Is flying required for this glacier hike?

Yes, the adventure begins with a scenic flight to reach the remote Fan Glacier area.

What should I wear for this activity?

Layered, waterproof, and insulated clothing, along with sturdy boots and accessories, are recommended for comfort and safety.

Is previous hiking experience necessary?

No, but a reasonable level of fitness helps; Guides will assist with navigation and safety.

Can children participate?

This activity is suitable for teens and older; children should be in good health and comfortable in cold environments.

What safety precautions are in place?

Guides are trained in glacier safety, and all participants receive a safety briefing before the hike.

What wildlife might I see?

You may spot mountain goats, eagles, and other Alaskan wildlife during your flight or on the glacier.

Fan Glacier Fly-In Hiking | Hiking in McCarthy, Alaska

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Fan Glacier Fly-In Hiking experience near McCarthy, Alaska. This private guided trek offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the most stunning glacial landscapes in the region, accessible only by scenic flight. Once you land on the edge of the Fan Glacier, you'll be surrounded by towering ice formations, crevasses, and pristine snowfields. Our expert guides from St. Elias Alpine Guides will lead you through this surreal environment, sharing insights about the glacier's formation, ongoing geological changes, and local wildlife. The journey combines aerial excitement with close-up glacier exploration, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and connection with nature. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply seeking a one-of-a-kind experience, this trip will leave you with lasting memories of Alaska's icy grandeur. Dress warmly and be prepared for an exhilarating day that blends flightseeing with immersive glacier exploration, offering stunning photo opportunities and a true sense of remoteness in the Alaskan wilderness.

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.