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February, 2025

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Backpacking alaska?

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G5_KiD
Posts: 263 - Karma: 383
has anyone ever done any big treks in the summer in alaska? my friends and i are currently trying to plan a two week (or longer) trip at the end of the summer. i've been looking around the gates of the arctic NP, but any suggestions would be appreciated. ideally we'd be looking at summiting a few non-technical peaks.
11 years ago
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iFlip
Posts: 4544 - Karma: 19,146
I hope you REALLY like mosquitos and black flies.
11 years ago
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G5_KiD
Posts: 263 - Karma: 383
i'm actually looking forward to the polar/grizzly cross-breed a bit more
11 years ago
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Merrrick
Posts: 529 - Karma: 717
I did a 30 day mountaineering course this past summer in the Chugach range and got a lot of experience. What kind of experience/equipment do you have? It can be pretty tough getting all of the logistics together and there a lot of hazards to consider. Do you have an idea of exactly what you'd like to do such as traveling on glacier/the amount of time you want to spend up there/ the experience level of the group you'll be going with?
11 years ago
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Merrrick
Posts: 529 - Karma: 717
2 weeks my b
11 years ago
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humpty
Posts: 1190 - Karma: 3,162
ask les straud if he will go with you
11 years ago
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arnie_grape
Posts: 3457 - Karma: 11,906
don't forget to bring a towel
11 years ago
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
I spent nearly a month in AK after I graduated high school. I did everything from 2 weeks of backpacking deep in Denali National Park to sea kayaking and deep sea fishing in the Prince William Sound. We camped near glaciers, rivers, on top of mountains, etc. Being from MN, it was a treat to play in a snowfield in the month of June.

Hit up Denali National Park; tons of backcountry camping options and amazing views and wildlife abound. Not to mention the easy access and constant buses available to take you back to the visitor's center, or deeper into the park. We were able to catch a ride in the back of a local's truck to take us further outside of the park, but had to hike back out after the excursion.

Trip of a lifetime for sure. I will be heading back for certain.
11 years ago
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G5_KiD
Posts: 263 - Karma: 383
my buddies have plenty of backcountry experience and are all WFR certified and ready to handle the risks. what specific areas do you guys think are the most scenic/have the most opportunities for a handful of non technical (class 2/3) summit attempts?
11 years ago
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G5_KiD
Posts: 263 - Karma: 383
also thanks for the replies, currently looking into denali area, any specific spots you think are a must see?
11 years ago
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G5_KiD
Posts: 263 - Karma: 383
glacier travel is probably not an option, as we are not very experienced in that area. otherwise we are all looking forward to challenging our abilities and spending upwards of 3 weeks out in the wilderness. our group has had plenty backcountry experience and can handle long hikes and climbs. looking for epic scenery mostly. i guess i really just need to pick a spot and start planning.
11 years ago
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Calb3rt
Posts: 6005 - Karma: 2,202
denali is probably going to be your best bet all around. GOA is going to be pretty damn cold end of the summer, you will want to go earlier and the mosquitoes will be like nothing you can imagine... dont hold your breath for seeing a pizzly either, but expect lots of normal bears. black rapids lodge is a cool place and there is a lot of mountains around. or if you can make it out to Kennecott mine past McCarthy. really though, just get out in any of the mountains and you will have a great time. hit me up if you need a place to crash, we have a yurt. and here are some pictures from the atigun river in brooks range between july and august(different years)Click for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger image
11 years ago
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
If you are going to Denali, plan on going out to at least Wonder Lake. If it takes you 1 day to get that far, or 5; it will be a good adventure and plenty of amazing sights and things to do along the way.

Go out as far as you can with the time allotted for your trip. The dual bus system allows you to take the slow and scenic route, or the more time efficient route with less stops for the insane scenery or abundant wildlife.

I found once you got to Wonder Lake, the already laid back, slowed-down pace of life, slowed down even further. Relaxing around the lake and taking in the the majestic views of Denali itself was a mind-blowing way to start your day.
11 years ago
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G5_KiD
Posts: 263 - Karma: 383
wow thanks a ton guys. gonna keep doing research, all of this is very helpful.
11 years ago
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G5_KiD
Posts: 263 - Karma: 383
you think mid-late august would still be reasonable for the denali area? we are prepared to deal with some shitty conditions just hoping for it to not be miserable the whole time.
11 years ago
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Calb3rt
Posts: 6005 - Karma: 2,202
yeah denali will be good till septemberish or so but it will probably be drizzly and kinda cold during the days. if you make it around fairbanks, the white mountains are pretty awesome.
11 years ago
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