Hike the Wrangell - St. Elias backcountry on this Alaska hiking tour. This region is one of the most expansive tracts of wilderness remaining in North America and offers the avid hiker a playground of options for exploring. Travel by bush plane to a remote area with your private guide. Set up your comfortable base camp from which to adventure each day. Spot alpine lakes, glaciers, and observe wildlife in the tundra as you explore at your own leisure and pace. Included at the beginning of your tour is a full day walk and ice climb on Root Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers of its type and size.
Highlights
Hike the Wrangell - St. Elias wilderness with a private guide from your base
Basecamp in a virtual alpine magic-land as you explore at your own pace
Walk and ice climb on Root Glacier north of Kennicott town
Wander the streets of the historic Kennicott copper mining town
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
Fly from Anchorage to the McCarthy - Kennicott area nestled inside of the boundaries of Wrangell - St. Elias Park. A number of transportation options are available, but your tour includes a direct charter flight.
Arrive in McCarthy and transfer to Kennicott, an Alaska 'ghost town' that is seemingly frozen in time. The Copper Mine abruptly closed in 1938, and the inhabitants left behind equipment, buildings and even personal belongings. Come and see what it was like to work in this remote wilderness town. Set out on a group tour for a peek into history. Be prepared for some steep stairs as you explore inside this historic 14 story mine.
Today you get to choose your way of exploring Root Glacier. Set out for a full day private tour with your guide today. Walk along Root Glacier to see its features or try your hand at ice climbing! Start out with a moderate 2-mile hike to Root Glacier, then explore the glacier features by using ropes and harnesses for views of the glacier that are not easily seen by just walking. See crevasses, glacial pools, and Jumbo Creek Ice Cave where you will be surrounded by blue ice. Suitable for those who are ready for an adventure but perhaps do not have all the technical knowledge required to go it alone. Try ice climbing along the walls of Root Glacier. This is perfect for the nervous novice or the seasoned climber, you can spend your time with our experienced lead climbers as you practice the sport at your level. Enjoy views of the 7,000 ft Stairway Icefall and the towering Mt. Blackburn peak.
Day 3-6: Wrangell - St. Elias Hiking adventures
3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners
The Wrangell – St. Elias park is one of North America’s most expansive remaining swaths of wilderness area. These rugged snow-covered peaks offer a backcountry paradise with glaciated valleys, clear alpine lakes, and high altitude tundra. The wildlife here is abundant and you get the sense that you truly are in their home. This trip gives backcountry enthusiasts a glimpse of this breathtaking alpine magic-land away from the crowds of more frequented camping destinations.
Set out on a bush plane with your guide to find the hidden and remote location that suits your preference and hiking level the best. Your guides are expert backpackers and very knowledgeable about the wilderness options throughout the vast park. Likewise, your pilots stem from three generations of bush pilot experience in this part of the world, and they know the area like their own backyard. Find your perfect wilderness "home" where you will set up camp for the next two nights, or longer if you prefer to extend your Alaska trip. Instead of carrying heavy packs, you set out each day with your daypacks and your guide towards the ridge or adventure that seems like the best match for the weather that day. This trip is customizable and perfect for the hikers who don’t need a set day-by-day itinerary but would rather be flexible for a personalized backpacking experience.
At the end of your Wrangell - St. Elias hiking experience, return to Kennicott, or extend your trip a day or two if you prefer more camping.
Day 7: Return Anchorage
Return to Anchorage today via charter plane. Travelers can choose to extend the trip with more time in this region for additional camping or a rafting tour.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,304
Notes
Select a Date
Rates based on private group of 2 throughout. Discounted rates for groups of 3 or more are available, please inquire.
Initial deposit is 35%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. Final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 147 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
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2 hours ago
A wonderful 9 day tour of beautiful Costa Rica taking in breath taking scenery including the active Arenal Volcano to the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio.
Adventure Life made a fantastic itinerary for us(we were a group of 4) Would highly reccomend them for getting it right!
Lovely hotels with breakfast included, bespoke trips in mostly private transfers, zip-lining and white water rafting adventures! This really was an amazing trip & one we will cherish forever!
Dawn Howes
6 hours ago
Mary Curry is very responsive to my emails and sends me the information I request very quickly.
Donna Benson
8 hours ago
We book a tour to Peru with them in May. Viewing from their website we didn’t realize that they are private tour company but after quoting the price, it seems reasonable for a private tour, let’s see how’s their service after our tour. The process of booking went smoothly except the payment part which need a bit of work. Need to improve better payment method and options.
LP
1 day ago
We have used Adventure Life Travel before and we where impressed with the outcome of their handling of our travel arrangements. So we are using them again on this vacation. Tilly has been very helpful and we put our complete confidence in her! We feel very comfortable using Adventure Life.
Jerry Hatley
1 day ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!