Arctic Basecamp III

Our Arctic Basecamp is located on the shores of Galbraith Lake – a remnant of a large glacial lake that once occupied the entire Atigun Valley –between Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve to the West and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the East. For this trip, we truck our sled dogs up the remote and wild Dalton Highway.

The Dalton is the only travel artery connecting Interior Alaska to the Arctic Ocean, and though beautiful, the road is rugged and seldom traveled in winter, frequented only by truckers hauling supplies to the oil fields, wolves, moose, caribou, ptarmigan and the odd intrepid tourist. The route to basecamp cuts through the rolling hills of the Yukon River Valley, crosses the Arctic Circle into the Land of the Midnight Sun, and traverses wild ancient plains dotted with granite tors before approaching the striking silhouette of the Brooks Range.

In the heart of the mountains is Coldfoot, where your flight comes in. North of Coldfoot is stunning Sukakpak Mountain, as well as the steep grades of Atigun Pass, the highest mountain pass in the state. Coming down from Atigun Pass, Gates of the Arctic National Park stretches out to the West, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge dominates the skyline to the East, and vast treeless tundra stretches unbidden to the North.

Your accommodation for this trip is a heated Alaskan tent called an "Arctic Oven." This is Alaskan "glamping" -- a truly comfortable winter camping experience. With two twin beds, the Arctic Ovens can accommodate two people per tent. The tents are equipped with cots, winter rated sleeping pads and sleeping bags. The Arctic Oven is heated by a small stove, lit with twinkle lights, contains a gear drying rack, and has room for gear storage at the end of the bed. With 9x9x7 foot dimensions, you can even stand up inside.

Herds of caribou pass behind camp and flocks of hundreds of ptarmigan soar down creek valleys. The Brooks Range landscape is rife with migrating animals during the time of our stay here. 

Your dog sledding guide for this trip is Lisbet Norris. Lisbet is the company owner and lead guide at Arctic Dog Adventure Co. Originally from Willow, Alaska, Lisbet grew up in a dog-mushing family. She is a three-time finisher of the Iditarod, the longest sled dog race in the world. Lisbet has two decades of experience guiding dog sled tours and expeditions. She is known for her leadership qualities under adverse circumstances and through sound preparation and experience, she makes the most unique and challenging adventures possible for her clients! Lisbet has a strong love for the North. A self-taught naturalist, she feels at home in the boreal forest of Interior Alaska and loves sharing the northern landscape with others. Lisbet holds a degree in Northern Studies and History from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. 

Moderate to difficult because of narrow backcountry trails that require some balance and fitness to navigate. Moderate hill climbs where you will need to help the dogs by pushing the sled uphill and demonstrate basic balance in order to manage the sled brake on the descent. This trip traverses unbroken and seldomly traveled Arctic landscapes. 

No previous mushing experience is required. We will teach you everything you need to know to feel comfortable and equipped for your days on the trail. ​That being said, dog mushing is a physical activity...from harnessing dogs to standing on the sled all day, you will need to be reasonably able-bodied in order to fully enjoy this experience. 

In order to safely enjoy this trip you must be able to:

•  Lift 50 lbs.
•  Endure hard falls onto ice or hard-packed snow.
•  Get dragged while holding onto sled handlebars (hard on shoulders).
•  You must be able to squat to go to the bathroom outside (There is a sit down toilet at camp but you need to have this level of mobility in case you need to go to the bathroom on the trail.) 
•  You must be able to balance on one foot for a minimum of 5-10 seconds.
•  You must be able to climb stairs quickly and easily. 
•  You must be able to jump up from a prone position on the ground and in deep snow off-piste (i.e. a snow burpee)
•  Be capable of walking or hiking on steep and uneven terrain for up to 4 hours.
•  Be prepared to wrangle strong sled dogs (hard on wrists, hands, and shoulders).  
• Be prepared to be exposed to cold, wet, windy and otherwise adverse weather conditions sometimes found in higher latitudes. 

If you are over the age of 65, we require a medical clearance from your doctor. (Click here to see our medical form.)

You do not need previous experience with cold-weather climates, but you will need to equip yourself with a proper set of winter base layers in order to ensure your comfort and safety. Even though it is spring in Alaska, weather and temperatures can still be harsh and unpredictable. We will provide you with a list of suggested & required gear -- your comfort is our utmost concern!  Check out our packing list here.

Yes. You will drive and be responsible for your own small team of 4-6 dogs. Your professional dog sledding guide will introduce you to your team, and give you a lesson on how to drive the sled. You will learn how to harness a sled dog, and how to slow and stop your team. Your guide drives their own team just ahead of you, keeping an eye on the dogs, the trail, and your progress. 

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Reserve your spot today and join us in making a lasting impact!

Check in at the Fairbanks small plane airport for your 1 hour flight seeing tour to Coldfoot, Alaska, 60 miles North of the Arctic Circle. Your guides will meet you at Coldfoot and help you load your gear for the 100 mile drive North to Galbraith Lake, an ancient glacial lake on the North side of the Brooks Range. The drive to Galbraith Lake passes several incredible landmarks such as Sukakpak Mountain, past the furthest North spruce tree, and over the famous Atigun Pass of the Brooks Range. During April, the Central Arctic Caribou Herd is heading from the mountains to their calving grounds near the Arctic Coast. Keep an eye out for migrating caribou herds on the horizon, and the large predators that may follow them. Keep your eyes peeled for musk ox, caribou, dall sheep, wolves or even grizzlies. Arrive at the Galbraith Lake trailhead by late afternoon, where we will be met by teams of sled dogs. After loading gear and a brief mushing lesson, we will head off to camp, a couple miles away. Once the dogs are parked, we will give you a tour of camp and let you settle in a bit before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast in Fairbanks, Lunch at Coldfoot Camp, and Dinner at Camp.  

Accommodations: Arctic Ovens (2 persons per tent)

These days are devoted solely to dog sledding. We will explore the tundra and creek valleys surrounding our camp. We will play in the shadows of the mountains and search for dropped caribou antlers. Where we shall go depends on the weather, snow conditions, and our will! If we are lucky, the sun will shine bright late into the evening,  inviting long lunches with warm afternoon naps on the sleds, and fresh outdoor dinners, sunglasses needed.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Camp.  
Accommodations: Arctic Ovens.

Our last breakfast in the Arctic. By early afternoon we will ferry our gear by dog sled out to the trailhead and transfer you to Coldfoot, where the afternoon flight will take you back to Fairbanks. 

Meals: Breakfast at Camp, Lunch at Coldfoot. You will need to find your own dinner this night.

Accommodations: You will need to find your own accommodations for this night.