Join me on an unforgettable day trip from Anchorage to Utqiagvik — better known as Barrow — the northernmost city in the United States, located deep inside the Arctic Circle.
I flew north in the morning aboard a Horizon Air Embraer 175, passing Denali and some of Alaska’s most spectacular scenery along the way. After a stunning arrival under completely clear skies, I spent nine hours exploring Barrow and experiencing daily life in one of America’s most remote communities.
Thanks to Gus and the friendly local airport team, I was also able to stay behind and see how the station operates. We watched passenger flights and a Boeing 737 freighter arrive with essential supplies, including an impressive amount of fresh produce. With no roads connecting Barrow to the rest of Alaska, aviation is a vital lifeline for the entire community.
After visiting the town and enjoying a surprisingly generous lunch, I returned to the airport for the afternoon Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 flight back to Anchorage. The Arctic scenery was breathtaking, but it was the warmth and goodwill of the people in Barrow that left the strongest impression.
I hope to return one day — perhaps during winter — to experience this remarkable place in a completely different season.
