Mount St. Elias Expedition: Alaska’s Ultimate Climbing Challenge - Anchorage

Mount St. Elias Expedition: Alaska’s Ultimate Climbing Challenge

Anchorageexpert

Difficulty

expert

Duration

2–3 weeks

Fitness Level

Participants must be in excellent physical condition with high endurance and strength for multi-day glacier travel and technical climbs.

Overview

Challenge yourself with an unforgettable climb to Mount St. Elias, the second highest peak in North America. Experience Alaska's rugged wilderness on this expert-led expedition.

Details

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime mountaineering expedition to Mount St. Elias, the towering giant straddling the border of the United States and Canada. As the second highest peak in North America, it offers climbers an extraordinary challenge amid some of the most remote and pristine wilderness Alaska has to offer. Guided by the expert team at St. Elias Alpine Guides, this climb will test your endurance, technical skill, and spirit. The journey begins in McCarthy, a small historic town that serves as a gateway to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, one of the largest protected areas in the country. Traverse glaciers, navigate crevasses, and ascend rugged terrain while soaking in vast, breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped summits and glacial valleys. Beyond the physical demands, the expedition offers unmatched solitude and immersion in nature where encounters with local wildlife and quiet moments surrounded by towering peaks create lasting memories. Each step is carefully supported by seasoned guides who prioritize safety and climber experience, making this formidable ascent as rewarding as it is exhilarating. Whether you are a seasoned alpinist or an ambitious climber seeking your next big adventure, the Mount St. Elias Expedition delivers an unparalleled outdoor experience in one of the wildest environments on earth.

Adventure Tips

Prepare for Rapid Weather Changes

Weather on Mount St. Elias can shift abruptly; always carry layered clothing and waterproof gear.

Acclimatize Before Climbing

Spend a few days in McCarthy or nearby elevations to reduce altitude sickness risks.

Use Glacier Travel Techniques

Know crevasse rescue and glacier navigation or rely on guides skilled in these methods.

Respect Wildlife and Environment

Maintain distance from animals and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the park’s ecosystem.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Wrangell Mountains' lesser-known glaciers accessible via side routes
  • Historic Kennecott Mines near McCarthy provide fascinating exploration opportunities

Wildlife

  • Dall sheep
  • Mountain goats

History

McCarthy and Kennecott were once booming copper mining towns; today they preserve a unique Alaskan heritage connected to the mountains.

Conservation

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park emphasizes sustainable tourism and wildlife habitat preservation to protect this vast natural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Early morning
Late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • Summit ridge for expansive panoramic shots
  • Glacier bases showing crevasse detail
  • McCarthy village with mountain backdrop

What to Photograph

Snow-capped peaks
Ice formations and glaciers
Alaskan wildlife

Recommended Gear

Mountaineering boots

Essential

Insulated, crampon-compatible boots provide the necessary support and warmth for glacier travel.

summer specific

Technical ice axe and crampons

Essential

Essential tools for climbing icy slopes and controlling descents on glacier terrain.

Layered insulation system

Essential

Multiple layers including base, mid, and outer shells help adapt to rapidly changing conditions.

Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel

Essential

Critical safety gear for avalanche rescue in snowfield areas prone to slide risk.

spring specific

Book Now