Barrow Point in winter (vehicles, company, drive)

[Rosie63]

I'm excited about spending the day in Barrow in early April, but can't yet find a definitive answer about Point Barrow. This is my gleaned assumption; because of ice, only snow machines can take me along to the point, which is asking for death by polar bear. Am I correct? If other types of vehicle can do the trip safely, who owns one and will take tourists? Is there any chance of seeing a walrus or polar bear somewhere else around Barrow?

[stiffnecked]

They used to keep the road plowed almost all the way out to Point Barrow. Well, within a 1/2 a mile of the actual point. It's highly unlikely that you'll be attacked by a polar bear.

[Wynternight]

Rosie - there is a tour company and a local photographer here that both have vehicles that can go all the way out to the end of the point for the express purpose of seeing bears. I'll get their numbers and send you a PM with them tomorrow or so.

[Rosie63]

Thanks, Stiffnecked, great news! Does plowing mean snow machines and 4 wheel drives can go up there then? Maybe I could find a guide when I get there. I see from your profile that you were resident there. Am I being realistic in all this?

[Rosie63]

Thank you, Wynternight. That's very helpful.