5,000+ Handpicked Adventures 4.8 Avg Across 185K Reviews Book Direct With Local Experts Every Booking Funds Conservation

5K+ Adventures 4.8 Avg Eco-Funded

Adventure, Curated

Explore 5,000+ human-powered experiences — handpicked outdoor adventures for all skill levels with max stoke, zero hassle.

Local Legends, Real Reviews

We partner with the best in the business — trusted local outfitters and guides who know the trails, tides, and terrain. Backed by 185,000+ reviews, averaging 4.8⭐

Book Direct, Best Price Guarantee

Get the best price, availability, and flexibility you need by booking directly with the outfitter or guide.

Protect What You Love

Your adventure gives back. Every booking supports conservation and keeps wild places wild.

Kennicott Glacier Private Ice Cave Exploration

Guided ·

4.9

(938)

McCarthy• Wrangell – St. Elias National Park

Locally Owned

Shuttle Included

Free Cancellation

Private

Instant Book

Duration: 6 hours

Pricing

Private Group

Description

Kennicott Glacier Ice Caving - Wrangell - St. Elias National Park

Under the edge of the Kennicott Glacier is a world that few get to see and experience. Explore along the edge of this 24-mile-long glacier and crawl beneath the surface where you’ll see glowing blue walls of ice and light seeping through cracks and holes! To get there, you’ll cross over loose rock, shifting mud, and rushing and dripping water. This trip is challenging, but the reward is well worth it! And the pictures and memories will last you a lifetime.

This trip is only for sure-footed people who don’t mind getting wet and dirty! The way down to the caves is steep over loose rock. At the entrance, there is often rushing water and falling rock (we loan you a helmet). Once inside the caves, you lose daylight (we loan you a headlamp) and there is rock, mud, and water rushing over the ground and water dripping down from above you. This trip is not recommended for those who experience claustrophobia. Travel between caves (if multiple are accessible) requires traversing over loose rocks and crossing creeks.

Your guide is there to lend you a hand over the unstable terrain and to give you words of encouragement along the way, but please note that this is an extremely challenging trip. Because of the challenging nature of this trip, we strongly encourage you to assess everyone in your group to make sure this is the right trip for them. For those who are ready to brave the caves, it will be the experience of a lifetime!

Duration

Duration: 5-6 hours
Mileage: 3-5 miles
Season: Daily from June 15th – August 15th, 2025 (condition dependent)

Location / Where to Meet

Round-trip transportation to/from McCarthy 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

This is a strenuous trip that poses a challenge even to experienced hikers. Be prepared for steep loose rock, falling rock, small dark spaces, and creek crossings.
This trip is not recommended for those 8 or under; for children over age 8, please consider your kid’s capabilities!

What's Included

Experienced and knowledgeable guide
Helmet and headlamp
Roundtrip transportation to and from Kennecott!
Private tour for you and your group

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 and Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Hiking Boots with ankle support or other sturdy walking shoes.
Trekking Poles can be helpful on some portions of the trail, but your guide may ask you to put them away once in the cave. If you choose to bring poles, please make sure they are collapsible and can be easily stored away.
Lunch, Snacks, and a Water Bottle
Camera/Phone to Take Pictures!
Backpack – Please make sure it is big enough to carry your extra layers, lunch, water, and the helmet we loan you!

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

Ice Caving in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY St. Elias Alpine Guides

FAQs

How challenging is this trip?

This is a strenuous hike that goes off-trail over extremely steep loose rock. Even experienced hikers find this trip difficult. You may need to cross creeks and enter small dark spaces with dripping water and falling rocks. You will likely get wet and dirty on this trip. This is not recommended for those who experience claustrophobia, are unstable on their feet, or are afraid of heights. By reserving this trip, you understand that you will not be issued a refund if your group is physically unable to make it to the caves.

What does condition-dependent mean?

Condition-dependent means we may need to cancel last minute due to unsafe conditions. The ice caves are subject to collapsing or unexpected flooding, making the conditions extremely variable. If we need to cancel due to unsafe conditions, you will receive a full refund.

Do we hike on top of the glacier too?

This tour only takes you below the glacier’s surface. If you are interested in exploring the white ice of the glacier from above, check out our Half-Day Glacier Hike, Full-Day Glacier Hike, or Ice Climbing Trips!

The "Alaska Factor" - Expect the Unexpected

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!

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.

How large are the groups?

This private trip can accommodate a maximum 6 guests to 1 guide per trip.

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.