Do I need prior glacier hiking experience?

No, but basic knowledge of glacier travel and comfort with outdoor camping enhances the experience; guides provide necessary training.

What should I pack for the overnight stay?

Bring warm layering, sleep gear suitable for cold nights, personal toiletries, and weather-appropriate clothing listed in the gear recommendations.

Is it suitable for children?

Participants should be physically fit and comfortable with cold conditions; typically recommended for ages 12 and up with guided support.

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

Summer (June to August) offers the best weather and longer days, but each season provides a unique experience.

Are there vegetarian or special dietary options?

Yes, please inform us ahead of time to accommodate dietary needs during your trip.

How physically demanding is the trip?

It requires moderate to challenging effort, including hiking over glacier terrain and camping overnight, so good fitness is recommended.

Root Glacier Overnight Adventure | Hiking in McCarthy, Alaska

Embark on the unforgettable Root Glacier Overnight Adventure with St. Elias Alpine Guides, a thrilling hiking experience that takes you deep into Alaska's rugged wilderness. This multi-day trek offers a perfect blend of breathtaking glaciers, towering ice formations, and pristine mountain scenery. As you trek across the icy terrains and camp beneath star-studded skies, you'll experience the raw beauty of one of Alaska's most iconic glaciers. The overnight aspect allows for an immersive experience, giving you an authentic taste of Alaska's wild landscape away from the crowds. Guided by expert guides, you'll learn about glacial geology, local ecosystems, and wilderness survival skills. Whether you're an experienced hiker or eager for a new adventure, this trip promises challenging trails, rewarding views, and a sense of achievement as you stand atop melting ice caps and explore hidden crevasses. The overnight experience offers a special chance to witness Alaska’s serene solitude and stunning natural sounds — from crackling ice to distant wildlife calls. Remember to come prepared for weather changes and to savor the quiet moments in this extraordinary environment that promises memories to last a lifetime.

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.