What is the best time of year to hike the Upper Chitistone Goat Trail?

Summer from late June to early September offers the most favorable weather and longest daylight hours for this hike.

Do I need technical climbing skills?

No, this trail is a challenging hike but does not require technical climbing skills.

Are guided tours recommended?

Yes, guided trips with St. Elias Alpine Guides provide safety, local knowledge, and a richer experience.

What wildlife might I see?

Look out for mountain goats, eagles, andptarctic ground squirrels in the area.

How difficult is the terrain?

The trail features rocky sections, some steep inclines, and uneven footing, making it moderate in difficulty.

What should I pack for this hike?

Bring layers, water, snacks, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Upper Chitistone Goat Trail | Hiking in McCarthy, Alaska

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Upper Chitistone Goat Trail, an adventurous hiking route that offers breathtaking views of the rugged Alaskan wilderness. Starting near the historic town of McCarthy, this trail takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush alpine meadows to steep, rocky ridges, all with the majestic Chitistone River and glacier-carved valleys as your backdrop. The trail is renowned for its stunning panoramic vistas, where each switchback reveals new angles of the surrounding glaciers and mountain peaks. While the terrain can be challenging, the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the high vantage points makes every step worth it. As you hike, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as mountain goats and impressive bird species soaring overhead. This experience is ideal for hikers seeking a moderate challenge combined with the beauty of untouched Alaskan nature. Guided by St. Elias Alpine Guides, you'll gain insights into the area's geological history and local ecology, making the trek both exciting and educational. Remember to carry appropriate gear, stay on designated paths, and savor every moment in this remote corner of Alaska that offers raw wilderness and stunning natural beauty in every step.

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.