Do I need prior experience to participate?

No prior glacier hiking experience is necessary; guides will provide instruction and support throughout the trip.

What should I wear for the hike?

Wear layered, waterproof clothing, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, and bring thermal base layers if visiting in colder seasons.

Is the glacier hike suitable for children?

Children aged 10 and older with good physical fitness can participate, but parental discretion is advised due to terrain challenges.

How physically demanding is the hike?

The hike is moderate—participants should be comfortable walking on uneven or icy terrain for several hours.

What safety measures are in place?

Guides carry safety equipment, provide briefings before the hike, and tailor routes to ensure safety for all participants.

Can I take photos during the hike?

Absolutely! The glacier provides stunning photo opportunities, so bring your camera or smartphone.

Half-Day Glacier Hike | Hiking in McCarthy, Alaska

Adventure Brief

Discover the stunning beauty of a glacier up close with a half-day adventure in McCarthy, Alaska. Join expert guides for an exhilarating trip filled with breathtaking views, ice formations, and wilderness exploration. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique, guided glacier experience.

3–4 hours

moderate

From $134.62

Embark on an unforgettable half-day glacier hike with St. Elias Alpine Guides in McCarthy, Alaska, an adventure perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. This experience offers a close-up view of crystalline ice formations, towering glacier walls, and stunning, rugged alpine scenery. Throughout the trip, you'll traverse icy terrains, learn about glacier formation and the region’s unique glacial history from expert guides, and enjoy breathtaking vistas that are only accessible on foot. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a newcomer eager for a memorable outdoor activity, this half-day glacier hike provides an accessible yet awe-inspiring adventure. The route is carefully curated to maximize safety and enjoyment, making sure you get the most out of your Alaskan wilderness experience. Photography enthusiasts will love capturing the shimmering blue ice, sweeping mountain views, and perhaps even spotting local wildlife, all framed by the pristine, untouched landscape. This excursion is ideal for those wanting to connect deeply with Alaska’s icy heart, offering both adventure and education in one exhilarating outing. Don't miss this opportunity to explore one of the world's most impressive glaciers with knowledgeable guides leading the way—an experience that will leave you inspired and eager to see more of Alaska’s wild beauty.

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.