Is prior hiking experience necessary for the Seven Pass Route?

Yes, this route is challenging and best suited for experienced hikers comfortable with multi-day trekking and rugged terrains.

What permits are required?

No specific permits are required for this route, but proper planning and adherence to Leave No Trace principles are essential.

How many days should I allocate for this adventure?

Typically, 3 to 5 days are recommended to complete the route comfortably and safely.

What dietary options are available during the trek?

You'll need to bring your own food, but guides can assist with meal planning for the trip duration.

Is it possible to do the route solo?

While it’s possible, we highly recommend guided trips for safety and local knowledge, especially in remote areas.

What safety precautions should I take?

Always check weather conditions, carry navigation tools, and inform someone about your itinerary before heading out.

Seven Pass Route | Hiking in McCarthy, Alaska

Embark on the Seven Pass Route with St. Elias Alpine Guides, an exhilarating hiking adventure through the rugged wilderness of McCarthy, Alaska. This trek offers a unique opportunity to traverse remote mountain passes, lush valleys, and glacial landscapes, providing breathtaking views at every turn. The route is renowned for its pristine scenery and the feeling of true wilderness, making it perfect for seasoned hikers seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience. Along the way, you'll encounter untouched terrain, abundant wildlife, and historical remnants of old mining activity, adding layers of intrigue to your journey. The route spans several days, allowing ample time to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and capture unforgettable photographs. Whether you're an experienced trekker or a curious traveler eager for adventure, the Seven Pass Route promises an authentic Alaskan expedition filled with adventure, discovery, and natural beauty. Prepare to push your limits, reconnect with nature, and create memories that will last a lifetime in this exceptional wilderness setting.

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.