Do I need prior hiking experience?

No, this activity is suitable for most fitness levels, but a good level of physical fitness helps maximize enjoyment.

What should I wear on the hike?

Layered clothing, waterproof boots, and weather-appropriate gear are recommended based on the season.

Is there wildlife I can expect to see?

Yes, you might see mountain goats, Dall sheep, or even moose, especially in summer or fall.

How physically demanding is this hike?

It's a moderate hike involving uneven terrain and some elevation change, suitable for most active individuals.

What is included in the guided tour?

The guide provides safety equipment, expert commentary, and customized route planning during the hike.

Are there rest stops or meals provided?

Guides plan rest intervals and can provide light snacks; full meals are generally not included but can be arranged in advance.

Glacier and Tundra | Hiking in McCarthy, Alaska

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Glacier and Tundra hike near McCarthy, Alaska. This private guided experience offers explorers a chance to traverse stunning polar landscapes, from towering glaciers to expansive tundra plains. Led by the expert team at St. Elias Alpine Guides, you'll enjoy a customized itinerary tailored to your interests and skill level, ensuring a safe and enriching journey. The trail takes you through pristine wilderness, where the silence of snowfields and the distant crackle of ice create a truly immersive experience. Along the way, you'll learn about the region's unique geology, glaciology, and wildlife, making this trip both exciting and educational. Perfect for adventure seekers looking to connect with Alaska’s rugged beauty, this hike offers stunning panoramic views, abundant wildlife sightings, and a chance to stand atop glacial formations. Whether you're an avid hiker or a nature enthusiast, the Glacier and Tundra experience promises a memorable escape into Alaska’s wild heart, with expert guides ensuring your safety while helping you discover breathtaking scenery in a private, exclusive setting.

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.