Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rules for visiting the Kevo reserve are stricter than those concerning national parks:
hikers cannot hunt, fish or collect plants and berries, and
must
stay on marked trails. The
gorge area is off-limits from April to mid-June.
The main trail is 64km long and runs through the canyon, from the Sulaoja parking area
11km east of Karigasniemi on the road westbound from Kaamanen, to Kenesjärvi, on the
Kaamanen-Utsjoki road. The trek is rough with several fords - ask about water levels be-
fore heading off - and takes about four days one way. The Guivi trail separates from the
main trail and loops through fell scenery before rejoining further along: it's a 78km jour-
ney but has two extra huts en route. You can also walk a round-trip from Sulaoja. See
www.outdoors.fi
for more details and use the 1:100,000
Utsjoki Kevo
outdoor map.
Sleeping
You will need a tent if you plan to hike the canyon, as there is only one wilderness hut on
the main route (there are another two on the Guivi leg). Camping is permitted within the
reserve at 20 designated sites.
Ruktajärvi wilderness hut is at the southern end of the gorge route near where the Guivi
trail branches off, and Njávgoaivi and Kuivi are on the Guivi loop. There's also a simple
turf hut between these two.
There are cabins on the main road 500m south of the eastern trailhead.
Getting There & Away
The preferred route is from the southwest; catch the Karigasniemi-bound bus from Inari
and ask the driver to drop you off at the clearly marked Sulaoja trailhead. From Kenesjärvi
you can catch buses to Inari or Utsjoki/Nuorgam. The early afternoon southbound bus that
passes Kenesjärvi has a convenient changeover at Kaamasen Kievari (Monday to Friday)
to the westbound bus for Sulaoja, allowing you to leave your car there.
Utsjoki
The border village of Utsjoki (Sámi: Ohcejohka) is strung out along the main road that
crosses the Tenojoki into Norway over a handsome bridge. It's an important Sámi commu-
nity. The river is the main attraction in these parts; head along its banks towards Nuorgam
