Is prior experience required for Nizina Glacier Fly-In Hiking?

No prior experience is necessary, but participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable with outdoor activities.

How long is the helicopter flight?

The flight typically lasts around 20–30 minutes each way, offering stunning aerial views of the glaciers and mountains.

What should I wear for this adventure?

Layered clothing, waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, sunglasses, and sunblock are recommended for comfort and safety.

Guided hikes include light snacks and water; additional meals can be arranged upon request.

Is the activity suitable for children?

Participants should be at least 12 years old and physically capable of handling strenuous activity.

What is the best time of year for this adventure?

Summer offers the most stable weather and best flying conditions, but each season provides a unique experience.

Nizina Glacier Fly-In Hiking

Experience the thrill of Nizina Glacier Fly-In Hiking with St. Elias Alpine Guides in McCarthy, Alaska. This unique adventure combines the excitement of a scenic bush flight with the awe-inspiring beauty of the Nizina Glacier. As you soar above rugged mountain peaks and sweeping glaciers, you'll be captivated by the remote wilderness that few have the chance to explore. Once on the ground, embark on a guided hike across the shimmering ice fields, surrounded by towering icefalls and pristine snow. This trip offers an unforgettable blend of aerial views and on-foot exploration, perfect for those seeking an adrenaline rush and breathtaking scenery. The guided canyoning portion adds an extra layer of adventure, allowing you to navigate through natural rock formations, waterfalls, and hidden crevices in this pristine Alaskan landscape. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, this experience provides a perfect mix of thrill and natural wonder. With expert guides leading the way, you'll learn about the glacier's formation, local wildlife, and environmental importance. Conclude your day with stories of the region’s history and the ongoing efforts to protect this extraordinary wilderness. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Nizina Glacier Fly-In Hike promises memories that will last forever, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Alaska’s rugged terrain.

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.