Half-Day Glacier Hike

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5 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Make sure you prioritize safety by exploring the Root Glacier with the longest-standing guide service in the valley! With over 40 years of experience in Wrangell St. Elias National Park, our guides are well-trained on the 2-mile trail to the glacier and navigating the Root Glacier's diverse features! Elevate your hike with insight into the flora, fauna, and local history you'll see along the way!

This hike is a moderate 5-6 mile round trip and is great for families, couples, and solo travelers! We send around 8 travelers per guide and people with diverse ability levels are welcome! From strong hikers to beginners, we welcome anyone with a sense of adventure! This hike is challenging for those under the age of 7 and anyone with knee problems.

Private tour options are available and can be a great fit for families, those who need additional assistance while hiking, or even advanced hikers looking to push their tour to the limits! Call for Private options.

What's Included

Crampons
Lunch
Personal Hiking Gear (Extra layers, rain gear, sunglasses, gloves, backpack, etc.)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

This tour begins at our office in Kennecott. Because there is no outside vehicle traffic allowed in the towns of McCarthy and Kennecott, we provide transportation for those staying in McCarthy. We will contact you to confirm the exact meeting instructions to ensure you make it to the start of your tour on time. Your pick-up time and location will vary depending on where you are staying in the area. Shortly after you book a tour with us, we will reach out to confirm your specific meeting instructions. Please thoroughly read through the instructions to make it to your meeting location on time. Since there is a 5-mile drive from McCarthy to Kennecott, we typically ask that you meet us 30 minutes before the tour start. Please keep an eye out for the message we will send you shortly after you book this tour! Reach out to us directly if you do not receive follow-up meeting instructions. Those staying in Kennecott can meet us at our office at their tour time. We are one of the first buildings in Kennecott, right beside the National Park Service's Visitor Center. Please note that we do not provide transportation for those staying outside of McCarthy (i.e. Chitina, Copper Center, or Glennallen). Contact us directly if you have any questions! Logistics in our area can be a bit confusing, and no question is too small. :)

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Meeting point

Our Kennecott Office is the second building on the left as you enter Kennecott! Those staying in Kennecott can easily walk to our office. Anyone staying in or near McCarthy (5 miles down the road) will need to use our scheduled shuttle that departs up to 30 minutes before the start of the tour.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

Explore the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and walk on the Root Glacier with a knowledgeable guide! From glacial waterfalls to canyons of ice, your guide can navigate you to the best views and features! This ever-changing glacier is full of dramatic features and surrounded by an equally dramatic landscape!

After you check in at our office, you'll meet your guide and the rest of your group. Before you hit the trail, your guide will get you outfitted with crampons and make sure you have all the gear noted on the equipment list you receive in your confirmation. From our office, you'll begin an interpretive 2-mile hike to the glacier. Once at the glacier’s edge, you’ll strap on your crampons and step foot on the ice for the first time! Get ready to hear the crunch of ice under your feet as you make your way onto the glacier to behold the stunning 7,000-foot Stairway Icefall! Along the way, your guide will explain the forces that have shaped the landscape you’re seeing and give you plenty of time to take pictures.

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • A hands free carrier is required for children 2 or under.
Supplied by St. Elias Alpine Guides

Tags

Hiking Tours
Walking Tours
Small Group

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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