Alaska Backpacking Trips

When we picture the perfect setting for a base camp or backpacking trip, the alpine tundra of Skolai Pass is right at the top. To the south, this remote valley is flanked by the exotic Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier with its seven icy tongues. To the north, the mighty Frederika Glacier lumbers down towards Skolai Valley. To the east, lofty Chitistone Pass is cloaked in wildflowers, dotted with pristine alpine lakes. All of our favorite elements of Alaska rolled into one great location.

If you want to get out and experience a bit of backpacking in Alaska but don't have time for one of our longer expeditions, this overnight adventure is perfect for you! An extended version of our popular full-day glacier hike, this overnight adventure gives you two full days to explore the crevasses and ice caves of the Root Glacier, as well as the tundra covered slopes of Donoho Peak. A great taste of backpacking the Wrangells in a "small-sampler-size"!

Come experience the wild beauty of Alaska while backpacking with us on the Glacier and Tundra Exploration trip. The Wrangell St. Elias is home to massive glaciers, lofty mountain peaks, and lush, tundra-carpeted valleys. This trip gives you a great sampling of the variety of terrain found in the park as you travel through one of its most breathtaking glacial valleys.

If you’re looking for a shorter trek, but still want to experience the deep backcountry of the Wrangell St. Elias National Park, our Upper Chitistone Goat Trail trek is for you! Located in the heart of the Wrangell St. Elias National Park, the route thru Chitistone Canyon offers some of the most spectacular backpacking in Alaska, if not the world.

The Donoho Peak Wilderness Exploration is an excellent introduction to the rugged terrain and supreme natural beauty found in Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Since the trip departs from our doorstep, we’re able to offer the trip at a very affordable rate.

The High Pass Odyssey is a classic Wrangell Mountain backpacking trip. Glacial crossings, spectacular views, and high alpine tundra are just a few of the highlights. Starting at the beautiful iceberg-filled Nizina Lake, this route crosses the Nizina Glacier, and climbs up towards a high pass, offering splendid views of the Wrangells. It ends in the high expansive tundra of Skolai pass, full of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Offering pleasant tundra hiking, views up toward the broad summit of Mt. Wrangell, and a fantastic day hike to a thundering waterfall, Wrangell Plateau is the ideal location for a basecamp mini-backpacking trip!

Traversing some of the most stunning terrain in the Wrangell St. Elias National Park, the Kennecott to the Lakina River Trek gives backpackers a healthy helping of wild Alaska. The route crosses lumbering glaciers, high passes, and pristine alpine tundra as you make your way from the historic copper mining town of Kennecott to a remote landing strip on the Lakina River.

If you're looking for a longer trek through an incredible variety of stunning Alaskan terrain, this trip is for you. Starting at the site of the historic Bremner gold mine in the Chugach Mountains, this route ascends high passes, crosses lush tundra, and winds across massive glaciers on its way to breathtaking Iceberg Lake. The diversity and expansiveness of the terrain provides a worthy challenge and will keep even seasoned backpackers intrigued. Some backpacking experience is recommended and strong physical condition is a must.

To truly experience the remote, rugged beauty of the Chugach Mountains, there's no better way than his 6-day loop trek. With lots of glacial travel, this route has only moderate elevation gain, so you can explore the alpine at a comfortable pace, without being out of breath. Bring your camera to capture the tall, gothic spires of the Chugach Mountains surrounding by immense flowing rivers of ice.

Scramble from peak-to-peak on this bush-plane accessed, rugged backpacking/alpine scrambling trip. Enjoy endless views of high alpine valleys and glaciers from the summit of rugged 6,000 to 7,000 foot peaks on this one-of-a-kind adventure!

This seminar is perfect for those who are planning to backpack through the Alaskan backcountry without a guide, but would like instruction in glacier travel, stream crossings, bear safety, and navigation. Schedule this seminar the day before you leave on your trip, and then tackle the Wrangell-St. Elias backcountry with confidence. Spend a day with a guide and receive expert instruction!