Is flying in an aircraft required for this hike?

Yes, the adventure begins with a scenic flight to Skolai Pass, offering breathtaking views before your hike.

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

Summer and early fall typically provide the best weather, but each season offers unique scenery and experiences.

What fitness level is needed?

A moderate to high level of fitness is recommended as the hike can be physically demanding with uneven terrain.

Yes, guided trips ensure safety, provide local knowledge, and enhance your experience.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include Dall sheep, mountain goats, and various bird species native to the area.

Is the trip suitable for children?

This adventure is best suited for teens and adults due to the physical demands and remote location.

Skolai Pass Fly-In Hiking | Hiking in McCarthy, Alaska

Embark on the Skolai Pass Fly-In Hiking adventure with St. Elias Alpine Guides for an unforgettable journey through some of Alaska's most striking wilderness. Starting from the historic town of McCarthy, this trip offers an exhilarating flight over rugged mountains and glaciers before arriving at the remote Skolai Pass. Once on the ground, hikers are treated to breathtaking vistas of towering peaks, vast tundra, and sparkling icy landscapes that define this pristine environment. The trail takes you through diverse terrain, with opportunities to spot glacial carved valleys and unique alpine flora, making each step exciting and visually stunning. The experience is perfect for adventure seekers eager to combine the thrill of flight with the serenity of remote hiking. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-timer, the route provides a rewarding challenge with spectacular vistas around every corner. This journey highlights Alaska’s wild beauty while offering a chance to disconnect from daily life and immerse yourself in nature’s grandeur. Guided by expert local guides, you’ll gain insight into the landscape’s geological and cultural history while making memories in one of North America's most untouched regions.

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.