Half-Day Glacier Hike
Overview
Make sure you prioritize safety by exploring the Root Glacier with the longest-standing guide service in the valley! With over 40 years of experience in Wrangell St. Elias National Park, our guides are well-trained on the 2-mile trail to the glacier and navigating the Root Glacier's diverse features! Elevate your hike with insight into the flora, fauna, and local history you'll see along the way!
This hike is a moderate 5-6 mile round trip and is great for families, couples, and solo travelers! We send around 8 travelers per guide and people with diverse ability levels are welcome! From strong hikers to beginners, we welcome anyone with a sense of adventure! This hike is challenging for those under the age of 7 and anyone with knee problems.
Private tour options are available and can be a great fit for families, those who need additional assistance while hiking, or even advanced hikers looking to push their tour to the limits! Call for Private options.
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Crampons
✗ Not Included
- Lunch
- Personal Hiking Gear (Extra layers, rain gear, sunglasses, gloves, backpack, etc.)
Meeting & End Point
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Good to Know
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A hands free carrier is required for children 2 or under.
Known For:
Special Instructions
Check in with our Office Staff at our Kennecott Office at the start time of your tour. After you check in, we'll introduce you to your guide and the rest of your group! They'll get you geared up with crampons and make sure you have everything you need for your trek to the Root Glacier!
Come prepared with...
Required gear:
- Layered clothing
Including rain gear - both jacket & pants, warm sweater and/or jacket, and good pants for hiking, NO SHORTS
- Light gloves
Gloves are used to protect your hands from the jagged ice on the glacier's surface, even on a warm day they are required!
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
The reflective nature of the glacier makes these an absolute necessity! Please come prepared.
- Hiking boots with ankle support or other sturdy walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Lunch or snacks
We do not provide lunch or snacks for this trip.
If you are in need of a lunch, you can pick up a sandwich at the store in McCarthy or order a sack lunch from the Kennicott Glacier Lodge the day before your hike.
- Backpack
Please make sure it is big enough to carry your extra layers, lunch, water, and the pair of crampons we will lend you.
Recommended Gear:
- Trekking Poles
These can be helpful on the trail, but are not recommended for the Glacier. If you choose to bring poles, please make sure they are collapsible and can be easily stored away.
- Bug Spray
Luckily, bugs aren't an issue on the glacier, but they are in town and on the trail out to the glacier
- Camera/phone to take pictures