Why Choose Expeditions Alaska?

    You’re in a fortunate position today with so many options to choose from. There are many fantastic trips available to you. There are a number of really great Alaska backcountry guides and guiding businesses.

    I know many of these folks and will gladly recommend a number of them if you’re looking for something that I don’t offer.

    So why would you want to pick up the phone and call me, Carl, to join one a trip with Expeditions Alaska?

    Owner-operator

    I’m a guide. Not an employer. When you decide to call or email and talk about planning a trip you’re talking with the same person who’s likely guiding that trip. I have most certainly guided the trip myself. If I’m not guiding that specific trip, rest assured an experienced Senior Guide will be running the trip.

    All your questions and concerns become my questions and concerns. There’s a critical difference between a company owner who employs guides and sells trips and a company owner who spends the bulk of his or her time in the field guiding those trips. If you’re not sure who I am, Say Hello.

    Experience

    I’ve been doing this a long time. I’ve also done this all over the world.

    South America. Australia. Southeastern US and Alaska.

    I’ve hiked all the routes on this website. I’ve hiked, camped, photographed and spent countless hours in these places. I know them, their ecology, biology and some of the geology pretty intimately. I’ve also got all the requisite certifications, permits, licenses, insurance and so on to guide and operate my business.

    Expeditions Alaska Video

    Small group size

    I mean small. Like 5 people. Many companies tout their trip size of 8-10 guests, plus a guide or 2, as ‘small group size’. With Expeditions Alaska, I mean small group sizes. Unless there are some exceptional extenuating circumstances, the maximum group size on your trip will be 5. In many cases we’ll do a trip with less than that.

    Smaller numbers mean lower environmental impact and more personalized attention.

    Door to Door Service

    Alaska is a big state, and getting to your trailhead is often a bit of a mission in itself. Rental cars are expensive and often not allowed on many of the roads must travel on to get to your destination. Depending on your trip, I’ll pick you up and drop you back at the accommodation of your choice in Anchorage (or Fairbanks, depending on the trip).

    The price of a rental vehicle to get you to McCarthy, for example, is often in the $1000/week range.

    Expeditions Alaska backpacking guide John C on the Seven Pass Route. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.

    Price Match

    I’ll match the price of ANY trip with the same itinerary as ours. If you don’t see the exact itinerary you’re looking for, call and discuss what you want to do. We’ll see if we can make that work. If it fits, I’ll be glad to make that happen.

    Discounts

    Ask me about a group discount for any group of three or more.

    Safety Record

    Safety goes beyond simply injuries and accidents. Safety includes near misses as well. Sound decision-making and extensive, intimate knowledge of the places we’re traveling through are probably the strongest factors in maintaining a great safety record. We carry satellite phones, backup emergency satellite text devices, comprehensive first aid kits, map and compass, etc. We’re compliant with all bear safety protocols and practices.

    Safety first. Always.

     Flexible Itineraries

    I work diligently to identify and assess your interests and experience with the trip options available then match those together. If you think you’d rather take 2 weeks to hike the Goat Trail let’s talk about that. If you want to hike the Sanford Plateau in 4 days let’s talk about that and see if it’s feasible.

    Your trip is your trip, not mine. I pride my business on running a fluid yet well-managed trip.

    I can outfit your trip or you can outfit yourself. I can provide food and gear for you, food for you, gear for you, or just the guiding service. I can provide all transport you need, or meet you at the trailhead. It’s your trip, after all.

    Talk to me about tailoring a trip to match your needs rather than signing on to some production line operation. That’s not what you’re looking for.

    Locations

    Alaska is an amazing place. There’s simply nowhere quite like it. And the trips I lead here visit some of the grandest landscape and wildest wilderness terrain in this state. Bar none.

    The Arrigetch Peaks in Gates of the Arctic National Park is spectacular. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or Southern Traverse in Wrangell St. Elias National Park are unbeatable options.

    Grizzly bear photography? Katmai National Park is world revered.

    There are not many places left on my ‘to go’ list at all. I’ve also walked and explored a number of places that while superb don’t necessarily lend themselves to guided trips so well. Maybe the terrain is too challenging, sketchy or too inaccessible. There are few places in Alaska you might venture that will surpass what you’ll find on these trips.

    Mt Copleston, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

    Testimonials

    “Carl is a professional and a very capable outdoorsmen. His knowledge of the Alaskan wilderness and his backcountry skills are matched only by his good nature and sense of humor. Thanks for a great experience!” — Josh Wheeler, Aurora, Colorado. See more testimonials here ->

    Environmental Ethic

    A genuine commitment to the environment and to sound environmental stewardship is foremost.

    That’s not just picking up our trash. It’s picking up other people’s trash, traveling lightly, tireless work and support of both major and local conservation agencies, and a dedicated commitment to Alaska environmental and conservation issues such as Pebble Mine and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

    Our Gold Standard Certification with Adventure Green Alaska stands as testimony to this commitment.

    Return Client Ratio

    I can’t think of a single answer to the question of ‘why choose Expeditions Alaska?’ that is stronger than this one.

    Every year we get people come back and do more trips with us. In any given year fully 50% of the participants are likely return guests. Many folks have done 2, 3 and 4 trips with me.

    The record so far is 10 trips.

    Alaska Business

    thumbs up emoji Perhaps the question we should really be discussing is why NOT Expeditions Alaska?

    Regardless who you would like to choose for your Alaska Expedition, I’d urge you to consider a local, Alaska business for your trip. There’s simply nothing quite like boosting small local businesses and dealing with local people. If we don’t have what you need, please feel free to call and chat and I’ll be glad to recommend another Alaska business who might be a better fit for you.

    Knowledge

    Having explored these regions extensively, my knowledge of the terrain, the ecology, history, geography and biology of the area promises clients a fascinating adventure. As both a guide and a photographer, I work hard to ensure your trip is as rewarding as it is memorable. Knowledge of the possible hazards that may be encountered and how to appropriately deal with them is paramount to a successful adventure.

    Similarly, knowing how to fully realize the splendors of the area is necessary for participants to get the very best out of their trip. The small group maximum of 5 people helps maintain an intimate yet social feel to the trip, and allows for increased logistical flexibility.

    Expeditions Alaska
    Visit the wild