Is prior experience necessary for ice cave exploration?

No prior experience is required; guides will provide safety instructions and support throughout the adventure.

What should I wear for this activity?

Wear layered, waterproof, and insulated clothing, along with sturdy waterproof boots and warm accessories.

How physically demanding is the tour?

It's moderately challenging, suitable for those in good physical condition, with some hiking on uneven icy surfaces.

Are the ice caves safe to explore?

Yes, guided by experienced professionals, safety precautions are stringently followed to minimize risks.

Can I bring camera equipment inside the caves?

Yes, photography is encouraged; ensure your gear is protected against cold and humidity.

What is the best time of year to do this activity?

Winter and early spring offer the best ice formations, but availability varies based on weather conditions.

Ice Cave Exploration | Hiking in McCarthy, Alaska

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Ice Cave Exploration near McCarthy, Alaska. This unique hiking journey offers explorers the chance to venture into ancient frozen caves carved by glacial forces, revealing stunning crystal formations and shimmering ice walls. Led by expert guides from St. Elias Alpine Guides, you'll navigate rugged terrain and harness your sense of wonder as you discover this icy wonderland. The experience not only provides breathtaking photo opportunities but also offers insight into the region's glacial history and the delicate environment that shapes these incredible formations. Perfect for those seeking a challenge and a love for nature, this trip combines physical activity with awe-inspiring scenery, making it a must-do for adventure lovers. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or an enthusiastic winter explorer, this private guided tour ensures safety, education, and a memorable experience in one of Alaska's most striking 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.