Beginning in a grand U-shaped valley on the north side of the Brooks Range, we explore rugged terrain in the shadow of glaciated peaks, then begin our traverse of the Arctic Divide. Ascending a remote valley, we climb down through a narrow pass, used for millennia by the Porcupine caribou herd.

Days later, having passed an unusual "rock glacier" in the Romanzof Mountains, we descend to the southern slopes of the mountains, following the clear sources of rivers and streams.

This is autumn in the Arctic Refuge; the palette of color changes before our eyes, as sunny days and cool nights turn the land red, yellow, purple and gold. Berries are ripe, wildlife is on the move, and we are likely to encounter a variety of animals, particularly Dall sheep, caribou, grizzly, and wolf.

The satisfaction of traveling between the treeless north side of the mountains to the forested South Slope is complete, as we hike down between austere limestone peaks along the upper East Fork Chandalar River to a pick-up spot at the edge of the boreal forest.

This is a great introductory trip to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. You'll experience a variety of ecosystems and find a wild land. Adventurers who wish to continue the journey, may combine this trip with our East Fork Chandalar River Canoeing trip.