Is previous experience required for this glacier hike?

No prior experience is needed, but participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable on uneven terrain.

What should I wear for the hike?

Dress in layered, waterproof, and insulated clothing suitable for cold and potentially wet conditions.

How physically demanding is the hike?

The hike is challenging due to long hours on uneven, icy terrain, but guides will pace the group accordingly.

Are there any age restrictions?

Participants should typically be at least 12 years old; contact the guide company for specific age requirements.

What happens if weather conditions are poor?

Guides monitor weather closely, and trips may be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons.

Is technical equipment needed?

No technical skills are required, but crampons are provided and used for safety on ice.

Full-Day Glacier Hike | Wellness in McCarthy, Alaska | Wellness

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Full-Day Glacier Hike near McCarthy, Alaska, offered by St. Elias Alpine Guides. This guided expedition takes you across rugged terrain to explore stunning, untouched glaciers that carve through the Alaskan wilderness. Throughout the day, you'll enjoy sweeping views of icy crevasses, sparkling blue ice caves, and towering ice formations that showcase the raw power of glacial activity. Expert guides will share insights into the geology and ecological significance of the area, enriching your experience with fascinating facts and stories. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a challenge, this hike provides a chance to immerse yourself in pristine nature while experiencing the thrill of walking on ancient ice with the safety of professional oversight. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or eager for a new adventure, this journey promises breathtaking scenery, a connection with nature, and memories to last a lifetime in one of Alaska's most remarkable landscapes.

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.