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.
What's Included
- Crampons
- Lunch
- Personal Hiking Gear (Extra layers, rain gear, sunglasses, gloves, backpack, etc.)
Meeting and Pickup
This tour begins at our office in Kennecott. Because there is no outside vehicle traffic allowed in the towns of McCarthy and Kennecott, we provide transportation for those staying in McCarthy. We will contact you to confirm the exact meeting instructions to ensure you make it to the start of your tour on time.Your pick-up time and location will vary depending on where you are staying in the area. Shortly after you book a tour with us, we will reach out to confirm your specific meeting instructions. Please thoroughly read through the instructions to make it to your meeting location on time. Since there is a 5-mile drive from McCarthy to Kennecott, we typically ask that you meet us 30 minutes before the tour start. Please keep an eye out for the message we will send you shortly after you book this tour! Reach out to us directly if you do not receive follow-up meeting instructions.Those staying in Kennecott can meet us at our office at their tour time. We are one of the first buildings in Kennecott, right beside the National Park Service's Visitor Center.Please note that we do not provide transportation for those staying outside of McCarthy (i.e. Chitina, Copper Center, or Glennallen). Contact us directly if you have any questions! Logistics in our area can be a bit confusing, and no question is too small. :)
12 Kennicott Millsite
McCarthy, AK 99588, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Explore the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and walk on the Root Glacier with a knowledgeable guide! From glacial waterfalls to canyons of ice, your guide can navigate you to the best views and features! This ever-changing glacier is full of dramatic features and surrounded by an equally dramatic landscape!
After you check in at our office, you'll meet your guide and the rest of your group. Before you hit the trail, your guide will get you outfitted with crampons and make sure you have all the gear noted on the equipment list you receive in your confirmation. From our office, you'll begin an interpretive 2-mile hike to the glacier. Once at the glacier’s edge, you’ll strap on your crampons and step foot on the ice for the first time! Get ready to hear the crunch of ice under your feet as you make your way onto the glacier to behold the stunning 7,000-foot Stairway Icefall! Along the way, your guide will explain the forces that have shaped the landscape you’re seeing and give you plenty of time to take pictures.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- Specialized infant seats are available
- A hands free carrier is required for children 2 or under.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Half-Day Glacier Hike?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-454777P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.94 out of 5 stars based on 17 traveler reviews collected by Key West Private Charters and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Key West Private Charters customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKST).
- Crampons.
- Lunch.
- Personal Hiking Gear (Extra layers, rain gear, sunglasses, gloves, backpack, etc.).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Half-Day Glacier Hike is as follows:
- 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
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Half-Day Glacier Hike will be included in your confirmation email from Key West Private Charters. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Crampons
- Lunch
- Personal Hiking Gear (Extra layers, rain gear, sunglasses, gloves, backpack, etc.)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- Specialized infant seats are available
- A hands free carrier is required for children 2 or under.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
