Frequently Asked Questions

These are true wilderness trips, cooking over camp stoves and fires, sleeping in tents on the ground, spending our days exposed to the elements whether they be sunshine, wind, thunderstorms, inspirational sunsets and sunrises or introspective campfires. Your ability to accept the environment on its terms determines your level of enjoyment and the whole groups. We make every effort to keep you safe, well fed, comfortable, and warm. Our years of outdoor experiece, knowledge of the area and mode of transportation along with our guides' ability to show you a good time are what we offer.

Will we be safe?

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Travel in any remote and rugged terrain has its inherent dangers. As professional outdoor guides with years of experience we feel with proper judgement and planning we can avoid potentially dangerous situations, and at the same time maintain a high level of adventure, what you came for! Also, picking the trip that fits your level of commitment helps, but it's a perfect time to test your wilderness skills with a guide there to lend encouragement, advice, and provide the "last word" in decisions to be made concerning safety. We will take a conservative yet adventurous approach to wilderness travel. All the guides maintain a first aid card and wilderness first responder certification. Coupled with a complete first aid kit and satellite telephone for emergencies, you can feel your safety is a cared for concern.

What about food?

Food is a big part of the day on a wilderness trip whether it's a morning bowl of muescli and nuts on a backpack trip, a homemade pecan chewie bar at lunch, or Alaska wild salmon and fresh pasta with beer and wine on a horse pack trip. We strive to make meal time a healthy, plentiful and fun part of the day. We provide hearty homemade breads, decadent cookies and bar cookies, gourmet cheeses,sausages and Alaskan specialties of fish and game meat as well as fresh vegetables that pack well. Breakfast and dinner are prepared fresh each day and lunches tend to be packed in the morning in a group lunch box or personally. Special dietary needs will gladly be addressed. Remember, we are out all season long and we LOVE good food so you're in luck! Booze is your option, we'll provide a little wine and beer for the horse trips but if you want "toddy" in the evening it's best to bring your own. A "sundowner" after a long day on the trail can be one of life's small pleasures.

What kind of physical shape do I need to be in?

That's dependent on the trip you choose, but your enjoyment on all the trips will be enhanced by being in as good a shape as you can be. For some trips like our Goat Trail Hike , it is imperative that you be in good enough shape to be able to carry a 45 or 50 lb. pack and travel 8-15 miles per day... not for the faint of heart but the rewards are inspirational. On the other hand, our light weight backpack trips offer you the luxury of carrying a very light pack, rain gear, camera and personal items, while the horses carry the camp. Unencumbered by a heavy pack, you'll enjoy days of alpine hiking. On the horse pack trips... well hell, you can roll a smoke in the saddle, watch the country change as you ride along whistling and singing, get on and off to stretch your legs and lay in the tundra at the lunch stops and watch your pony graze while you take in the scenery or look for sheep on the mountain. Your good health is a big part of the experience and being able to "get around off the pavement" will only make it more fun. At the end of the day, lending a hand with camp chores (if you want) taking an evening stroll, telling a good story or just a big belly laugh can be a big part of positive group dynamics.

How about kids and families?

We love'em at Wrangell Outfitters. One of our goals is to provide a place for kids to experience the freedom of the hills and the joy of camaraderie with animals and the natural world. The trick is to match their skill level to the trip. We will enthusiastically work to make that happen by accomodating families with children on horse assisted hiking, horse pack trips, or fishing trips. Obviously there is an age limit to having kids and we will discuss that with you for your specific trip .

How's the weather?

As they say: "Only fools and greenhorns predict the weather." In the Nutzotin Range we enjoy being in the rain shadow of the main body of the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains. That means we enjoy dry, warm summers and autumns as well as endless light that typifies summers in the north. Not to say that we don't get rain and cool weather. Horsfeld is at 3800 feet elevation so expect mountain weather, mountain light, and alpine vistas.

How much riding experience do I need?

We can accomodate beginners as well as experienced horse lovers. With comfortable saddles, gentle and spirited horses we will match the horse to your riding skill. In the wild, mountainous country of the Wrangell Mountains we travel on game trails and through open, sparsely treed country. You will find yourself walking at some point to avoid dangerous or steep places and spending memorable hours in the saddle traversing the hills, mountains, rivers and creeks of the Nuzotin Range. The special trait of range horses that spend their lives in the wild is their inherent knowledge of the trails and how to handle themselves safely in any terrain. Before you leave you'll have a healthy respect and soft spot in your heart for our top notch Alaskan range horses.

What's included in the trip fee?

Transportation from Fairbanks  to Horsfeld and return, all food, accommodations, and guide services while in Horsfeld. Hotel reservations in Fairbanks can be arranged for you upon request.