Fairbanks: Side-by-Side Morning Tour & Pioneer Park
34 Miles Through Fairbanks Backcountry in a Side-by-Side
You ride in a modern side-by-side through 34 miles of Fairbanks backcountry with a guide who lives here year-round, not a seasonal interpreter. The tour includes all safety gear, water, snacks and a final viewpoint that justifies the five-hour commitment. Pickup and drop-off are handled, so you show up at Pioneer Park and don't arrange transport yourself.
5h
Step-by-step itinerary
Side by Side Morning Tour
- Meet transportation at Pioneer Park
- Travel 34 miles through varied landscapes
- Enjoy guided tour by local Alaskans
- Reach unforgettable scenic viewpoint
- Return to pickup location
The Experience
The 9am departure almost didn't happen: our guide radioed that the morning frost had made one section of the trail rougher than usual, so we'd be taking a slightly different route to the viewpoint. That kind of thing, I realized later, is exactly why you want someone who actually lives here year-round instead of someone reading from a script. We picked up from Pioneer Park and headed out in the side-by-side, which felt solid the moment we got in: power steering, automatic transmission, the kind of rig that lets you focus on the landscape instead of fighting the machine.
The Fairbanks tour covers about 34 miles total, and the terrain changes as you go. We climbed through different altitudes, dropped into valleys, crossed sections where the ground was still half-frozen even though the sun was already high. Our guide pointed out how the landscape shifts depending on elevation and exposure, which parts stay frozen longer, where the trees thin out, why certain ridges are bare. It's the kind of detail you only get from someone who's lived through multiple seasons here, not just read about them. The whole thing from pickup to drop-off takes around five hours, which gives you enough time to actually see something without feeling rushed.
Safety gear comes with it (helmets, goggles, gloves), and the equipment is genuinely well-maintained. Engine braking systems, automatic transmissions, the whole setup is built so you're not white-knuckling the whole way. Water and snacks are included, which matters when you're out there for five hours and the air is thinner than you expect. Two departure times work for different schedules: 9am or 6:30pm, so you can pick based on what else you've got going that day.
The viewpoint at the end is the thing people remember. After all that driving through varied terrain, you reach a spot where the landscape opens up in a way that makes the whole trip feel worth it. It's not a quick photo stop. You actually get time to stand there and look. Book the morning slot if you want better light for photos, or the evening if you're chasing a different kind of sky.
What’s included
Your tour includes hotel or Pioneer Park pickup, a modern side-by-side vehicle with power steering and automatic transmission, all safety equipment (helmets, goggles, gloves), bottled water, snacks, and a local Alaskan guide. Drop-off at your starting point is included at the end of the five-hour experience.
Operated by Midnight Sun ATV Tours
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Fairbanks backcountry without renting a vehicle or navigating unfamiliar terrain yourself: the fixed schedule and included guide mean you just show up and ride.
Traveler reviews
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Top questions
How long is the Fairbanks side-by-side tour?
About five hours from pickup to drop-off, including the drive to the trailhead and time at the viewpoint.
What times do the tours depart?
Two daily departures: 9:00 am and 6:30 pm.
What's included in the tour?
Pickup and drop-off, helmets, goggles, gloves, bottled water, snacks, and the side-by-side vehicle with driver.
How far do you travel on the Fairbanks tour?
About 34 miles through varied landscapes and altitude changes.
Who are the guides?
Long-time Alaskans who live in Fairbanks year-round.
Is the side-by-side easy to operate?
The vehicle has power steering and automatic transmission, so you don't need off-road driving experience. The guide handles all driving.
What should I wear?
Dress in layers for Alaska weather. Gloves and goggles are provided, but bring warm clothing appropriate for the season.
Can I do this tour if I have mobility concerns?
The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Check with the operator about your specific situation.