Click to enlarge.

Description:
“It’s our second day rafting down the Kongakut River. Traveling on the water is a fantastic way to cover a lot of territory. In the 17 miles we floated today, the river showed us her heart and soul. Paddling near a calm pool, we noticed a few small rocks sliding into the water from an overhanging ledge. Our inquisitive gaze was returned by five dall sheep, two of them fuzzy little lambs only a few weeks old. We followed a soaring golden eagle into a nearby valley, which turned out to be a good lunch spot. The river’s silty shore was covered with caribou tracks and a few wolf prints. Floating through a narrow canyon, a group of 15 bull caribou stood at the water’s edge. Just around the bend, a lynx stared at us from a chunk of ice. She was close enough to see the black tufts on her ears, intense eyes and enormous paws.”
- Amy Gulick www.oneearthadventures.com

“There may be people who feel no need for wilderness. They are fortunate, perhaps. But for those of us who feel otherwise, who feel something is missing unless we can hike across land disturbed only by our footsteps or see creatures roaming freely as they have always done, surely there should be a wilderness.”
- Margaret Murie

Our group will visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in its finest hour. Summer is bursting forth on the tundra and we will have the amazing opportunity to raft 80 miles down the most spectacular river on the “North Slope.” With good fortune we will see the annual migration of the porcupine caribou herd, truly one of nature’s most dramatic displays.

The emerald waters of the Kongakut allow for wonderful photographic opportunities. Caribou crossing the river, moose and dall sheep feeding along the banks and grizzly bears foraging on the hillsides above. Let’s not forget wolves, snowy owls, wolverines, and foxes—not to mention gyr falcons, golden eagles, tundra swans and muskoxen. To those who look carefully, this land is always alive with the signs of the animals that live here.

• THE RIVER: Flowing north from its source among Arctic peaks, the Kongakut plummets through varied wildlife habitats, from mountain to marshland, from canyon to coastal beach, entirely above the tree line within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. After a spectacular flight over the Brooks Range, we paddle rafts through chiseled canyons with sculpted ice and lively rapids. A migratory route for the porcupine caribou herd, we are likely to see plenty of wildlife as we move through the valley to the last foothills overlooking the Arctic Ocean. Located in the extreme northeast corner of Alaska, the Kongakut offers a unique opportunity to intimately explore a wide array of habitats and environments within a relatively short distance. Nowhere else is the topography so dramatic. 50 miles south of the Arctic Ocean stands the tallest mountain in the Brooks Range. This concentration of habitats dramatically increases the number of ecological niches visited and thus exposes a much wider variety of species.

• MORE ABOUT THIS AREA: The diversity and sheer magnitude of the wildlife within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is comparable to the Serengeti Plains of Tanzania in Africa. We have grizzlies and they have lions. Gray wolves compare with their leopards. Muskoxen and fox equal cape buffalo and jackals respectively. ANWR is an immense 19 million acre preserve of unnamed mountains that slope towards the Beaufort Sea. Uncompromising, stunning and isolated, this is the summer calving and migration route for 175,000 porcupine caribou. This migration is possibly the most supreme natural event to take place in the far north. We hope to see caribou nursing newborn fawns and hundreds or thousands moving across the open tundra.

At this time of year the tundra is uncovering itself from the blanket of a long winter. Arctic poppies, tundra blueberries, mountain havens, moss campion and Arctic cottongrass are all beginning to flower. Our bush pilots will fly us into the Romanz of Mountains of the ANWR landing us on a gravel bar at the headwaters of the Kongakut River. We are in the shadow of the infamous Brooks Range, stretching sharply 600 miles from the Canadian border to the Bering Sea, the northernmost mountain range in the world. To put it bluntly, we have an opportunity to visit the greatest remaining wilderness area on earth!

• LEADERSHIP: This trip is designed for people who are self-motivated and want to make the most of their Alaska Wilderness Adventure. We expect everyone to contribute to the day-to-day leadership and decision-making process. In addition, we hope everyone will share any areas of special expertise that will enhance the trip. Finally, our leaders want most of all to share this extraordinary experience with everyone, rather than spend time giving directions (the polite phrase for telling people what to do).

• MINIMUM IMPACT: Because of the remoteness of this trip, we expect everyone participating to be knowledgeable and comfortable with practicing minimum impact rafting and camping skills. There will be no bathroom facilities, garbage cans, designated camping areas, etc. Everything we pack in will be packed out; we will minimize our impact by carrying stoves and only building small fires when appropriate. All trip members will be required to practice minimum impact skills while on the trip. Specific procedures for brushing your teeth, disposing of your personal garbage, packing out your toilet paper, washing your hands, etc. will be discussed and demonstrated at both your pre-trip meetings and on the trip.

Weather:
Weather varies in the Brooks Range, oftentimes by the hour. Snow is a possibility at anytime of the year; however temperatures can reach the 80’s in early July. Storms move through this area powerfully and quickly. One should never expect the same weather or conditions to last long, good or poor. Everyone must be prepared for a combination of wet, windy, cold, sunny and hot weather all in a 24 hour period with highs of 80’s and lows of 30’s. Keep in mind that the Arctic is very dry and dessert like, so even after rain or snow, things evaporate and dry out quickly. Your equipment and clothing must be durable and of high quality. Lastly, the mountains or coast may be fogged in, causing air transport delays of hours or days, at the beginning and end of the trip.

Cost Includes:
The price for this trip of a life-time is $2,300. A $500 deposit is required to reserve a space. The balance of payment is due on or before June 2. Make checks payable to the College of Extended Studies of SDSU. We also accept Visa and MasterCard. The price of the trip includes all costs from our city of departure Fairbanks, Alaska. The cost includes bush plane charters, rafts, hearty meals and snacks, all group camping, kitchen and boating equipment, emergency medical kits and other safety devices and two trip leaders- one “Alaskan” guide and one Aztec Adventures trip leader. We will also provide trip members with complete equipment outfitting such as tents, sleeping bags, foam pads, rain suits, rubber boots, camp chairs, dry bags, etc.

Cost does not include: The price does not include round trip airfare to Fairbanks, lodging and meals in Fairbanks, or transportation to and from the airport.

Food:
Plan on this aspect of the trip being one of the most rewarding. We hope you will be amazed (as many of our trip members have been) by some of the delicious dishes we will prepare together. Before the trip we will discuss the menu we have planned and the type of food we will bring. Hot drinks are typically very popular on this trip and are good for helping people stay hydrated in the cool weather. Lastly, but most importantly, all trip members will share equally in the preparation and clean up of all meals.

Camping/Lodging:
River rafting trips are the Cadillac of Wilderness experiences. These rubber boats carry all of our gear, allowing us to carry more fresh food and hike unhindered by heavy backpacks. We will camp as close to the bank (gravel bars) of the river as appropriate thereby minimizing our impact on the surrounding vegetation and wildlife. Our trip will begin and end in Fairbanks. There are a variety of lodging options depending on your budget and comfort needs. All trip members will be sent a list of recommended hotels, motels, hostels and B & B’s in their confirmation packet.

Equipment:
Everyone must make a commitment to only bring the bare essentials. You must be comfortable wearing the same clothes day after day! Each person will be limited to one large dry bag - no exceptions. Each trip member is limited to 35 pounds per person. It is very important to keep our weight down for the airplane shuttles as we will also be carrying some very heavy group gear (rafts, etc.) NOTE: Detailed equipment and clothing lists will be discussed in length at pre-trip meetings. Everyone should attempt to limit his or her luggage.

CLOTHING: Bring wool or synthetics (polypropylene, fleece, etc.) It is likely that you will end up with one set of damp clothes (your paddling/hiking clothes) and one set of dry, warm clothes for camp, so keep this in mind as you make your clothing selections before packing them. Please do not even think about skimping on clothing, as this trip is no place to test fate or mother nature.

• Rubber boots: these will be your primary footwear for the entire trip. You will wear these boots inside the raft and around camp when it is wet. The boots must be approx. knee high.
• Waterproof Hiking Boots: we will be traversing some very wet/rugged terrain on our day hikes. You will want to keep your feet dry and well supported.
• Wool and/or wool blend socks: minimum of 4 pairs
• Gaiters: these are waterproof “leggings” that keep water from entering the tops of your boots. (*We can provide these.)
• Mid weight long john bottoms
• Expedition weight long john bottoms
• Pile or fleece pants
• Waterproof rain pants
• Nylon shorts
• Mid weight long john top: 2 pairs
• Expedition weight long john top
• Pile or fleece jacket or heavy wool sweater
• Waterproof rain jacket or parka with hood
• Nylon blend camp shirt
• 1 or 2 wool or fleece stocking caps
• Baseball cap
• Rain hat: waterproof hat with brim
• Mosquito head net
• Bandanas
• Waterproof gloves: neoprene or rubber kitchen gloves
• Lightweight fleece or wool gloves
• Long sleeve flannel shirt and lightweight long pants (Cotton!!): to be used if the mosquitoes become bad. Cotton absorbs mosquito repellent without melting the fabric.

EQUIPMENT:

• Dry bag: to transport all of your stuff (*Make sure it all fits in one bag!!)
• Tent: 2 or 3 person. Must be lightweight, waterproof, free standing and roomy enough to store wet clothing and still sleep comfortably. (*We will provide these.)
• Ground sheets: 1 for wet clothes and gear inside the tent and one for placing underneath the tent. (*We will provide these.)
• Sleeping pad: ensolite or Thermarest, must be compact. (*We will provide these.)
• Mug, bowl and spoon: metal or plastic. Large insulated mugs are highly recommended (*We can provide these.)
• Camp chair or stool: a small 3-legged stool keeps you off the ground when it is raining (we can provide camp chairs).
• Sleeping bag: rated to 20F or 0F if you sleep cold. This bag must be small, compact and of synthetic material so that if it gets wet on the outside, it will still insulate you inside. (*We will provide these)
• Thermos: 1 liter. We will be consuming a lot of hot drinks. Having a thermos in your daypack with your favorite hot drink on a cold rainy day is a “godsend.”
• Water bottle: 2 will be plenty, as long as each is 1 quart in size.
• Trekking poles: 3 piece collapsible types. These hiking poles are invaluable when traversing the tundra “tussocks” on our day hikes.
• Binoculars: trust us!! You will truly get what you pay for with this piece of equipment!
• Pocket knife
• Sunglasses with retaining strap: hopefully we will need them!
• Camera and lots of film: bring ten more roles of film than you think you will need, trust us!
• Plastic bags: small and large (quart and gallon size) Ziploc, as well as trash compactor bags for keeping gear dry. You can never have enough!
• Duct tape: roll off fifteen feet or so onto a small pencil
• Matches and/or lighter in waterproof container
• Day pack for carrying your essentials when day hiking
• Fly rod (5-8wt. range): your leaders are avid fly fishermen and will hopefully grace the dinner table with a few Arctic Char.
• Small flashlight or headlamp: NOT!!!! Seriously, you will not need one.
  

PERSONAL TOILETRIES:

• Toothbrush and paste: travel size
• Toilet paper with two Ziploc bags: we will be packing out our used paper
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Biodegradable soap: small container
• Insect repellent: must be 100% DEET. We accept no substitutes!!
• Camp towel
• Small first aid kit for personal needs (band-aids, aspirin, etc.)
  

GROUP GEAR THAT AZTEC ADVENTURES WILL PROVIDE:

• Waterproof rain tarps: for keeping the group out of the rain during meals and social times.
• Expedition first aid kits: our staff are certified wilderness first responders.
• Stoves, fuel and all cooking gear: pots, pans, utensils, etc.
• Safety and rescue gear: land to air radios, satellite phone, throw ropes, emergency flares, etc.
• Repair kits: to repair anything that might break down.
• Water bags: two+ gallon bags for camp use (bathing, cooking, etc.)
• Rafts, paddles, personal floatation devices (life jackets) and all other raft related essentials.
  

Health and Physical Conditioning:
As with any Wilderness adventure, the better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy yourself. We will be hiking “cross-country,” as there are no established trails. We will challenge ourselves by following animal trails and the logical contours of the land. Hiking will be moderate to strenuous, depending on the elevation gain or loss. The rewards of this type of travel are inestimable, yet physically demanding at times. Everyone helps paddle the rafts with the assistance of our guides (4-5 people in each raft). Previous experience is not necessary, we will provide instruction. Upper body strength is always a plus in any paddling sport.

Plan on being a contributing member of a group of eight. We will make decisions as one group, travel as one group and share the work equally as one group. Paddling will be hard work at times. Everyone will be expected to keep a steady pace, so as to keep the group together and insure safety. On layover days we will travel/explore utilizing the "buddy system," specifically for safety reasons. *Please note, if you are the independent type who prefers to do things alone, then this trip may not meet your needs.

No white water river paddling experience is necessary to join this expedition. However, it is important to have some prior “wilderness” or remote backcountry camping experience. The Arctic Wilderness is incomparable to any backcountry or wilderness area in the lower 48 states. The terrain and weather can test even the most experienced outdoor adventurer physically and emotionally, thus demanding respect at all times. Being comfortable with primitive camping techniques, where there are no toilets or any other conveniences of comfort, will help you make more informed choices.

Risks, Hazards and Safety:
The small bush planes that will fly us into and out of the ANWR will only fly during “good” weather conditions. It is very possible that our departure can be delayed at any point in the trip, coming or going. We will be rafting on a fast moving wild river with rapids and ice cold water. Falling out of the raft could present you with instant hypothermia. The weather can and probably will change rapidly. It will be important to guard against this by always having the appropriate clothing readily accessible. The terrain is rugged and the wildlife is “wild.” A close encounter with a grizzly bear will test all of our judgment and decision-making abilities. Specific details will be covered at the pre-trip meetings. Please contact the trip leader for further concerns.

We will be literally days from advanced medical facilities and safety must be of primary importance. Everyone on this trip must make a conscious effort at all times to be safe. We expect everyone to accept the responsibility of keeping oneself and the group free of injury. One person's disdain for safety will always result in more hardship for the group. If we do have an accident or injury that requires medical evacuation, the trip will most likely be immediately over without refund. Everyone will also be asked to assist with the evacuation if needed. Our leaders are Wilderness First Responders. They are trained to administer first aid in this type of environment. However, while they can treat injuries, they cannot always prevent them.

Brief Itinerary:
Wednesday - Arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska and enjoy the city on your own, if you are arriving early. Meet at the Pikes Waterfront Lodge at 6pm, for dinner and a pre-trip meeting with our Alaska Guides.
Thursday - Depart Fairbanks Airport by 15 passenger prop plane for Arctic Village, a small Gwich’in community (100 people) on the banks of the Chandalar River. Meet our bush pilot and fly by Beaver, the “work horse” of the Arctic, to the put-in. Inflate rafts and float for approximately 3 hours and set up a two-day base camp.
Friday-Saturday - Great mountain hiking following the river valley up its narrows. With 24 Hours of daylight we can hike all night. Who needs fireworks! We will be on the look out for grizzly bears, wolves, arctic fox, wolverine and moose.
Sunday - We will be on the river passing beautiful steep canyon walls, with deep pools, filled with arctic
char. Whitewater ahead! We will teach you all the skills needed to navigate as a team
through the rocks and rapids. Don’t forget to look up; there’s wildlife to be seen.
Monday-Tuesday - Layover days. More great hikes up side canyons. We will be searching for the perfect
viewpoint to see the caribou migration. Dall sheep are common along the river or just above.
Wednesday - We will be on the river where the valley opens up and we can see the mountains gradually losing their steepness as we approach the coast.
Thursday - Back on the river, searching for wildlife and taking in dramatic scenery. Arrive at
Caribou Pass, a wide valley which extends nearly into Canada and the prime migration
route for the porcupine caribou herd.
Friday - Our last full day will consist of day hiking and exploring Caribou Pass. A 5 hour
round-trip hike will have us standing on a dome shaped peak looking out upon the Arctic
Ocean, as well as in all directions, soaking in the endless wilderness.
Saturday - We will break down rafts and pack up gear for the last time. Squeeze in a short hike and, if time
allows, photograph caribou, ptarmigan and arctic foxes. Fly back to Fairbanks via the
reverse route that took us to the Kongakut. Clean-up and meet for farewell dinner.
Sunday - This is the extra day that we must reserve in the event of poor flying conditions. If we
are able to fly in and out on time, then please consider this an extra day in Fairbanks
at your expense. If we do experience delays, the leaders will be the last to fly out along
with the group gear. Every effort will be made to get trip members back to Fairbanks.
Monday - You may fly home or continue to explore Alaska on your own.

Pre-Trip Meeting:
We will have two pre-trip meetings prior to departing San Diego. The meetings will be scheduled once we have a full trip. The first meeting will be introductory in nature, allowing us to get to know each other and cover the specifics of the trip in detail. The second meeting will be a “shake-down” and social gathering of sorts where the trip leader will want to see the clothing, footwear and other essentials you will be bringing. It is imperative that we minimize the weight of our gear, as we will be flown in and out of the Refuge on small planes. A third and final meeting will occur the first night in Fairbanks where we will finally all meet over dinner.

• CANCELLATION POLICY: This trip, because of its nature and commitment level, requires a different procedure than our standard Aztec Adventures trip cancellation policies. As part of the confirmation packet you will receive a short term travel insurance brochure. We highly recommend the purchase of this insurance, as it provides complete coverage for cancellation, as well as medical evacuations, etc. If you cancel from this trip 30 days or more prior to July 2, you are entitled to a refund less a 25% handling fee or a credit voucher for the full amount to be used within one year of issue. If you cancel from this trip after the aforementioned deadline and two weeks prior to July 2, you will receive a refund less 25% handling fee or a credit voucher, ONLY if we can fill your space. If we cannot fill your space, we will need to deduct a 50% handling fee. Cancellations with less than two weeks notice will result in a 75% loss of fees.

• ARRIVING EARLY/STAYING LATER: We have always encouraged all of our Alaska trip members, over the years, to maximize their time in the “Great Land.” By all means, please arrive early and stay late. There are amazing sights to see in and around the Fairbanks area or you could take a train ride from Fairbanks to Anchorage with a stop in Denali National Park, the possibilities are endless. Please know, however, that nothing you do before or after the trip will compare to the Kongakut experience!

Phone:
(619) 594-7271

Email: jim.lustig@sdsu.edu