Erie Mine Hiking Trip

Guided

Duration: 8 hours

Wrangell – St. Elias National Park • McCarthy

Features

Kid Friendly

Locally Owned

Shuttle Included

Free Cancellation

Private

Instant Book

$200 Participant (2025)

(All ages • For experienced hikers with a good level of physical fitness)

Description

Guided Kennecott Hike - Erie Mine Full-Day Guided Hike

The Erie Mine Hike is one of the most demanding routes in the Kennecott area—perfect for experienced hikers looking for a rugged adventure. Built in the early 1900s, the Erie Mine bunkhouse still clings to the ridgeline over a century later, so striking that even flight tours detour for a glimpse.

Your journey begins on the Root Glacier Trail before veering off at an old landslide to begin the steep climb. From here, there’s no trail—just a remote, alpine route that demands careful navigation and a high level of fitness. The ascent features 2,500 feet of elevation gain in just one mile, with steep sidehill traverses and exposed rock scrambling.

This route is only recommended for sure-footed hikers with strong balance and prior experience scrambling in exposed terrain. The terrain is tough, but the reward is unmatched: an up-close look at one of Alaska’s most dramatic and isolated mining relics, with expansive views across Wrangell–St. Elias National Park.

Duration

Duration: 8 hours

Mileage: 10 miles round-trip

Season: Daily from June 15th – August 15th

Location / Where to Meet

Round-trip transportation to/from McCarthy-Kennecott is included. Pick-up time and location vary depending on your lodging location. Please reference your confirmation for specific details. If you're driving into McCarthy, meet at:

St. Elias Alpine Guides

12 Kennicott Millsite,
McCarthy, AK 99588, United States

Please note that Copper Center is a 3-4 hour drive and Glennallen is a 4-5 hour drive away from McCarthy/Kennecott.

Ages & Requirements

All ages are welcome! Please keep in mind that there are uneven trail surfaces, steep trail, and loose rock. All participants must be able to navigate independently. A hands-free carrier is required for those 2 and under. As this is a full-day private tour, it can be customized for your group, but please consider your kids' endurance and capabilities.

What's Included

Experienced and knowledgeable guide
Round-trip transportation to and from Kennecott
Private tour for you and your group
Helmets

Not Included

Gratuity
Personal gear
Lunch or snacks (snack packs are available for purchase at checkout).

What to Bring / Wear

Rain Gear – Both jacket and pants!
Extra layers – Warm sweater and/or jacket
Hat and Light Gloves
Sunglasses, Sunscreen, and Bug Spray
Hiking Boots with ankle support or other sturdy walking shoes.
Trekking Poles
Lunch, Snacks, and Plenty of Water
Camera/Phone to Take Pictures!
Backpack – Please make sure it is big enough to carry your extra layers, lunch, snacks, and water.

Once you book your trip, you’ll receive a confirmation with all the information you need!

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY St. Elias Alpine Guides

FAQs

What is the Footbridge?

The towns of McCarthy and Kennecott are closed to outside vehicle traffic, and the Footbridge is the only way for visitors to enter the area. The Footbridge is a pedestrian bridge that crosses over the Kennicott River and is located at the end of the McCarthy Road.

You can pay to park your car at the Base Camp Kennicott Campground at the end of the McCarthy Road. To access the towns of McCarthy and Kennecott, you’ll want to cross the Footbridge. Once on the other side, there are a few different ways to get to where you need to go:

If you need to get to your lodging, check with your lodging host to arrange a pick-up with them.
If you need to get around the area for the day, there is a local shuttle service that provides rides up to Kennecott at a cost. However, you can always ride your bike or walk the ½ mile to McCarthy or the 5 miles to Kennecott. There are no bike rentals available in the area.

How strenuous is the Erie Mine Hiking Trip?

This is a very strenuous and technical 10-mile round-trip hike with 2,500 feet of elevation gain over just 1 mile. There is no established trail for most of the route. Expect steep sidehill traverses, exposed rock scrambling, and variable terrain that requires excellent balance and confidence in rugged alpine environments. We will go out rain or shine! This trip is recommended only for experienced, sure-footed hikers with previous exposure to technical or off-trail alpine hiking. As a private tour, it is open to all ages—but not recommended for beginners.

Should I tip my guide?

Tipping is customary in the guiding industry and always appreciated. While our guides are paid professionals, gratuities help make guiding a sustainable career. A good guideline is 10–20% of the trip cost—typically $10–$35 per person for day trips, and 10–20% of the total cost given at the end for multi-day trips. Tips can be given in cash, via Venmo, or by card. If your trip includes a flight, please tip your pilot separately, as any pre-tips go directly to your guide.

Where is Wrangell - St. Elias National Park?

WSENP is located in Southeast-Central Alaska, about 300mi East of Anchorage and on the Canadian border.

Should I bring a lunch? What does the snack pack include?

Yes, you do need to bring your own lunch.

You’re welcome to reserve a Snack Pack or purchase one at our office. Due to item availability (and the remote nature of McCarthy), substitutions may occur. They typically include:

Nuts
Beef jerky
Granola bar
Candy bar
Fruit snacks
Fruit leather
Rice Krispie Treat
Snack crackers

Cancellation Policy

Your payment is fully refundable up to 48 hours prior to the start of the trip. If anything comes up prior to that time, call or email us to cancel your reservation for a full refund. Within 48 hours, there is no refund for cancellations. No-shows will be charged the full price. In the rare event that we have to cancel a trip due to dangerous conditions, you will be notified and receive a full refund.