skip to Main Content
The Wild Perfect
Experience Alaska UNEXPLORED

Discover The REAL Alaska

Alaska’s most authentic national park experiencessince 1998.  Award-winning, fully-guided, and all-inclusive small group adventures immersed well beyond the crowds.

Arrigetch-Alatna Pack Raft - Gates Of The Arctic National Park

Be Remote

There are 8 National Parks in Alaska which encompass over 54-million acres of federally protected land – an area larger than the state of Idaho. Bush flights, included with each & every trip, are required to access these remote destinations.

View National Parks

Be Challenged

Explore life.  Find adventure.  Experience REAL Alaska!  We have designed our menu of trips with options to suit most adventure travelers.  Our groups are capped at 8-guests, and the experience has been described as, “transformational!”

View Our Tours

Be Guided

Our hand-selected team of expert Alaska guides (2 lead-guides accompany most trips), are experienced outdoor professionals.  Add 24-hour support from our front-office, and every expedition departs with unparalleled attention to risk management.

Why US?

Choose Your Activity

Fully-guided & outfitted experiences through Alaska’s spectacular national parks, state parks, and wildlife refuges.

Explore Alaska's Parks

From Denali to Wrangell-St. Elias, Lake Clark to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and BEYOND!

Expedition locations as spectacular and diverse as the Great Land itself!

How BIG and WILD is Alaska?

AniakchakDenaliWrangell-St. EliasANWRKatmaiLake ClarkGates ofthe ArcticNW ArcticKobuk Valley

It’s really BIG and WILD!

Get this — If you were cut Alaska in half, Texas would still be the third largest state. In fact, Alaska is much larger than California, Montana, and Texas combined!!! To say Alaska is BIG just doesn’t quite match the reality of truly experiencing it, and even when totally immersed deep within the backcountry, those attempting to grasp the incomprehensible scale of the place are often left utterly speechless.

It’s one of those places on our planet where the moments spent trying to find the right words to describe what’s being witnessed are often replaced with a simple, “WOW!”

Aniakchak National Monument

Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve, encompassing 586,000 acres of pristine Alaska wilderness, offers amazing hiking, and some of the wildest weather in Alaska, in one of the least visited and most remote units of the National Park System. A vibrant reminder of Alaska’s location in the volcanically active “Ring of Fire,” Aniakchak is home to an impressive six-mile wide, 2,500 ft. deep caldera formed during a massive eruption 3,500 years ago.

Denali National Park

Established in 1917 with the mission of conserving wildlife, Denali National Park encompasses 6 million acres of Alaska’s wilderness, and is often referred to as the crown jewel of the National Park System. Flaunting complete unaltered ecosystems, countless rivers, glaciers, expanses of tundra, and the tallest peak in North America, Denali is not to be missed. Since it’s creation, Denali National Park has been the laboratory of a phenomenal group of scientists who have been able to study the magic of an intact subarctic ecosystem.

ANWR

Hiking and backpacking in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is simply a trip of a lifetime. ANWR is one of the least visited and remote areas left in North America, and, despite the media attention it receives, it offers the opportunity for unparalleled exploratory adventure. Though the exact number is unknown, it is estimated that the 19 million acre Arctic refuge – an area the size of South Carolina – receives approximately 1500 recreational visitors a year.

Katmai National Park

At over 3.5 Million acres, Katmai National Park is home to the largest brown bear population in the world, holds the spawning grounds of literally millions of sockeye salmon, and contains within its wild borders the unaltered evidence of one of the world’s most powerful volcanic eruptions ever recorded. Katmai National park is most known for it’s majestic Brown Bears, most notably those at Brooks Falls.

Lake Clark National Park

To this day, Lake Clark National Park represents the roots of our enterprise. Not only is it where we guided our first trip and the base of summertime operations, it is also the backdrop for most of our itineraries and, quite simply, our favorite place on earth to explore. From white summits of glacier-clad volcanoes, laced ribbons of wild and scenic rivers, endless expanses of verdant tundra, to salmon choked waters of azure lakes, Lake Clark is without equal. Since its creation in 1980 to protect the amazing scenery, abundant wildlife and traditional lifestyles of its residents, it has been hailed as Alaska’s epitome, and for Alaska Alpine Adventures it remains home.

Gates of the Arctic National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park, despite being the recipient of frequent media attention over the past 45 years, remains one of the most remote and unspoiled places on earth. Its 8.4 million acres cover an area twice the size of Connecticut and only slightly smaller than Switzerland. The park is essentially a road-less wilderness area and, except for limited and difficult access along the Dalton highway, most recreational visitors choose to enter the park via chartered airplane.

Northwest Arctic Parks

Bering Land Bridge & Cape Krusenstern National Monuments – two of the most remote and certainly the least visited park units in the entire system. With world class birding, abundant wildlife, and remote access, these areas offer ample solitude, fantastic camping, and a window into 5000 + years of human history layered within the landscape. Bering Land Bridge offers an amazing hot springs at Serpentine and fantastic hiking through a landscape of rolling tundra hills and granite tors. Cape Krusenstern National Monument also has spectacular hiking, remote camping, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Kobuk Valley National Park

Entirely above the arctic circle, Kobuk Valley National Park is distinct in a multitude of ways. As one of the least visited national parks it the system, it is certainly one of the most difficult to get to, and perhaps the park’s hallmark, the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes represent the largest active arctic dune field in North America.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

In addition to being America’s largest national park (larger than Rhode Island and Vermont combined), Wrangell-St. Elias is home to the continent’s most impressive list of superlatives. The Alaska, Chugach and Wrangell-Saint Elias ranges converge in what is referred to as the “mountain kingdom of North America.”

This spectacular wilderness includes the continent’s largest assemblage of glaciers, and the greatest collection of peaks above 16,000 feet, including Mount St. Elias (18,008′), the second highest peak in the United States, the largest non-polar icefield in the world, and a boundary that when combined with Kluane Tatshenshini/Alsek National Park in Canada and Glacier Bay National Park, encompasses the world’s largest internationally protected area at 24 million acres.

Celebrating 25 Years
of Award Winning Adventures

Expertly Crafted Adventures

Alaska Alpine Adventures has been slowly and methodically handcrafting our selection of the finest and most inclusive adventure itineraries across the Great Land for more than two decades.

Our posted trips represent the best of the best — adventures that have been cultivated by combining our passion for exploration, our deep love and respect for Alaska and its people, and the profound humility that comes with the privilege of sharing Alaska’s national parks and wildlife refuges with amazing people just like you.

Why Travel With Us?

Leaders & Advocates of Alaska Wilderness Travel

Since 1998, Alaska Alpine Adventures has been leading authentic small-group adventure vacations and remote expeditions throughout Alaska’s spectacular national parks, wildlife refuges, and state parks.  With multiple national awards and widely recognized as a longtime leader in Alaska’s adventure travel industry, Alaska Alpine Adventures is committed to providing the highest level of customer service and the absolute best adventure trips that Alaska has to offer.

A Talented and Passionate Team

We specialize in multi-day and multi-sport Alaska hiking toursrafting tripsAlaska backpacking trips, and kayaking adventures throughout the Last Frontier, and our guided Alaska adventure tours include itineraries to Lake Clark National ParkDenaliWrangell-St. EliasKenai Fjords, the Arctic National Wildlife RefugeGates of the Arctic National Park and beyond.

  • Exceptional guides
  • Delicious backcountry food
  • Total wilderness immersion
  • Uniquely spectacular destinations

A test of will and determination and a spectacular adventure shared with two incomparable guides. A reaffirmation of my life’s dream of stepping into the wild.

Mark Stevens

Entrepreneur & Corporate Chef

Recent Trip Reviews

We value our guests feedback and take every review to heart.  In fact, it’s the reviews from our guests (both the good and the not-so-good) that continually drive progress around here.

I flew to Alaska a few times during my time in the Marine Corps. I instantly fell in love with everything Alaska. It took longer that I would’ve hoped, but I finally got to take my trip this summer. I have to say, it did not disappoint. Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable and very accommodating. Visiting one of the most remote places on earth with a group of people was an experience of a lifetime. We took over 1000 pictures between the 7 of us and I can say that none of them do this landscape justice. It was boggy, wet, mosquito ridden, rocky, cold, hot…you get the idea. However, it was the most wonderful experience of my life. The folks at AAA know how to treat their guests and I can only hope to go back one day on another trip.

I took the big trip, 12 days in Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley, from Aug 8 to Aug 19, 2023. You might be wondering if you can do it. I’m 62 and in reasonable shape–I walk 20 miles a week–but I’m also about 20 pounds overweight. I had not slept on the ground in a while. But it was fine. Don’t kid yourself, it gets hot and cold out there, there are bugs, you have to paddle fair distances, and your sleeping mat is not your memory foam bed at home. BUT, if you are in generally good shape and can roll with the circumstances as they change, you can do this.

The trip organization and the guides are 100% top notch. I mean, every detail is accounted for and safety is #1 by a long, long distance. Our guides were 24 and 26 years old, but they were both seasoned professionals. They were friendly and helpful the whole time. They took extra care of one member of our party who was having a pretty tough time with some of it.

That part in the description about “the Alaska factor” is real. When we got to Bettles, it was too smoky from wildfires to travel til the next day. When we finished the river portion, it took 24 hours for the clouds to clear and get a plane in. So, yes, it went from 85 and smoky to 50 and raining with wind in about 7 days. But you know what? We got to canoe 83 miles as promised and we spent the night at both national parks. But there are factors beyond anyone’s control and they will come into play.

We saw 6 grizzlies which, oddly, we saw on the same day. 2 musk ox. 2 caribou. A fox. The scenery is stunning. You will never think of another area as “wilderness” again. Canoes, paddles, tents, etc. are top notch. And the food is, of course, a little heavy on noodles, but it was all tasty. It is not the freeze dried stuff from the store. They have their own kitchen and bring real food, vacuum-sealed. Snacks are great. Coffee and tea every morning.

I strongly recommend this trip. It’s not “easy,” but you don’t have to be in any special condition to do it if you are willing to sleep on the ground (on a mat), paddle a canoe, and be hot/cold/dry/wet in the same day. The guides do an amazing amount of the work, so be prepared to tip lavishly. Believe me, by the end, you’ll recognize what they were worth.

Finally, the price. It’s not cheap. But think about it a minute. 12 days. A night in a nice hotel. FIVE internal flights. Full-service guides the whole time. Every meal. Canoes. Hiking poles. Quality tents. Try to price out what it would cost to do it yourself. Then pay AAA the money.

Both Brian and Dan were phenomenal guides and took the experience to another level. They were extremely helpful and engaged throughout the week, and they ensured our safety while maximizing fun.

Could not be improved by much. Both guides were wonderful. The activities were just right as were  the accommodations.  Weather was perfect, activities were fine and both guides were willing to go out of their were to make sure we all had the best time.

Great trekking, great guides and great food… just a really spectacular experience from start to finish. You’ve got a repeat customer in me for sure.

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. If anything, I would have planned for a longer stay! Thanks to all of you who made it easy for me to enjoy the Alaskan wild!  The trip exceeded all of my over the top expectations!

Our guests get to experience some of the most remote corners of Alaska. View all our trip reviews.

Push Your Boundaries
Find Your Adventure

The Alaska Experience

"When I find myself within the vast landscapes of Alaska's wilderness, I undergo a physical and emotional transformation; as if the experience of being immersed in the wilds is the catalyst that reunites my body with my soul.”

Dan Oberlatz, Founder

Our Guides

Each member of team at Alaska Alpine Adventures is hand-selected, thoroughly trained, extraordinarily competent, super thoughtful, and really nice too!

Dan Oberlatz

Dan Oberlatz

Owner
Nick Allen

Nick Allen

Program Manager
Sara Allen

Sara Allen

Reservation Manager
Aaron Fetter

Aaron Fetter

Food Guru
Michael Kleinman

Michael Kleinman

Sean Johnson

Sean Johnson

Sara Olbright

Sara Olbright

We’ve got a great team of talented & professional Alaska guides. View all our guides.

Partners & Affiliations

Therm-a-Rest
Cascade Designs
1% for the Planet
Leave No Trace
Wright Air Service
Lake & Pen Air
K2 Aviation
Golden Eagle Outfitters
Brooks Range Aviation
SOAR
Outdoor Research
Mountain Safety Research
Black Diamond Equipment, Inc.
Pike’s Waterfront Lodge – Fairbanks