Do I need prior climbing experience to join the Mt. Drum Expedition?

Yes, this expedition is designed for intermediate climbers with some experience in alpine environments and comfort on glaciers.

What is the best time of year to attempt Mt. Drum?

The best time is between late May and early September when weather conditions are generally more stable.

How physically demanding is the Mt. Drum climb?

The climb is physically challenging and requires excellent endurance and strength along with technical climbing skills.

Is the gear provided or should I bring my own?

Basic group gear like ropes and protection is provided, but climbers must bring personal technical equipment such as boots, crampons, and ice axes.

Are permits required for climbing Mt. Drum?

Permits are not typically required, but it’s important to check current regulations and register with guides or local authorities.

What wildlife might I see during the expedition?

You may encounter Dall sheep, marmots, and various birds native to the Wrangell Mountains area.

Mt. Drum Climbing Expedition in McCarthy, Alaska

Experience the ultimate mountaineering challenge with the Mt. Drum Expedition, a thrilling 10-day climbing journey in Alaska’s Wrangell Mountains. Located in the remote wilderness near McCarthy, this guided ascent offers intermediate climbers an opportunity to sharpen their alpine skills while reveling in spectacular glacial vistas and rugged terrain. Led by St. Elias Alpine Guides, you’ll traverse snowfields, ice, and rocky ridges, all while soaking in panoramic views of volcanic peaks and vast wilderness. This climb not only pushes your limits but also connects you with Alaska’s raw beauty, wildlife, and pristine environment. The expert guides ensure safety and provide skill-building for crevasse rescue, navigation, and alpine climbing techniques. Between climbs, enjoy quiet moments by glacier-fed streams and the chance to explore the historic mining town of McCarthy. Whether you’re seeking adventure, personal growth, or breathtaking natural scenes, this Mt. Drum expedition offers an unforgettable Alaska climbing experience.

About St. Elias Alpine Guides

St. Elias Alpine Guides is a guiding company based in McCarthy, Alaska, offering guided adventures throughout Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and surrounding wilderness. The company leads a range of trips including packrafting, multi-day rafting, glacier hiking, ice climbing, fly-in hiking, and private basecamp expeditions. Popular itineraries include Doubtful–Nizina Packrafting, Tebay Lakes Basecamp Packrafting, Chitina River trips, Western Copper River rafting, Raft and Flightsee, Full-Day Glacier Hike on Root Glacier, Skolai Pass fly-in hiking, Bremner Mine basecamp hiking, and multi-day Ice Climbing and Ice Climbing Camp programs.

Trips are available as scheduled group departures or fully private, customizable experiences with options for day trips and multi-day expeditions. Many itineraries accommodate families and groups; for example, Chitina River trips welcome guests ages eight and up and Western Copper River trips can include children as young as three. Several trips conclude with scenic bush plane flights or operate from remote fly-in access points.

St. Elias Alpine Guides emphasizes small-group guiding, route planning, and trip customization to match client skill levels and objectives. Guides provide logistics, gear guidance, and route choices appropriate to each itinerary. Booking information lists fixed departures for some trips and private-date options for others, with clear descriptions of duration and difficulty. The company’s offerings focus on authentic wilderness experiences in McCarthy, Root Glacier, Tebay Lakes, the Copper River corridor, and surrounding Alaskan river systems.

Clients can select multi-day basecamps, day hikes, guided ice-climbing instruction, or combined raft-and-flightsee itineraries to tailor pace, challenges, and family needs. Booking details and gear lists.