Tackle a thrilling 12-day climb of University Peak in Alaska’s remote St. Elias Mountains. Perfect for seasoned climbers ready to take on a challenging and rewarding alpine adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
expert
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in excellent physical condition with high endurance and strength for sustained alpine climbing.
Wildlife
History
McCarthy was once a booming mining town during the early 20th century and now serves as a gateway to the St. Elias wilderness.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile alpine ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
St. Elias Alpine Guides
Tackle a thrilling 12-day climb of University Peak in Alaska’s remote St. Elias Mountains. Perfect for seasoned climbers ready to take on a challenging and rewarding alpine adventure.
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.
Tours Offered
11 trips
Guided packrafting, rafting, climbing.
Base Location
McCarthy, AK
Gateway to Wrangell-St. Elias.
Trip Lengths
Day to Multi-day
From 9-hour to multi-day trips.
Private & Group
Private & Group
Custom dates and scheduled departures.
Choose scheduled departures or request private dates for packrafting, ice climbing, glacier hiking, and multi-day river expeditions.
Prepare for Glacier Travel
Familiarize yourself with crevasse rescue techniques and always travel roped up on glaciers.
Pack Layered Clothing
Weather can change rapidly; use moisture-wicking base layers, insulation, and waterproof shells.
Hydration is Key
Carry sufficient water and use purification methods for glacier meltwater sources.
Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from animals and store food properly to avoid attracting bears.
Mountaineering Boots
Sturdy, insulated boots designed for glacier and technical climbing are essential for support and warmth.
summer
Crampons and Ice Axe
Required for safe glacier travel and technical ice sections.
summer
High-Quality Down Jacket
Provides critical insulation during cold alpine nights and early season conditions.
spring
Weatherproof Shell Jacket
Protects against wind, rain, and snow, ensuring comfort during unpredictable mountain weather.