— Root Glacier Overnight Adventure —

The Details

Trip Length: 2 Days
Rates:
- Private Solo – $1300
- Private 2 Participant – $725/person
- Private Group (3-8 Participants) – $550/person
Difficulty: Moderate
Total Mileage: 10-30mi
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,000-5,000ft
(This trip is highly customizable with many route options to choose from.)
Trip Itinerary / Download PDF
Equipment List
Photo Gallery

My trip in Alaska had been so wonderful that I have a lot of energy to restart working... The hike was one of my greatest experience I ever had. The longest, the most difficult and a discovery of an environment new for me. Personally I Read More >

Patrick A Backpacking Wrangell-St. Elias

One of my enduring memories is the vastness and magnificence of the landscape. I can also report that we did not see another person during our trek... This is a seriously beautiful place... I feel privileged to have been guided by [St Elias Alpine Guides]. Read More >

Tiernan O Backpacking Seven Pass Route

Having been to Alaska once previously on a family trip, I looked forward to experiencing the remoteness, vastness, and beauty of the Alaskan wilderness that lies beyond the usual tourist routes. Wrangell-St. Elias NP is, in my experience, one of the best places to find Read More >

Tom W Backpacking Iceberg Lake Basecamp 2009

St. Elias Alpine Guides matched us to the perfect tours to help us experience the splendor and majesty of the Wrangell-St. Elias glaciers. Our guide was experienced and knowledgeable. A once in a lifetime adventure - it was the highlight of our Alaska experience.

Gail M Glacier Hike Glacier Hike 2013

We came for the mountain views, but were rewarded with so much more. Our trip to Wrangell/St. Elias National Park was a glorious two weeks in one of the most inspiring places left in the U.S. Remote, wild and breathtaking, this park captivated us with Read More >

Margaret R Backpacking Backpacking Trip 2012

I have done hiking and trekking trips all over the world (Indonesia, Central America, Peru, Micronesia, the French Alps, east Africa), and never have I encountered a wilderness as rugged and spectacularly beautiful as that in Chitistone Canyon. Along the trek, the scenery changes from Read More >

Lisanne P Backpacking Upper Goat Trail 2012

McCarthy and the St. Elias Alpine Guides are an absolute gem! The area is so wild and beautiful, and yet they are a pretty large and organized group with the experience to provide all sorts of adventures. We have been hiking in New Zealand, Patagonia, Read More >

Grant and Melissa S Hiking Iceberg Lake Basecamp 2017

Camping & Glacier Exploration

If you want to get out and experience the grandeur of an Alaskan backpacking trip in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, but simply don’t have time for a longer trip – or perhaps it’s your first trip and you’d prefer a shorter outing – this overnight adventure is perfect for you!

The majestic Kennicott valley is a great introduction to hiking and backpacking in the Alaska backcountry. An extended version of our popular full-day glacier hikes, this overnight trip allows two full days to explore the glacier and its surrounds, as well as a night under the stars…or midnight sun, or northern lights, depending on the time of year!

Trip Highlights:

Flexible itinerary and route can include exploring Donoho Basin, climbing Mt. Donoho, jumping in a blue pool, or exploring the fins, cracks, caves and crevasses of the Root Glacier!
Only Custom Private trips so each itinerary and route is tailored to your abilities, goals, and desires!
Ice climbing add-on available!

What’s Included?

Professional guide(s) – 4:1 ratio
All the food on the trip
Group gear (bear canisters, cookware, fuel, tents*)
Crampons!

*We recommend that you bring your own tent, if possible.

What’s not Included?

Gratuities
Personal camping and hiking gear (see Equipment List)
Logistics surrounding your trip

Logistics

You’ll need to be in McCarthy the day before your trip begins for an Orientation and Gear Shakedown. You’ll meet your guide, grab group gear and make sure you are fully prepared to go into the backcountry. Please account for a full day for travel both to and from McCarthy and the next Alaskan destination.

Check out our Transportation Page to learn how to get to and from McCarthy.
Check out our Lodging Page for lodging recommendations in the area.
Contact us if you have questions about logistics.

Some people arrive in McCarthy the day before the trip and leave the day after the trip, but some like to come to McCarthy a little earlier or stay a couple of days later to join us for a Day Trip or rest up and enjoy the quiet town. We don’t recommend leaving McCarthy on the last day of your trip as this usually cuts significantly into your backcountry time.