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Half-Day Glacier Hike

New To The Site! McCarthy, USA
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from $127 per person

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5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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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.)
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

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. :)

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Meeting point

Kennicott Millsite
McCarthy, AK 99588, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

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
  • 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

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Half-Day Glacier Hike?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. 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). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-454777P2


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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Alaska customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Half-Day Glacier Hike?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • 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).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Crampons.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • Personal Hiking Gear (Extra layers, rain gear, sunglasses, gloves, backpack, etc.).
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

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 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There 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 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If 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 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility 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
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

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 Cool Alaska. 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 2024

What's Included

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  • Crampons
  • Lunch
  • Personal Hiking Gear (Extra layers, rain gear, sunglasses, gloves, backpack, etc.)

Additional Info

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  • 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

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • 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).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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