Is prior experience required for this backpacking trip?

While previous hiking experience is recommended due to the challenging terrain, guides will provide support and safety briefings to all participants.

What should I pack for the trip?

Bring layered clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, and personal items like a camera and personal medications.

Are permits or reservations needed?

Yes, bookings are required through St. Elias Alpine Guides, and permits are included in the guided package.

What level of fitness is recommended?

Participants should be comfortable with extended hiking on uneven terrain and have a good level of cardiovascular fitness.

Is this trip suitable for children?

This adventure is best suited for teenagers and adults with suitable hiking experience due to its challenging nature.

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

Summer months from June to August offer the most favorable weather and longest daylight hours for this trek.

Skolai Pass mini-Backpacking | Hiking in McCarthy, Alaska

Set against the rugged backdrop of Alaska's wilderness, Skolai Pass mini-Backpacking offers outdoor enthusiasts an unforgettable hiking adventure through pristine landscapes near McCarthy. This trek combines breathtaking mountain vistas, expansive tundra, and a sense of solitude far from the bustling world. As you trek along rugged trails, you'll enjoy panoramic views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows, making each step a rewarding experience. The route provides an excellent opportunity to spot diverse wildlife and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Alaska's interior. Perfect for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding outdoor escape, this adventure allows you to connect deeply with nature, learn about local geology, and experience the tranquility of remote wilderness. Guided by expert guides from St. Elias Alpine Guides, you'll have safety and knowledge at every turn while uncovering the secrets of Skolai Pass. Whether you're an avid hiker or a budding adventurer, this journey offers a perfect blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural richness in Alaska’s legendary landscape.

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.