Alaska Camping & Hiking Tours
50 Shades of Blue
“You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince”
Mild
On a scale of 1 – 5, five being the most challenging, two hiking boots is at the easier end of the spectrum.
1 boot = basecamp/dayhike easy
2 boots = easier backpacking trip
3 boots = intermediate level trip
4 boots = intermediate to advanced backpacking
5 boots = ask yourself are you really ready for this?
11 boots = One louder. For when 5 boots just isn’t enough.
Expect whatever level you think might best fit you to be one level on our scale. Hiking here in Alaska is generally a step or three above what you’ll find in the Lower 48 states.
Realize that backpacking is never “easy”. You’re carrying from 35-50+ pounds on your back day after day. You’ll be hiking for a number of hours each day (varies trip to trip, day to day), and that’s not “easy” for most people.
That said, our “2 hiking boots” level should meet the need for most novice backpackers, and are generally what I recommend for families with younger kids, etc as well. Terrain challenges aren’t usually a problem, and the walking is somewhat more orthodox. You won’t be traversing 1 mile of steep sidehill covered in slippery rocks, or snaking through dense thickets of alder and willow.
Explore this gem of a location with Expeditions Alaska. We typically run this a short basepack, move camp a couple times and explore the alpine.
Iceberg Lake Basepack
A Land of Ice and Rock. Mountains and Glaciers. And You.
Mild
On a scale of 1 – 5, five being the most challenging, two hiking boots is at the easier end of the spectrum.
1 boot = basecamp/dayhike easy
2 boots = easier backpacking trip
3 boots = intermediate level trip
4 boots = intermediate to advanced backpacking
5 boots = ask yourself are you really ready for this?
11 boots = One louder. For when 5 boots just isn’t enough.
Expect whatever level you think might best fit you to be one level on our scale. Hiking here in Alaska is generally a step or three above what you’ll find in the Lower 48 states.
Realize that backpacking is never “easy”. You’re carrying from 35-50+ pounds on your back day after day. You’ll be hiking for a number of hours each day (varies trip to trip, day to day), and that’s not “easy” for most people.
That said, our “2 hiking boots” level should meet the need for most novice backpackers, and are generally what I recommend for families with younger kids, etc as well. Terrain challenges aren’t usually a problem, and the walking is somewhat more orthodox. You won’t be traversing 1 mile of steep sidehill covered in slippery rocks, or snaking through dense thickets of alder and willow.
Alaska's Antarctica! Bush plane in, camp by alpine lake, explore eastern Chugach's edge. That backcountry flight stays.
Paradise Ridge
Walk on Top of the World. Camp Where the Cliffs Drop Away.
Mild
On a scale of 1 – 5, five being the most challenging, two hiking boots is at the easier end of the spectrum.
1 boot = basecamp/dayhike easy
2 boots = easier backpacking trip
3 boots = intermediate level trip
4 boots = intermediate to advanced backpacking
5 boots = ask yourself are you really ready for this?
11 boots = One louder. For when 5 boots just isn’t enough.
Expect whatever level you think might best fit you to be one level on our scale. Hiking here in Alaska is generally a step or three above what you’ll find in the Lower 48 states.
Realize that backpacking is never “easy”. You’re carrying from 35-50+ pounds on your back day after day. You’ll be hiking for a number of hours each day (varies trip to trip, day to day), and that’s not “easy” for most people.
That said, our “2 hiking boots” level should meet the need for most novice backpackers, and are generally what I recommend for families with younger kids, etc as well. Terrain challenges aren’t usually a problem, and the walking is somewhat more orthodox. You won’t be traversing 1 mile of steep sidehill covered in slippery rocks, or snaking through dense thickets of alder and willow.
High plateau basecamp with gentle terrain and massive views. Perfect for families and first-time Alaska backpackers.
Steamboat Hills
Hike in the Heart of the Park. Camp Above the Clouds.
Mild
On a scale of 1 – 5, five being the most challenging, two hiking boots is at the easier end of the spectrum.
1 boot = basecamp/dayhike easy
2 boots = easier backpacking trip
3 boots = intermediate level trip
4 boots = intermediate to advanced backpacking
5 boots = ask yourself are you really ready for this?
11 boots = One louder. For when 5 boots just isn’t enough.
Expect whatever level you think might best fit you to be one level on our scale. Hiking here in Alaska is generally a step or three above what you’ll find in the Lower 48 states.
Realize that backpacking is never “easy”. You’re carrying from 35-50+ pounds on your back day after day. You’ll be hiking for a number of hours each day (varies trip to trip, day to day), and that’s not “easy” for most people.
That said, our “2 hiking boots” level should meet the need for most novice backpackers, and are generally what I recommend for families with younger kids, etc as well. Terrain challenges aren’t usually a problem, and the walking is somewhat more orthodox. You won’t be traversing 1 mile of steep sidehill covered in slippery rocks, or snaking through dense thickets of alder and willow.
Family backpacking in Wrangell-St. Elias. Fly-in basecamp, easy terrain, massive mountain views. Real wilderness your kids can actually handle.
Skolai Pass Basecamp
One week in the mountains. One lifetime of Wow.
Intermediate
On a scale of 1 – 5, five being the most challenging, three hiking boots is smack in the middle.
1 boot = basecamp/dayhike easy
2 boots = easier backpacking trip
3 boots = intermediate level trip
4 boots = intermediate to advanced backpacking
5 boots = ask yourself are you really ready for this?
11 boots = One louder. For when 5 boots just isn’t enough.
Expect whatever level you think might best fit you to be one level on our scale. Hiking here in Alaska is generally a step or three above what you’ll find in the Lower 48 states.
If you consider yourself up for an intermediate level hike, for example, assume that a trip rated intermediate here will probably be a bit tougher than you’re expecting; not impossible, but harder than you think. Intermediate level trips don’t mean you won’t be challenged, won’t struggle at times, and won’t have any easy sections either. On any trip you’ll probably find some easy sections, some harder, and some are challenging.
Also, understand that all these rating are so completely subjective that they’re not entirely all together practical. They’re a loose idea of how the trips might compare to one another, for some people.
Lastly, understand that even a trip we might rate as “intermediate” (3-4 hiking boots) may still have some difficulty at times. Weather changes things. There may be a tough steep climb on the route that takes a few hours.
Skolai Pass. Camp beneath Hole in the Wall, walk Russell's ice. Bona watches, America's fourth highest mountain.
Alaska Landscapes Photo Tour
Photograph Wrangell-St. Elias National Park’s Skolai Pass.
Intermediate
On a scale of 1 – 5, five being the most challenging, three hiking boots is smack in the middle.
1 boot = basecamp/dayhike easy
2 boots = easier backpacking trip
3 boots = intermediate level trip
4 boots = intermediate to advanced backpacking
5 boots = ask yourself are you really ready for this?
11 boots = One louder. For when 5 boots just isn’t enough.
Expect whatever level you think might best fit you to be one level on our scale. Hiking here in Alaska is generally a step or three above what you’ll find in the Lower 48 states.
If you consider yourself up for an intermediate level hike, for example, assume that a trip rated intermediate here will probably be a bit tougher than you’re expecting; not impossible, but harder than you think. Intermediate level trips don’t mean you won’t be challenged, won’t struggle at times, and won’t have any easy sections either. On any trip you’ll probably find some easy sections, some harder, and some are challenging.
Also, understand that all these rating are so completely subjective that they’re not entirely all together practical. They’re a loose idea of how the trips might compare to one another, for some people.
Lastly, understand that even a trip we might rate as “intermediate” (3-4 hiking boots) may still have some difficulty at times. Weather changes things. There may be a tough steep climb on the route that takes a few hours.
Photography for the backpacker. fantastic Alaska bush flights. Basecamp and hike or backpack and photograph Skolai Pass, Mt. Bona, and Hole in the Wall. A week in the wilderness.
Heart of the Park
Backpack the heart of the Wrangell Mountains. Explore America’s Largest National Park.
Intermediate
On a scale of 1 – 5, five being the most challenging, three hiking boots is smack in the middle.
1 boot = basecamp/dayhike easy
2 boots = easier backpacking trip
3 boots = intermediate level trip
4 boots = intermediate to advanced backpacking
5 boots = ask yourself are you really ready for this?
11 boots = One louder. For when 5 boots just isn’t enough.
Expect whatever level you think might best fit you to be one level on our scale. Hiking here in Alaska is generally a step or three above what you’ll find in the Lower 48 states.
If you consider yourself up for an intermediate level hike, for example, assume that a trip rated intermediate here will probably be a bit tougher than you’re expecting; not impossible, but harder than you think. Intermediate level trips don’t mean you won’t be challenged, won’t struggle at times, and won’t have any easy sections either. On any trip you’ll probably find some easy sections, some harder, and some are challenging.
Also, understand that all these rating are so completely subjective that they’re not entirely all together practical. They’re a loose idea of how the trips might compare to one another, for some people.
Lastly, understand that even a trip we might rate as “intermediate” (3-4 hiking boots) may still have some difficulty at times. Weather changes things. There may be a tough steep climb on the route that takes a few hours.
Explore the Wrangell Mountains in the Heart of the Largest National Park in Nation. We'll walk around on some glaciers, scramble up some ridges and view some of the biggest mountains in the country.
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Alaska Hiking Tour Logistics
Gear and Rigor
Because we are moving our own camps, you need the same equipment required for our more challenging expeditions. That means a 65 to 75 liter pack, solid mountain boots, and high-quality rain gear. This is the middle ground between a stationary basecamp and a heavy-haul traverse. It is a much better way to see the country if you want to get away from the landing strips but aren’t looking to redline your heart rate for ten days straight.
We can hook you up with hiking poles if you don’t have them.
The Move and the Base
Move days are usually 3 to 5 miles and take about 4 or 5 hours. We still carry bear canisters and a full kitchen, but since we aren’t moving every day, we can pack a slightly better food setup. You won’t need a separate daypack; a small summit pack or a removable top lid from your main bag works fine for the radial hikes.
We keep the same guest-to-guide ratio as our standard trips to make sure the off-trail exploration is safe and focused.
Basepacking FAQs
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Is this a hiking tour or a backpacking trip?
It is both. We use backpacking gear to reach our locations, but we don’t move camp every day. This allows us to spend the majority of the trip on high-quality day hikes without the weight of an expedition pack. You get the remote access of a backpack trip with the agility of a hiking tour.
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How heavy will my pack be on move days?
You should expect your pack to weigh between 35 and 45 pounds depending on your personal gear. This includes your share of the group food, a bear canister, and a tent. Because our move days are shorter (typically 3 to 5 miles) you aren’t under that weight for 8 hours at a time.
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Do I need previous backpacking experience?
While this is a great entry-level option for the Brooks Range or the Wrangells, you still need to be in good physical condition. We are moving over trailless, uneven terrain like tundra and scree.
If you can hike for 5 hours with a loaded pack, you can handle a base-packing trip.
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What kind of daypack should I bring for the exploration days?
You don’t need a dedicated daypack.
Most guests use a small, collapsible summit pack or simply use the removable top lid (brain) of their main backpack. As long as you have a way to carry water, an extra layer (primarily rain gear), and some snacks, you’re all set.
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How is the food different from a traditional backpack trip?
Since we aren’t moving every day, we have a little more flexibility with the weight of our kitchen. We still use lightweight backcountry techniques and bear-resistant canisters, but we can pack slightly more diverse and hearty meals than we would on a high-mileage, point-to-point traverse.
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What’s the difference between a basecamp trip and a basepack trip?
Quite a bit.
Both trips involve a bush plane drop-off and pickup in the wilderness, but the similarity ends there. On a basecamp trip, we set up our camp right where the plane lands. Maybe a few hundred yards or 1/2 mile at most. This allows for a more elaborate kitchen and bulkier gear, because we don’t have to move it. We’re a lot less mobile.
On a basepacking trip, the landing strip is just the starting point. We shoulder our backpacks and hike several miles away from the strip to establish a camp in a more remote area. You have to be able to haul your gear, tent, and food to reach these spots. It takes more work than a standard basecamp, but it gets us into locations that are a little removed from the landing strip or lake (if land on floats). Once we’ve established our base, we spend our time on day hikes to explore the surrounding peaks and glaciers before eventually moving to a second location, or backpacking back out to the plane.
A basepacking trip requires more physical effort than a standard basecamp and different equipment. We can basecamp with a duffel bag. Even, possibly, a cooler. But basepacking we need to be mobile. Once the camp is established, the focus of both trips is the same: day hikes to explore the surrounding peaks, ridges, and glaciers.
