Visiting in the Winter

Granite tors at Iyat (Serpentine Hot Springs).

NPS Photo

Transport to Serpentine Hot Springs in winter is by aircraft with appropriate landing gear or by snowmachine.

Use of helicopters, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles is prohibited.

Geographic Coordinates: 65.8569N, 164.7142W

Arctic Winter Conditions

Snow, ice, wind, and below-freezing temperatures persist in the preserve from October through April. Days are short and extremely cold. January has 4 hours of light daily. Winter temperatures on average are around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The preserve is often windy with several to many inches of snow covering the ground.

At Serpentine Hot Springs, temperature extremes may reach -50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prepare for the weather with extra clothing, food, water, and fuel for extremely cold conditions with possible delays in transportation and travel. Also, prepare for camping outside the bunkhouse in case of an emergency.

In winter, ice builds on the floors of the bathhouse and walkway, making footing treacherous.

Be prepared to dig out the outhouse. Honey buckets are not allowed for health and safety reasons.

 

Backcountry Safety

Medical Kit

Serpentine Hot Springs is more than 80 miles from the nearest hospital and 540 miles away from the nearest major medical facility in Anchorage. If you are injured, a 3-4 hour wait is expected in optimal conditions. It is important to bring a well-stocked medical kit. If you require any daily medication, it is good practice to pack enough to last a week longer than your expected stay.

Communication

Due to its remote location, there is no cell phone service in the preserve. The only way to communicate is by personal satellite phone. If you are looking for an alternative way to be covered in case of an emergency, we recommend a satellite tracking device or an emergency locator transmitter (ELT).

Itinerary

Let friends and family know when and where you are going, how long you’ll be gone, and an overview of your plans. Include the name of the pilot, tail number of the plane you are taking, and your satellite phone number. Call when you arrive back home.