Guided Ice Climbing - Root Glacier

Interested in joining us for ice climbing in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park? Here’s what you can expect when you join us for a day of Ice Climbing on the Root Glacier!

Your day of climbing on the Root Glacier begins at our office in the historic mill town of Kennecott, Alaska. Here you will check-in with our friendly office staff before meeting your guide and the rest of your group. Once introduced to your guide, they will make sure you get all the technical gear you need – crampons, climbing boots, harness, helmet, rope, and ice tools. Before you leave for the day, they will make sure you have all of the essential items needed for a day of climbing on the glacier – please reference our Equipment List for more specifics.

From our office, your guide will lead your group down the main street of Kennecott, passing the red and white buildings that stand as a reminder of the highly successful copper mining operation that boomed here in the early 1900s. The main street gradually turns into the 2-mile glacier trail that was originally built as a wagon road to resupply the Erie Mine, six miles up the Root Glacier. The moderate trail has a few steep sections with loose rock, so make sure you have a good pair of hiking boots/shoes and a backpack to carry your gear.

As the trail descends towards the Root Glacier, you’ll notice that the air becomes slightly cooler and the vegetation will change dramatically. Once at the edge of the glacier, you and your guide will take a break to gear up with your harness, boots, and crampons. They’ll give a brief safety chat about how to walk while wearing crampons before you touch the ice for the first time! Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of your boots and help you grip onto the ice. As you hike onto the glacier, you’ll take in views of the 6,696 ft Donoho Peak and the mile-high Stairway Icefall! Before you make it to your climbing spot, you’ll likely pass serene blue pools, rushing waterfalls, and deep canyons.

Once at the wall, you’ll take a break while your guide sets up the anchor for your first few laps of climbing. They’ll begin by teaching you the basics before moving on to more advanced terrain. To truly put your skills to the test, you can even try climbing out of a moulin – a vertical hole that goes deep into the ice! Each trip is tailored to the group’s ability levels and goals. No matter what you accomplish during your day of climbing, our guides’ focus is always to facilitate a safe, fun, and supportive environment for you to learn! Make your trip to Alaska one you’ll never forget by joining us for a day of Ice Climbing!

• We will hike 5-6 miles.
• 4 miles are on an out-and-back trail to the glacier.
• The last 1/4 mile of the trail to the glacier is not maintained and may include steep exposed ice covered with loose rock.
• You will be in a mixed group with varying ability levels and ages (Disregard if you book a private tour).
• No previous climbing experience is necessary, but some physical fitness is required.
• We will go out rain or shine and are ready for this adventure!

Here in Alaska we’re faced with what we like to call “The Alaska Factor.” Alaska’s wild and untamed landscape offers us the opportunity to authentically explore true wilderness. Part of embracing the Alaska Factor is understanding that things may not always go as planned. Water levels might rise, snow might fall, glaciers might shift and move – the landscape is dynamic and unpredictable. That’s what makes Alaska, Alaska!

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.

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

Group trips have 5 guests to 1 guide, multiple tours can go out at once.

Private options are available and recommended for those with prior climbing experience! Simply select a private tour at checkout.

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