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Hiking
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Experience the best hikes in the Fairbanks area with our knowledgeable guides, or go on a Best of Fairbanks tour including unknown local gems and secret spots. We offer anything from shorter hikes to long full-day wilderness hikes with breathtaking views. Our Best of Fairbanks tour includes a visit to our favorite local coffee and bakery shop, a guided nature walk with wildlife photography, lunch at a local restaurant, guided tour of the Museum of the North, and a visit to the Large Animal Research Station for Muskox viewing. We offer custom tours and hikes to meet your specific interests!
Best of Fairbanks Tour
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Type: Day tour
Time: Year-round
Angel Rocks Hike
Distance: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Location: Chena River State Recreation Area, Alaska
Type: Day hike
Time: June - September
Angel Rocks to Chena Hot Springs Wilderness Hike
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
Location: Chena River State Recreation Area, Alaska
Type: Day hike
Time: June - September
Granite Tors Wilderness Hike
Distance: 15 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Location: Chena River State Recreation Area, Alaska
Type: Day hike
Time: June - September
K’esugi Ridge Trail
Distance: 30 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Location: Denali State Park, Alaska
Type: Overnight, remote camping -
2 nights, 3 days
Time: June - September
Best of Fairbanks Tour
Distance: 2 miles ✦ Difficulty: Easy
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Type: Day tour
Time: Year-round
What to expect
Enjoy the best of Fairbanks with our knowledgeable guides. This tour of Fairbanks includes a visit to our favorite local coffee and bakery shop, a guided nature walk with wildlife photography at Creamer’s Field bird sanctuary, lunch at a local restaurant, guided tour of the Museum of the North, and a visit to the Large Animal Research Station for Muskox viewing.
Itinerary
9 am:
pickup at hotel/airport
9 – 10 am:
Breakfast at local coffee and bakery shop
10:30 – noon:
Guided nature walk with wildlife photography at Creamer’s Field bird sanctuary
noon – 1 pm:
Lunch at local favorite restaurant
1 – 2 pm:
Guided tour of the Museum of the North
2 – 2:45 pm:
Visit to the Large Animal Research Station for Muskox viewing
3 pm:
Drop off at hotel
Included in price:
- Pickup at your hotel or at the airport & drop off at all locations
- Private vehicle transport
- Private local tour guide
- Admission to all venues
- Professional high-resolution photographs
Not included in price:
Food and drinks
Price:
2 people (minimum): $300
Additional persons: $100 per person
6 people maximum
Example: Cost for three people is $400 ($300+$100)
Angel Rocks Hike
Distance: 3.5 miles ✦ Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Location: Chena River State Recreation Area, Alaska
Type: Day hike
Time: June - September
What to expect
This 3.5 mile loop starts with hiking parallel to the North Fork of the Chena River through mixed spruce and birch trees. The trail crosses a boggy area on a boardwalk before beginning the ascent through the forest. The trail turns sharply uphill for a short distance before coming to Overlook Rock (the first tor). It starts a moderately steep ascent, passing by many tors before emerging onto the ridge-top among a half dozen granite outcrops that jut from the hillside. Climb on top for spectacular views of the valley. Once we are at the top we will take plenty of time to take in the scenery and have lunch before we continue on the loop, descending down and returning back to the trail head.
Hike details
The trail begins at the Angel Rocks Trailhead at mile 48.9. Difficulty is easy/moderate with an overall elevation gain of ~900 ft. This is a 3 hour hike including breaks and lunch at the top. Minimum age is 10. We have a very small client to guide ratio to ensure you can enjoy this hike to the fullest.
Hot springs soak add-on
If you want a refreshing soak at the local Chena Hot Springs you can book this as an add on.
Itinerary
9 am:
pickup at hotel/airport
9 – 10 am:
Transport to Angel Rocks trailhead
10:30 am:
Start the hike from the trailhead up to the top of Angel Rocks. Hiking time varies depending on trail conditions but expect 3 hours of total hiking time, including water and food breaks along the way.
11:30 – noon:
Enjoy the views and a lunch on top of Angel Rocks.
Noon – 2 pm:
We will continue the loop hike and descend back down to the trail head.
2 pm:
Transport back to hotel
Included in price:
- Pickup at your hotel or at the airport & drop off at all locations
- Private vehicle transport
- Private local tour guide
- Hiking poles
- Lunch and drinks
- Wildlife viewing
- Professional high-resolution photographs
Not included in price:
Food and drinks
Price:
2 people minimum, 6 people maximum
$250 per person
Hot Spring add-on: $75 per person (includes drop off and pick up and hot springs entrance fees and towels)
Angel Rocks to Chena Hot Springs Wilderness Hike
Distance: 8 miles ✦ Difficulty: Moderate / Strenuous
Location: Chena River State Recreation Area, Alaska
Type: Day hike
Time: June - September
What to expect
This 8 mile hike starts with hiking parallel to the North Fork of the Chena River through mixed spruce and birch trees. As we ascend we will pass rock outcroppings called tors and then access the alpine tundra ridge with 360 degree views, which will guide us most of the way until we drop down to the hot springs. Throughout the hike you will experience a large variety of what the Alaska wilderness has to offer. From potential wildlife such as beavers and moose, to a variety of birds, and vegetation. Chena Hot Springs offers natural, rejuvenating outdoor thermal pools. While soaking, enjoy the breathtaking surroundings and views of the hike you just completed. After soaking you can enjoy dinner at the Chena Hot springs restaurant and visit the ice museum at the resort before we return to Fairbanks and your hotel.
Hike details
The trail begins at the Angel Rocks Trailhead at mile 48.9 and ends at mile 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Road. Difficulty is moderate/strenuous with an overall elevation gain of 1900 ft. This is a full 10-12 hour day. Minimum age is 14 due to the length and difficulty of the hike. We have a very small client to guide ratio to ensure you can enjoy this hike to the fullest.
Itinerary
9 am:
Pickup at hotel/airport
9-10 am:
Transport to Angel Rocks trailhead
10:30 am:
Start one-way hike to Chena Hot Springs from Angel Rocks trailhead. Hiking time varies depending on trail conditions but except 4 to 5 hours of hiking, including water and food breaks along the way.
3 – 5 pm:
Enjoy and recuperate in a well earned soak at Chena Hot Springs
5 – 7 pm:
Dinner at Chena Hot Springs and visit to the aurora ice museum
8 pm:
Transport back to hotel
Included in price:
- Pickup at your hotel or at the airport & drop off at all locations
- Private vehicle transport
- Private local tour guide
- Hiking poles
- Lunch and drinks
- Wildlife viewing
- entrance fee to hot springs
- Professional high-resolution photographs
Not included in price:
Food and drinks at Chena Hot springs
Price:
2 people minimum, 6 people maximum
$300 per person
Granite Tors Wilderness Hike
Distance: 15 miles ✦ Difficulty: Strenuous
Location: Chena River State Recreation Area, Alaska
Type: Day hike
Time: June - September
What to expect
This 15 mile loop hike starts at the Granite Tors trail head at mile 39.5 on the Chena Hot Springs road. The hike travels through alpine vistas dotted with giant monolithic granite towers throughout the countryside. Tors are unusually shaped outcroppings that were formed 70 million to 90 million years ago when molten rock pushed upward and cooled before reaching the surface. The granite formations were exposed by the erosion of the surrounding earth creating the towering spires that are visible along the trail. These tors attract hikers, rock climbers, photographers, geologists, and berry pickers in search of blueberries.The trail climbs about 2850 ft in the first 4 miles.This hike is a great introduction to a longer backpacking in the Alaskan wilderness and on clear days you will have limitless views of the surrounding mountains and valleys below. An amazing experience and a full day of beautiful hiking!
Hike details
The trail begins at the Granite Tors Campground Day-Use Area at milepost 39.5 Chena Hot Springs Road and ends back at the day-use area. Difficulty is strenuous with an overall elevation gain of 3200 ft and a total trail length of just shy of 15 miles.. This is a full long day of hiking. Minimum age is 14 due to the length and difficulty of the hike. We have a small client to guide ratio to ensure you can enjoy this hike to the fullest.
Itinerary
9 am:
Pickup at hotel/airport
9-10 am:
Transport to Granite Tors trailhead
10 am:
After checking our gear, we will start the hike up to the famous Tors on the alpine zone. Hiking time varies depending on trail conditions but except a minimum of 8 hours of hiking, including water and food breaks along the way.
1 pm:
We will stop for lunch up by one of the major Granite Tor formations out of the wind and enjoy the views from the alpine tundra before we continue down the trail.
3 pm:
Enjoy a well deserved rest at a trail shelter with drinks and snacks. Check out local wild flowers and berries.
6 pm:
We arrive back at the trailhead after a satisfying day of hiking.
7 pm:
Transport back to hotel in Fairbanks.
Included in price:
- pickup at your hotel or airport & drop off at all locations
- private vehicle transport
- private local tour guide
- hiking poles
- bear spray
- lunch and drinks
- wildlife viewing
- professional high-resolution photographs
Price:
2 people minimum, 6 people maximum
$400 per person
K’esugi Ridge Trail
Distance: 30 miles ✦ Difficulty: Strenuous
Location: Denali State Park, Alaska
Type: Overnight, remote camping - 2 nights, 3 days
Time: June - September
What to expect
This backpack trip is one of the best hikes in Alaska, in the US, or anywhere! If you’re looking for an epic multi-day hike with endless views and a chance to see Denali then this hike is for you! K’esugi is a Dena’ina Athabascan word meaning “the Ancient One”. This hike is strenuous, with easier hiking once we are established on the ridge.
Hike details
There are four different access and exit trails along the ridgeline, but we start at the northernmost trailhead (Little Coal Mine Creek), and climb steeply up for the first 4 miles gaining ~2000 f of elevation. Once on the ridge proper the hiking is much easier on gentle rolling firm terrain, spectacular views, and endless alpine terrain. About 11 miles into the hike the trail descends to a low saddle point which has a trail down to the road that can be used to bail in case of extreme weather. This can also be a good spot to set camp. From the saddle, the trail very briefly climbs before descending again and crossing a broad, low valley. Then you’ll climb for the next five miles to reach the high point of the southern portion of the trail, passing the mile-long Skinny Lake along the way. A nice place for a good meal. After ~25 miles we will arrive at the Cascade Trail/Byers Lake trail head and we will descend down to the road level and celebrate the end of this magical hike.
Wildlife & views
The Area around the K’esugi Ridge Trails hosts a wide variety of wildlife such as brown and black bears, moose, ermines and marmots. In the lower areas, you might encounter muskrats, beavers, red foxes, porcupines, and a rich bird community. Over 120 bird species migrate through or breed here. Common species are chickadees, willow ptarmigan and gray jays; migratory species include the Wilson’s warbler, the Arctic tern, the lesser golden plover, golden-crowned sparrow, and ruby-crowned kinglet. Water birds such as trumpeter swans, loons, and osprey fly are seen in lakes and rivers. Views of Denali and the surrounding park can be spectacular. Weather can often be cloudy around Denali, we estimate that clear views happen about 30% of the time. But when Denali is out it is spectacular!
Itinerary
This is just an example of a typical 2-night trip; times, progress and locations will vary with weather conditions, fitness and ambition.
First day:
8 am: Pickup at hotel/airport in Fairbanks
9-12 am: We will drive down from Fairbanks to the trailhead at Little Coal Mine trail. We will stop on Healy or Denali for lunch on the way down and keep an eye out for moose, dall sheep and other wildlife along the way.
1 pm: After checking our gear, we will start the hike up towards the highpoint of the ridge. This is a steep trail with lots of elevation gain over about 4 miles. We will take our time and enjoy the change from boreal forest to high alpine tundra. Views and a nice lunch will be your reward for getting to the ridge trail.
1-4 pm: We continue hiking along the ridge. Enjoy a well deserved rest at a trail shelter with drinks and snacks. We checkout local wild flowers, berries, and views.
5-7 pm: We decide on a comfortable camp spot and set up camp after a satisfying day of hiking. Dinner will be served!
7 pm: We enjoy the changing light, views and settle in for the night.
Second day:
8 am: We wake up and stretch out before eating a delicious breakfast with tea and coffee.
9 am-noon: We pack up camp and start hiking south along the beautiful ridge line, stopping for snacks, photos and nature observations.
1-5 pm: We take in the views, hike along and stop at a local lake for a refreshing dip of the toes (or whole body!).
5-7 pm: We decide on a good camp spot and set up camp after another satisfying day of hiking. Time for dinner.
Third day:
8 am: Hopefully we wake up to clear skies and a view of Denali! We enjoy a full breakfast with tea and coffee.
9 am-noon: We pack up camp and start hiking south along the beautiful ridge line, stopping for snacks, photos and nature observations.
1 pm: After enjoying a satisfying lunch we continue hiking past rock formations and lakes and arriving at the trail going down to the Byers Lake trail head. We head down this trail and arrive at the end of this beautiful hike.
1-5 pm: We will get in our vehicle and stop for dinner at Denali Village before we continue up to Fairbanks.
Included in price:
- pickup and drop off at your hotel or airport
- private vehicle transport
- private local guide
- bear spray
- all food while on the hiking trail
- group cooking stove
- tent, hiking poles
- wildlife viewing
- professional photographs
Not included in price
- Food and drinks outside of the hiking trail
- Personal hiking gear (backpack, sleeping bag, clothing)
Price:
2 people minimum, 6 people maximum
$1200 per person
