Do I need previous climbing experience for the Mt. Drum Expedition?

While basic mountaineering experience is helpful, this trip is designed for intermediate climbers who want to improve their skills with professional guidance.

What kind of fitness level is required?

A strong fitness level with cardiovascular endurance and strength for sustained climbs and carrying a backpack is necessary.

Is technical climbing gear provided?

St. Elias Alpine Guides provides some technical equipment like ropes and helmets, but climbers should bring personal gear like boots, crampons, and harnesses.

What is the best time of year to climb Mt. Drum?

Summer offers the most stable weather and longest daylight hours, making it the ideal season for this expedition.

How many people are in each climbing group?

Groups are kept small, usually 4–6 climbers per guide, to maintain safety and personalized instruction.

Are meals provided during the expedition?

Expedition meals are prepared by guides and included, emphasizing high-energy, easy-to-digest foods suitable for alpine conditions.

Mt. Drum Climbing Adventure in McCarthy, Alaska

Join St. Elias Alpine Guides for the Mt. Drum Expedition, a thrilling 10-day climbing experience in the rugged Wrangell Mountains of Alaska. This expedition invites intermediate climbers to challenge themselves while taking in sweeping views of pristine glaciers, alpine terrain, and vast wilderness. Guided by seasoned professionals, participants will learn advanced mountaineering techniques including glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and high-altitude navigation. The experience balances physical challenge with education and safety, perfect for those looking to elevate their climbing skills amidst stunning natural beauty. From setting up base camps to summiting Mt. Drum, every step offers a deep connection to Alaska’s wild landscape. Preparation, teamwork, and endurance are key, but the reward of reaching the summit and witnessing endless mountain vistas is unparalleled. Whether you’re expanding your climbing resume or seeking a new outdoor challenge, this guided expedition delivers an immersive and memorable adventure away from the crowds.

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.