mountains, mammoth tusks, migrating caribou, and shimmering spring aurora.
Travel by dog team through the breathtaking mountains of the Brooks Range on this springtime Arctic adventure.
The sun lingers high above the horizon and sunlight sparkles across the wide-open snowy tundra of the Brooks Range, inviting travel by dog team through this majestic landscape of snow-capped peaks and vast, treeless valleys. Caribou dot the ridgelines, their silhouettes moving quietly across the horizon, while the crisp Arctic air carries only the sound of paws and sled runners on snow.
Our Arctic Basecamp is a comfortable, well-appointed camp nestled between Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Heated expedition tents provide a warm, cozy, dry haven after each day on the trail.
Come evening, step outside and look up—green aurora ribbons ripple through a twilight sky that refuses to fully darken, dancing high above the mountains in the stillness of the Alaskan Arctic.
AVAILABLE DATES
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
The Arctic Basecamp Expedition is an active wilderness trip conducted in a remote Arctic environment. To ensure the safety and success of the trip, all participants must have previously completed either:
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An Arctic Prep Trip with Arctic Dog Adventure Co., or
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A multi-day expedition with Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
These prerequisite trips allow guests to gain experience with winter camping systems, dog handling, travel by dog team, and the physical and logistical demands of remote wilderness travel before participating in the Arctic Basecamp Expedition.
If you have equivalent experience from another organization or expedition, please contact us before booking to discuss whether it meets the prerequisite requirements.
GETTING TO BASECAMP
Your adventure begins at the small plane airport in Fairbanks. On your flight to Coldfoot, you'll witness the rolling hills surrounding the mighty Yukon River, cross the Arctic Circle into the Land of the Midnight Sun, and traverse ancient plains dotted with mysterious granite tors before landing on a remote airstrip in Coldfoot, a small outpost on the southern edge of the Brooks Range.
North of Coldfoot, the journey to Basecamp continues by truck. We'll travel the Dalton Highway, Alaska's rugged northern lifeline to the Arctic Ocean. In winter, this seldom-traveled road is shared with truckers hauling supplies to the North Slope, as well as wolves, moose, caribou, ptarmigan, and a handful of fellow adventurers.
Along the way, we'll pass beneath towering Sukakpak Mountain and cross Atigun Pass, the highest mountain pass accessible by road in Alaska. Descending from the pass, the mountains of Gates of the Arctic rise to the west, while the vast Arctic National Wildlife Refuge stretches across the eastern horizon. To the north, the tundra extends toward the Arctic Ocean.
As we descend into the Atigun Valley, Galbraith Lake comes into view below. The lake is a remnant of a much larger glacial lake that once filled the valley and today serves as the backdrop for our Arctic Basecamp.
By the time you arrive at the trailhead, you'll have traveled through one of the wildest and least developed regions in North America—a landscape shaped by ice, weather, wildlife, and vast distances.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Your accommodations for this trip is a heated Alaskan expedition tent known as an Arctic Oven. This is Alaskan "glamping" at its finest—a comfortable winter camping experience designed specifically for Arctic conditions.
Each Arctic Oven accommodates two guests and is outfitted with two cots, insulated sleeping pads, and expedition-quality sleeping bags rated to -30°F. Unlike traditional backpacking tents, the Arctic Oven provides ample room to move around, organize gear, and comfortably spend time indoors during the week at camp.
A small propane stove keeps the tent warm, while twinkle lights create a cozy atmosphere after a day on the trail. Inside, you'll find a line for drying boots and outerwear, storage space for personal belongings, and enough headroom to stand upright. At 9 feet by 9 feet with a peak height of approximately 7 feet, the tents feel surprisingly spacious.
After a day of exploring the Arctic landscape, guests can return to a warm shelter, change into dry clothes, read a book, play cards, share stories, or simply watch the light change across the surrounding mountains from the comfort of camp. The result is a uniquely Alaskan experience that combines the adventure of winter camping with comforts rarely found on an adventure so remote.
PROTECT SACRED LANDS
Our Arctic Basecamp Tours offer more than just an extraordinary adventure—they are a chance to contribute to the preservation of one of the world’s most iconic wilderness areas. A portion of every booking supports Defend the Sacred Alaska, a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Gwich’in way of life.
By joining this journey, you’ll help:
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Safeguard the Arctic Refuge: Your trip supports efforts to defend this untouched wilderness from industrial threats, ensuring it remains a sanctuary for caribou, polar bears, migratory birds, and other wildlife.
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Uphold Indigenous Rights: The Gwich’in people have stewarded these lands for generations. Your participation helps amplify their voices in the fight to protect the Refuge, which is vital to their culture and survival.
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Promote Environmental Justice: Together, we can protect one of the planet’s last great wild places, ensuring its beauty and ecological significance endure for future generations.
Immerse yourself in the stunning Arctic landscape—where the snow-draped tundra, star-filled skies, and majestic wildlife offer an unforgettable experience. As you explore, know that you’re part of a powerful effort to protect this sacred region.
