Group hikes leave at 9:30 am. I believe I could almost smell and taste it… You guys just bent the needle on the awesometer! They are the ones that encouraged us to go and had us feeling confident we could make the drive. You Guys Made It Out Alive! The trail will soon cross over Bonanza Creek and then wind its way through … St. Elias Alpine Guides: Glacier Hike - See 770 traveler reviews, 559 candid photos, and great deals for McCarthy, AK, at Tripadvisor. To get to the Root Glacier trail [pdf], you can take a van from the footbridge or McCarthy to Kennecott for $5. I really enjoyed reading and watching all about your trip. On this glacier hike day tour out of Kennicott-McCarthy, enjoy all the benefits of the half day hike but with additional time to explore the Root Glacier‘s dynamic features. Optional trips are available with St. Elias Alpine Guides, located across the street from the lodge on Main Street in Kennicott…which is five miles up the hill from McCarthy. Best way to know road conditions and such is by calling the Wrangle St Elias visitors center. Kennicott and Root Glacier hikes out of McCarthy, Alaska. This area has been home to St. Elias Alpine Guides for 40 years. The emotions you displayed while describing your adventure was one I remember from 5 years ago when I took our oldest daughter to McCarthy Alaska for a dad daughter getaway after she graduated high school. Don’t forget to check out the town of McCarthy when you make your way back. LOL. This item has been added to your cart. Curious Minion. Very memorable experience for them all. Secure your must-do activities without being locked in. McCarthy Road, Kennicot Mine, Root Glacier & Erie Mine Trail [Wrangell-St.Elias National Park] Gletscher hautnah Wir planen von Haus aus, die Strecke von McCarthy zur Kennecot/Kennicot Mine mit den Cross Bikes zurückzulegen. The listed price does not include a 3%-person departure tax, payable at time of tour check-in. Our kids are used to hiking up to 8 miles in one day–we do a lot of hiking! (We will be there for the month of June.) My brother and I went up to get jobs on the building of the pipeline. The world of moulons, pressure ridges, blue water pools, and mysterious ice formations with backdrops of the Stairway Icefall & Donoho peak make for awesome yoga photos! When I asked the Campground owner about where to eat he replied with “You can’t go wrong here.”  Apparently this little town attracts famous chefs from around the world and we’ll have to agree since each of our food experiences were nearly perfect. As always, well done. Also is there any other good sites to help refrences/ get info for the cost of the hikes you took while in mccarthy? It’s definitely one of my favorite glaciers to visit in Alaska. When are WE going back??? Over Labor Day weekend 2017, we took a road trip to The Edge of Alaska, aka McCarthy, Alaska. 907.795.5252. On our way up the Richardson Highway, after our fishing adventures in Valdez, we decided to hang a right at mile marker 82.6 and onto the Edgerton Highway towards Chitina and the USA’s largest National Park: Wrangell – St. Elias. About the time you think that you have seen Alaska, you head down another road or trail and BAM you are met with another facet of Alaska. About a half-mile beyond the visitor center, the road will split. Take a day to venture out on to the Root Glacier, near Kennicott, Wrangell – St. Elias National Park, and spend the day hiking and exploring this fascinating glacier. McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters - Day Tours: Half-Day Glacier Hike - See 202 traveler reviews, 139 candid photos, and great deals for McCarthy, AK, at Tripadvisor. Getting more excited everyday to get to AK. Half-day hikes begin with a walk down the old wagon road to the glacier. Hike up the mountain to the Bonanza or the Jumbo Mines – about 9 to 10 miles roundtrip and a 4,000ft elevation change. Thanks and I really hope you get out to see it for yourself! Bear was super tuckered out and sat on the glacier and took a … Full-Day Glacier Hike Spend a full day on the Root Glacier exploring features such as crevasses, blue pools, canyons, waterfalls, moulins and caves. What a fun video and pictures!! There are many different tour options for a glacier hike in Iceland. Base Camp Root Glacier. We arrived in McCarthy a day earlier and stayed at McCarthy Bed and Breakfast. This tiny town is the most famous place you’ve never heard of! St. Elias Alpine Guides: Glacier Hike - See 765 traveller reviews, 544 candid photos, and great deals for McCarthy, AK, at Tripadvisor. 61.490866, -144.458805 It’s one of two large pull-outs just off the road. I just bought a Class A diesel and will be full-timing it from now on so I’m taking notes from your adventures…thanks for sharing! Was there plenty of space to stay? Well you can, it just depends on how much you’re willing to put up with to get there. My favorites are the glacier hike up on the Root Glacier (they have crampons and all the gear). You guys are so lucky to spend your time on such adventures. Ever. 2 reviews of Root Glacier Trail "This hike is the reason you come to McCarthy, in my opinion. Hike to where Donoho Falls pours under the cracking edge of the glacier and/or explore the Jumbo Creek ice cave, where you will be surrounded by blue ice. The abandoned Kennecott Mines are designated a National Historic Landmark and were only acquired by the National Park Service in 1998. I can’t believe you made it to McCarthy. I am so glad you made the trip to Chitina and McCarthy. I enjoy all of your videos. Root is now on my Bucket List. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Love you videos, keep up the good work. We did the 5 day glacier and tundra hike where they dropped us off, by bush plane, and we had to hike back to Kennicott with our guide. This was the best adventure yet. Talk to the local businesses or visitor center to see if you can leave your tow car behind, if you’re heading down to the end of the McCarthy Road you won’t need it. August 31, 2015 May 22, 2016 Andrew & Allison Alaska, Wrangell St. Elias National Park. St. Elias Alpine Guides: Amazing glacier hike! Thanks for the “suitable for framing” We are marking all of your hot spots for our 6-week RV trip! Otherwise, you’re really in for something special when you hike to Root Glacier. Day 55 McCarthy Day 2 (Root Glacier hike) It rained most of the night and was still drizzling a little when we woke up this morning. I mainly plan on just tent camping and hiking a few different spots while I’m there. *Up to 9 days depending on the booking/product. Alpinists hike through Alaskan glacier in breathtaking footage November 30, 2020, 12:02 PM Imagine taking a morning stroll through this beautiful natural wonder trips@trekalaska.com. I know you guys had a fabulous time! next summer. As if nearly perfect pizza wasn’t enough it’s BYOB which makes the experience even better! Private hikes leave whenever you want! This post covers how to get there, where to stay, visiting the Kennicott Mine, and the hike to the Root Glacier and the ice Caves. Instead I’d like to direct your attention to the video below, it’ll sum up everything I can say and more, I hope you enjoy it. This trail winds alongside the Kennicott and Root Glaciers, and hiking it is a great opportunity to experience the grandeur of the Wrangell Mountains and see more of the valley. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Meatza Wagon – We swung by for a quick street taco appetizer after our hike because we were absolutely staving and we had 30 minutes to kill before our bus pickup. Hike on Root Glacier with a guide and small group on a four-hour trip that departs from a 1930s-era copper mine in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Good that you saw it while you could. Yes the road is a little rough.but the sights and many views are worth the trip..My son and I saw a bear crossing the road and other animals.he and I walked up to the glacier. Juni 2020 um 08:04 Uhr bearbeitet. June 5-9, 2019 & June 4-8th, 2020. We don’t watch the TV show (or much tv at all) so I wouldn’t have known even if we did run into one of them. Home; Our Trips. Or, if you are looking for an in-town stroll, take the Wagon Road Trail which connects McCarthy and Kennicott via a 1.5 hour walk. Thanks and well done! We hike 2 miles on a maintained trail before getting onto the glacier and exploring this massive river of ice. Alaska’s glacier hiking and climbing adventures are designed for a variety of interest and experience levels. From the Kennecott Visitor Center, walk through the Kennecott Mill Town, north towards the Root Glacier. Thank God he made it!! Immerse yourself in the natural landscape of Kennicott Valley on a private hike to Root Glacier, offered at a range of departure times for your convenience. Drive safely! Getting to Root Glacier. It is open and well worth a nice long visit! Looks like my decision has been made! We’ll be making our 6th trip up this way in 2017. Welcome back to the lower 48. This is my favorite so far. Love Alaska it has a natural awe inspiring Terran Thanks for sharing!! We ran out of time to really have a chance to enjoy the glacier. https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/glacier-hike-mccarthy-alaska . The road to McCarthy Alaska is not one that's recommended for RVs to travel, but we said screw it and came anyway. It covers two miles one way on an established trail with some loose rocks and glacial mud. The WHO is closely monitoring the coronavirus and more information can be found. To be able to walk on a glacier, that is some kind of special. Home; Our Trips. Great part of the video when Jason had to run to catch up. You can access the trail both from The pizza coming off this bus has got to be some of the best pizza in all of Alaska. My wife on the other hand would freak out. How fortunate are we got to tag along and have our memories captured by your cameras. The guided Kennicott Half-Day Root Glacier Hike takes four to five hours. It's a great starting point, whether you have only a few hours or are planning a multi-day glacier and mountain adventure. My wife, Carole, and I just started out on the road 4 monthhs ago in our 1973 Dodge Explorer. Today, in McCarthy, you can wander around to explore the old buildings like the Powerhouse or enjoy time at the McCarthy-Kennicott Historical Museum. This is the largest area in the United States protected by the National Park Service and it’s a stunning landscape carved by volcanoes and glaciers. glacier. If it’s been awhile since they’ve graded it, it will be 60 miles of pot holes and washboard and you’re looking at a trip of several hours. You have given an entirely different perspective of the area than the tv show – thank you! We had the same emotional faces you displayed throughout our adventure. After the short but magnificent flight into the Kennicott Valley, visitors either join up with a guide to hike on the blue-and-white Root Glacier or explore the historic frontier town of McCarthy and participate in a guided tour of the abandoned Kennecott company town and mill building. Explore America’s largest National Park between yoga classes. The shuttle will meet you in McCarthy area at 9:00 for the 9:30 hike. The road is infrequently graded. Glad to see Kennicott has reopened as if was closed that summer, or so we were told. Fan Glacier trip is a great early season trip when other areas are still snowed in. Wrangell St. Elias National Park & Preserve surrounds historic McCarthy, Alaska. Apparently the old railway tunnels approximately 4 miles past the end of O’Brien Creek Road is the dip-netting hot spot, but it’s only accessible by quads, side-by-side or any other small off road vehicle. Building An Electric Boat In South Africa? If we purchase crampons beforehand (based on your recommendation), think the kids would be safe?–so long as we stayed away from gaping holes of course! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. My question though is which spot is the closest for camping in comparison to where you took the glacier hike? McCarthy and Kennicott, Alaska are known for the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the historic mines in Kennicott, and there is so much to explore! Me and my wife will love to visit AK some day…Specially that area; So we love nature, hiking, traveling, meet with “new” people, know places and also make new friends, >>>Greetings from Miami..!!<<<<. McCarthy Hike & Paddle Basecamp. Well studied in glaciology and geology, your guide will bring you on an adventure that is much more than just hiking. You can access the trail both from Thank you so much for sharing this and all your adventures. You must of had a blast. If you only went as far as the parking lot, you would see the most wonderful sight you could possible see. We drove our Navion up to Alaska in 2012 but barely scratched the surface. I printed this and your other entry on McCarthy out for my mom who lives there and she loved it! We're here for you, so the journey will be tailored … Half-Day Glacier Hike. The McCarthy to Kennecot shuttle is $10 1 way or $15 for two tickets. It was $20 a night and the prettiest parking lot we’ve ever stayed in! Oh, thanks for the tip about the cellphone booster in your gadgets video. We were warned by numerous people NOT to drive our RV down this road “It’s the WORST road in Alaska” so naturally we say “challenge accepted” and we eagerly begin the adventure…you know…for testing purposes. From here, take the shuttle, walk, or ride a bike the remaining 4.5 miles to Kennecott. Take a day to venture out on to the Root Glacier, near Kennicott, Wrangell – St. Elias National Park, and spend the day hiking and exploring this fascinating glacier. Knowing the risks as an adult is one thing and it is important to understand ice/glacier safety (which you can ask about when renting crampons). I could recognize some of the landmarks. McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters - Day Tours: Root Glacier Hike, McCarthy Alaska - See 200 traveler reviews, 138 candid photos, and great deals for McCarthy, AK, at Tripadvisor. Great video as always Wynn’s Love the greeting at the end. There are many different tour options for a glacier hike in Iceland. Yay! I too am curious as to what the note said. Where: This trip leaves from the KWG office, which is located on main street Kennicott, across from the Kennicott Glacier Lodge. Thanks for sharing! Alan & Angele, How amazingly beautiful was that hike! We are planning Alaska for 2016.. we are seniors in fairly good health. Of course there’s plenty of Alaska beer on tap too. Now all I need is an RV! Hiking on a glacier was insane! Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers. Are you or did you go to Haines, AK! (Yes, it is much quicker for her to read a blog post via snail mail from the twice a week mail plane than for her to get internet) She said she was impressed and that you really had the McCarthy experience. Get the app Root Glacier Trail ... (eg. You’ll need to park before the footbridge, then walk across the bridge. Kennicott and Root Glacier hikes out of McCarthy, Alaska. We spent the first summer just exploring that wonderful state. You can see a massive icefall in the distance as well as the towering Wrangle Mountains. I have been following all your Alaska post and this one is awesome. Totally adding this to my trip. It’s actually what made me decide to start planning my own trip here. Join us for an exciting half day Glacier Hike adventure of the Root Glacier in Kennecott, Alaska. I always wanted to see a glacier up close…Thanks for taking me with you…It was so much better than I imagined!!! Whew Deborah…that is a loaded comment! Confirmation will be received at time of booking. Over Labor Day weekend 2017, we took a road trip to The Edge of Alaska, aka McCarthy, Alaska. I am so immensely impressed you guys made it down the McCarthy road in your rig! Is it noticeably more expensive than little towns in the Lower 48? First off thank you for taking the time to write and we absolutely love making people quit their jobs Now get out there and have a blast, I hope we cross paths one day. One alternative is to drive only your pickup and stay at either Glacier Lodge in Kennicott or McCarthy cabins, and it looks like there are a few airbnbs there as well. Both packages include lunch and transportation. McCarthy/Kennicott Part III: Glacier Hiking on the Kennicott Root Glacier. You and your guide may decide to head up the glacier … So inspiring . Fantastic video Beautiful sites but what was on the note? First enjoy a spectacular half-day hike on the Root Glacier, searching for deep crevasses, shimmering blue pools and waterfalls. It’s totally worth it though! It’s awesome of you both to put in all the work to share it with all us envious followers! I too work online and travel often. Quickly access bookings. On weekends, and while the salmon are running, this spot can get pretty busy but all the people we met here were extremely friendly…even though they weren’t catching. I get the same emotions thinking back on it now and know you will do the same. . I will go back next summer because I can not get the sight of the glacier and the surrounding area out of my thoughts. Thanks for the insite and help! When you reach the glacier, you will strap on mountaineering crampons so you can safely walk out onto the ice. Awe, that is the best compliment! I love this video. McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters - Day Tours, McCarthy Picture: Hike to Root Glacier - Check out Tripadvisor members' 1,119 candid photos and videos. The views of the Kennicott Glacier, Chitina River Valley and the Wrangell and Chugach Mountains are awe-inspiring. Your guides “insider” knowledge will help to illuminate the stories that once unfolded here. 2 years a goose flew up to Alaska and rented a motorhome for 2 weeks. Her only quip is that it is *possible* to not enter on foot, by atv or motorcycle too, though not often publicized The bollard stories in Pilgrim’s Wilderness give more details on that! God bless you both and be safe. It looks incredible! It looks like the food and drinks were pretty good too. There were Hugh chunks of ice that flowed down the river.. McCarthy Creek (pdf format 362 KB) Take a day hike and explore a riverside trail. The terrain here is absolutely spectacular, we could have spent weeks exploring just this tiny portion of the park. Hiking on a glacier was one of our most anticipated experiences in Iceland. Maybe you could include a small map with the pictures showing where you were with a little more detail. Whether you hike Root Glacier without a guide or not you can park RVs and tents at Root Glacier base camp near the parking lot and footbridge. Wow this is stunning, so glad I found your article. There are so many places to camp in AK and many are free. WOW. https://www.tripoto.com/trip/alaska-with-friends-567243187f6b1, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr1GPmQJr_4. I need to get back there soon It’s really nice in the summer and let me tell you, it could be 20 below and you’d be too excited to be cold when standing on that glacier. Lots of ridge walking and glacier hiking. I would have loved to see it in person but the salmon weren’t running so the area we could easily access was literally empty. We'll reserve your spot today, and you can cancel up to two days* before your experience without making a payment. That’s a very PC answer. On this day tour out of Kennicott-McCarthy, experience the best of Kennicott with this hiking and sightseeing combination tour! Learn more about cancellations. If hiking one of them is on your bucket list, here’s how to cross it off while you still can. Thanks in advance, - See 769 traveler reviews, 546 candid photos, and great deals for McCarthy, AK, at Tripadvisor. Tell us what you think in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you. Dates Visited – July 8 – July 13, 2015 I put heavy duty suspension on the 5th wheel for dirt road travel and very good tires. Hopefully I won’t be too old to make the hike by then. Booking a private tour ensures an intimate experience and the full attention of your guide, who tailors the hike to your needs. It was fun to see Singa and Cleo waiting for you at the door!! Jason, great shot but wow that looked scary. This might be the post that gets my husband in an rv in Alaska, sooner rather than later! 2 reviews of Root Glacier Trail "This hike is the reason you come to McCarthy, in my opinion. The park contains several active volcanoes, the world’s longest valley glacier, the 2nd tallest peak in North America and the parks borders are larger than the country of Switzerland. We planned for two nights at Kennicott Glacier Lodge. When you looked into the camera and said how this adventure was one of the best, I could almost feel the emotional experience you all were having. Our glacier hike begins in historic Kennecott where your guide explains the buildings and history of the purest copper ever found on Earth. I doubt it was colder on the ice than 30-40 and that was in the evening. I’m pulling a 35′ 5th wheel with my F350. Road Conditions – The road is only 59 miles long, most of it is dirt and it follows the railbed of the old Copper River & Northwestern Railway. You and your guide may decide to head up the glacier towards the massive 7,000 Stairway Icefall. It’s definitely one of my favorite glaciers to visit in Alaska. Please refresh the page or try again later. Daredevil photography and all! (See Packrafting Trips) So we’ll fly back to McCarthy, enjoy a hot breakfast at the Lodge, grab a shower, and spend the afternoon either lazing around McCarthy, or we can shuttle up to Kennecott, where we can hike up to the old abandoned mines, or hike out to the Root Glacier and do some glacier walking. We are currently camp hostong in Oregon and hope to cross paths with you some day so we can share a beer. Save your favorites. What is the maximum group size during Half Day Root Glacier Hike? We headed into town for open mic night at the Golden Saloon and it’s buzzing with positive energy. We offer our guests guided hikes to the Root Glacier! My only other question is what month did you travel there? Van Life Guide To Moochdocking. I hope I can visit sometime during my lifetime. Sadly if you want to catch a Copper River Salmon you’ll have to try your luck with a rod and reel, only Alaskans are allowed to use dip nets. All the scenes on the glacier were gorgeous, and I can’t believe you actually jumped across one of the crevices! Full-Day Glacier Hike Spend a full day on the Root Glacier exploring features such as crevasses, blue pools, canyons, waterfalls, moulins and caves. After this, the glacier walk is generally mild, with some inclines and declines traveled at a safe, slow pace. If hiking one of them is on your bucket list, here’s how to cross it off while you still can. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused whilst trying to find your next trip. Your doing a great job when making these videos of Alaska. I hope that glacier will still be there when you’re old, but I fear it won’t be. The preferred method of fishing here is called dip netting. Since 2003, Guided Hiking &Backpacking Adventures in Alaska's Best Wilderness Areas McCarthy Alaska. I can’t wait to go back and see this place. My world is becoming larger because of you two!! The booster worked great on my last trip. Your guides “insider” knowledge will help to illuminate the stories that once unfolded here. If you want to ride bikes or walk the distance is about 5 miles. Actually exceptional work. Must be the hype of the show. I look forward to seeing all of your photographs, they are amazing. For the most recent pricing, check out the free Gas Buddy app. The trail was once the walking/wagon road when the railroad was still running. The Wagon Road & Toe of the Kennicott Glacier (pdf format 1.7 MB) Easy day hike to the "Toe of the Glacier" and/or to Kennecott Mill Town. The McCarthy to Kennecot shuttle is $10 1 way or $15 for two tickets. If you hike in from the side of the moraine, the rocks may come down on you. Be sure to bring your camera for spectacular … Take the popular 4-mile long hiking trail that winds alongside the Kennicott and Root Glaciers. The Golden Saloon – One of the best housemade veggie burgers we’ve had in a while, served up on fresh baked bread and of course with a heap of tasty fries on the side. Dress code is outdoors ready, participants should bring sunglasses, gloves and rain gear and dress appropriately for the temperature. Absolutely amazing, I will definitely put this on my must do visit. Author of Hiking Alaska's Wrangell St Elias Natlonal Park Falcon Guides. My images from there are attached and the rest of the trip to Alaska, where I visited all 8 National Parks in 30 days, are in other galleries. Weather – We had a mix of weather as you can tell. Carole has been following your blog for years and broke out in a huge smile when she saw your glacier hike video and I did the same. That truly was mind blowing!!!! We ended up staying 6 weeks in Haines, and I tell everyone, that if that was our first stop, we never would have seen the rest of Alaska! Once you’re on the glacier you can hike as far or as short as you’d like. Thanks and keep ’em coming! Where: This trip leaves from the KWG office, which is located on main street Kennicott, across from the Kennicott Glacier Lodge. The drive down took us nearly three hours. Thanks so much for sharing . Hiking the Root Glacier. Here you are high above the tree line, in the alpine tundra full of delicate wildflowers and lichens. Both trips include a shuttle from McCarthy (if that is where you are staying). Bring your landscape photography gear and shoot everything from the grandest of landscapes with nearby Mt. Great video guys, has the actual mine tours opened yet? You can raft or kayak through a sea of ice to the face of a tidewater glacier, fly over mountain cirques, take an afternoon helicopter tour and land on a glacier or test your footing across icewater rivers along a glacial moraine. What an amazing adventure! My wife and I will spend summer 2019 in Alaska. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply!! Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska. https://www.tripoto.com/trip/alaska-with-friends-567243187f6b1, Simply wonderful place to visit!! What a beautiful place. Clearly one of those places where one can reflect in awe and wonder of our little slice of the universe. Would love to do this hike but before I commit I would like to know the approximate mileage of the hike…do you have any idea? McCarthy Glacier im Geographic Names Information System des United States Geological Survey (englisch) McCarthy Glacier auf geographic.org (englisch) Diese Seite wurde zuletzt am 19. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/root-glacier-and-stairway-icefall-trail If you've forgotten your password, please reset it. The tour is limited to six guests per guide. I really didn’t think you’d do that drive. Take the popular 4-mile long hiking trail that winds alongside the Kennicott and Root Glaciers. Thanks for sharing. Typically we try to keep our stories in order so it makes for easier research, however this amazing glacier hike is the thing that’ll inspire you to come here, and if you’re not sold after this video then you won’t need to read all the extra details below. When the sun was out, it was perfect! Wow! Top Hikes. You definitely hit up all the key hot spots and got some great photos. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Will be interesting to see how the reality show changes things, but I know it will always stay beautiful. Exploring crevasses, walking on the crunchy ice with crampons, and taking photos of the blue ice…it was absolutely amazing! Did u see any of the people from the Television show (about McCarthy Alaska)? You can raft or kayak through a sea of ice to the face of a tidewater glacier, fly over mountain cirques, take an afternoon helicopter tour and land on a glacier or test your footing across icewater rivers along a glacial moraine. Glaciers ARE magical. Start/end: The trail begins passed the Kennecott Mine. The Kennicott Glacier Lodge shuttle van provides complimentary transportation between McCarthy and Kennicott when you arrive and depart. http://www.thevagabondwayfarer.com, No, it’s not. Sounds like you need to go back in your minnie! I spent two years in Alaska in the early 70’s. Gee, I wonder who he got his crazy streak from…. Hi Jason and Nikki… I noticed here that you said that you could not fly your drone here. Trip Description. It was much wilder that it is now. Both trips include a shuttle from McCarthy (if that is where you are staying). In addition to navigating the icy trails for you, your guide offers inside knowledge about the area’s history and geology. That was the most beautiful video I have seen. If you’re interested in the history of this area I’d recommend reading Pilgrim’s Wilderness before you arrive, one of our friends picked up a copy and the stories she told us were fascinating. So for now I am dreaming through your and other full timers posts. I’m an early adopter of sUAV camera technology and a DJI evangelist (but not an employee) and plan to make aerial photography a big part of our Alaska trip next year. This national park, the largest in the entire USA, contains some of the highest concentration of glaciers and 16,000 foot mountains in the world. Thank you so much for a job well done! I wish I could have flown our drone; I wish we would have owned our handheld gimbal for those butter smooth steady shots; I wish I would’ve remembered to capture time-lapse; the wish list goes on and on but the only thing that matters is we got out there and we had a mind-blowing good time hiking on Root Glacier. The drive was somewhat of an adventure itself. Click here. We’re not the most prolific writers but I sincerely hope we’ve given you enough information to start planning your own McCarthy road trip! This video is fantastic, but you had me scared. Thanks for sharing your adventure. Your adventures remind me of how my ex & I traveled with our 2 sons growing up – we would have done the hikes, checking out different restaurants/food, looking for bear poop & gleefully taking a picture of it (lol) and meeting/talking to different people and the locals!! This is the closest spot to park for access to the town of McCarthy. We got a guide from Kennecott who took us on the exact same hike to Root Glacier. My grandfather did this trip in 1965 and he is the reason I did it after seeing his 16mm movies. I am going on a caravan trip next yr to alaska and wanted to Check out McCarthy. We can have lunch at the Kennecott Lodge or bring it with us. Find tickets & tours worldwide. I have no idea how McCarthy ended up in our Alaska Bound plans but for some reason I knew we had to get here. We walked down to the foot bridge and were picked up by our guide (Andy) and headed up to Kennecott about 5 miles north. I bet if you reached out to the Alaska tourism board they could give you a listing of the most handicap accessible attractions. The email or password you entered isn't correct. ? On this day tour out of Kennicott-McCarthy, experience the best of Kennicott with this hiking and sightseeing combination tour! Thanks for sharing Again thank you for sharing your journeys. Hiking on a glacier was one of our most anticipated experiences in Iceland. After “lunch with a view”, the possibilities are endless. Hat’s off to you two! We are still about 5 year out before we can take extended trips. It would go from warm and sunny to misty rains all within a day. Tailor Made Pizza Bus – “How good can Bus Pizza Really be?” we asked ourselves. Did you safe leaving it there? (I’d like to add an Inspire Pro with the new 5X camera for the trip, but we’ll see if that works out.) Author of Hiking Alaska's Wrangell St Elias Natlonal Park Falcon Guides. Thanks so much for sharing. After “lunch with a view”, the possibilities are endless. Also wondering if that is Joe’s dog, Diesel? McCarthy and Kennecott, Alaska are two small communities nestled in the heart of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and are also the home of our great Alaska Adventure Tours. trips@trekalaska.com. How blessed you are to have that opportunity. This is my favorite part of your trip for me, to date! See ya soon. I see tat you guys got into a bus to get there but is it possible to drive a RV to the trailhead? I heard myself screaming “JASON NO!” when you walked to the edge of that cliff with your camera stick. Our kids are 12, 10 and 6.5 years old–oh, and we’ll have a 5-month-old in a backpack. Dunno who’s dog it was, we must have had five or more dogs hanging around our feet during dinner at the bar , You 2 are such an inspiration! There is new snow again on the mountain peaks around McCarthy. We planned for two nights at Kennicott Glacier Lodge. Wow! Start/end: The trail begins passed the Kennecott Mine. We wrote the book! Fishermen hike down the cliffs edge, tie themselves to a tree and hang out over the river with a giant net, it all sounds wildly dangerous and thrilling at the same time. Get Ready for Whitewater Rafting & Glacier Hiking in Historic McCarthy and Alaska’s Largest National Park. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr1GPmQJr_4. Peer into glacial ponds or deep blue holes (moulins), take in vast and open landscape, or follow the creeks on the surface of the glacier into their turquoise slot canyons. You are living such a blessed life and I am thankful you are sharing with all of us who are unable to experience these things for ourselves. Alas we have a couple more years before things will be where we can, so please let us live through your experiences. On a clear day, the views are hard to beat. Safe travels you guys. I always wondered who had to stay back and take video on everyone walking away. Don’t know if that’s a word. Alaska’s glacier hiking and climbing adventures are designed for a variety of interest and experience levels. Accessible from McCarthy. I’m not one for the cold…but, you sure sold me on one day giving this a try. Starts near McCarthy. We always chat up the locals for suggestions, we consulted the milepost, and read the Church’s Alaskan Camping book. Wish I could go……wish I could go ……wish I could go!!! Do you think it’s a safe hike for kids? The trail was once the walking/wagon road when the railroad was still running. We offer our guests guided hikes to the Root Glacier! Time: Allow 2 hours to do the trail, then add more time to spend on Root Glacier. Well, after seeing how you 2 explore, I’m pretty sure I could do this 2 mile hike to a glacier now, but who knows if I could do this 5 years from now??? You’ll need to park before the footbridge, then walk across the bridge. Ask any Alaskan about Chitina and they’ve likely fished here themselves. After about 5 hours of hiking, you will return to Kennicott where you will have a short break before stepping back in time on a historic 2-hour tour of … Ask ANYONE I know, I am not a man of few words. You are both great to watch. When we arrived at the end of the road the campground owner proclaimed, and I quote, “we’ve never had 3 big RV’s before, this is definitely a first!”  We made it no problem and for that I’ll give myself a pat on the back! For costs you’ll have to contact the outfitters, I can’t remember what we paid anymore. The trail starts at the end of Kennecott. You guys just kill me. You … What a great experience, thanx so much for taking the time to capture and share the Glacier trip and all it’s fascinating beauty! We enjoy lunch on the glacier, before trekking back into Kennicott. This place was bustling with locals and visitors alike, including the adventure tour guides swapping stories of the craziness that is their daily life. When I first visited more than 20 years ago, there wasn’t even a bridge over the creek (the one that leads to the town and is only accessible to locals for cars by key), you literally had to pull yourself across it on this sketchy pull cart on a rope and that’s how people got in! Yes, we did notice some of the national parks and such that had nice boardwalks,lookouts and such. Wow, What a picturesque post! I am trying to decide if I should retire next Summer after 30+ years at my job and travel in my motorhome full-time, but then if I work longer, my benefits increase!! We're here for you, so the journey will be tailored … Please be very honest, as I, like you love a challenge and taking risk. Is it possible to get my rig down to the Kennecott River to camp for a few nights, so we can hike to the glacier. Do bring plenty of layers as the hike up is warm but on the glacier is windy and chilly! My favorites are the glacier hike up on the Root Glacier (they have crampons and all the gear). When you see my face you’re probably reading something more technical than adventurous, but either way I do my best to tell it like it is and infuse my opinions into the commentary…after all this is a blog and not MSN. After about 5 hours of hiking, you will return to Kennicott where you will have a short break before stepping back in time on a historic 2-hour tour of … Awesome ographi !! Are there a lot of gaping holes? Thanks for the motivation for a return trip. Thanks for sharing your adventures. You must park at the end of the road (there is a campground there), take the foot bridge across the river, walk to town, and catch the shuttle out to the Glacier. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from June until September. Both packages include lunch and transportation. Even in a state famous for its size, Wrangell St. Elias National Park stands out. Please consult government travel advisories before booking. I watch the series Edge of Alaska and the fellow that owns most of the town is trying to reopen the mine. It felt like we had arrived at a corner of the world with hardly any people around. You can camp right on the river, just off the road into the National Park for free. You guys looked like you were on another planet. You may have some mess to clean up. Jeff & Christine. However, TV shows love to over hype, stretch the truth and paint a picture that sucks people in for views. Optional trips are available with St. Elias Alpine Guides, located across the street from the lodge on Main Street in Kennicott…which is five miles up the hill from McCarthy. McCarthy and Kennicott, Alaska are known for the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the historic mines in Kennicott, and there is so much to explore! If you find the same product cheaper within three days of booking or while you're in your destination, we'll refund the difference. I loved the crunch beneath our feet! Or, if you are looking for an in-town stroll, take the Wagon Road Trail which connects McCarthy and Kennicott via a 1.5 hour walk. First enjoy a spectacular half-day hike on the Root Glacier, searching for deep crevasses, shimmering blue pools and waterfalls. The road to McCarthy is only accessible to visitors by foot over a walking bridge, in the past visitors were required to sit in a bucket and pull themselves across the river using a cable system. Getting to Root Glacier. Parking: You cannot drive into Kennecott or nearby McCarthy unless you’re a resident. We stopped a few times for photo opps but the main reason is we were only travelling at 30mph most of the way. Thanks in advance! After a long day at work it was wonderful to see the sites of this adventure through your eyes and voices. But, if you want to use crampons on the glacier, bring your own or rent them in McCarthy. I couldn’t wait to get the next Alaskian video…and let me tell you…I wasn’t disappointed. I did it in 1972 and you had to have a 4 wheeler back then. The 14 story Concentration Mill and the towering stacks of the old Powerhouse dominate the townscape. Absollutely stunning! Quick question: you have given us great tips on gas, road conditions, etc., but please tell us a bit about the cost of food in Alaska? variable parking fee at the end of McCarthy Road, $5 shuttle from McCarthy to Kennecott). The road is only 59 miles long, most of it is dirt and it follows the railbed of the old Copper River & Northwestern Railway. From there its 5 miles to Kennecott, you can walk or pay for the shuttle. Private hikes leave whenever you want! Root Glacier and Stairway Icefall Trail is a 6.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near McCarthy, Alaska that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. St. Elias Alpine Guides: glacier hike - See 769 traveller reviews, 546 candid photos, and great deals for McCarthy, AK, at Tripadvisor. This is not some far off distant land it belongs to all Americans. Is this usually a good weather time to do this part? Crazy glacier hike on the Kennecott Glacier in McCarthy, Alaska. This looks like a great day hike to the Glacier. We also had pizzas at the bus and it tasted unbelievably awesome (maybe we were too hungry). The only difference, our guide had a stove and hot chocolate and apple cider and he used the glacier water for the drinks. I also held my breath when you casually jumped over some crevices, but the scenery was beautiful and I enjoyed every minute of your video. It looks so beautiful. Because you don’t have to have a guide for this glacier, I’m guessing it’s a pretty safe hike. Any talk about the receding glacier melt as a result of climate change? This post covers how to get there, where to stay, visiting the Kennicott Mine, and the hike to the Root Glacier and the ice Caves. There is a risk for sure and a guide would be a good idea but you know your children best…their limits and skills. On a clear day, the views are hard to beat. Breathtaking video! The camp ground there has the river coming from the melting. Explore the Blue Pools, Moulin’s, Crevasses and rolling Ice of the Root Glacier accompanied by one of our world class guides. If you hike in from the side of the moraine, the rocks may come down on you. Fuel Prices – Fuel this direction is sparse and expensive so make sure you fill up in Valdez or Glennallen area before heading towards McCarthy. I’m speechless, I think it was your best video to date and I’m a big fan of “A Day in the Life”. Thanks for the great review & video. The 14 story Concentration Mill and the towering stacks of the old Powerhouse dominate the townscape. Absolutely gorgeous! I could attempt to describe the beauty of this hike and fail miserably at communicating the feelings and emotions that overwhelmed us throughout this experience, but that would be a disservice to all. You have to go there! It was the hardest five days of our lives but well worth it. No Place to Park it? Thanks again for sharing your adventures. Now that is the Alaska I want to see!!! The highlight of the drive is the spectacular single lane Kuskulana Bridge soaring 238 feet above the river, it’s absolutely thrilling to drive over, especially considering it was originally constructed in 1910 (but don’t worry it’s been reinforced and updated since then). Wow, Awesome, Amazing I could go on and on but words can’t describe this adventure you got to experience. Turns out pretty freakin’ tasty! On this glacier hike day tour out of Kennicott-McCarthy, enjoy all the benefits of the half day hike but with additional time to explore the Root Glacier‘s dynamic features. We guarantee the lowest price on all 200,000+ experiences we sell. It was love at first sight as we pulled into our camping spot near the edge of a cliff overlooking the raging glacial Kennicott River below. Exploring crevasses, walking on the crunchy ice with crampons, and taking photos of the blue ice…it was absolutely amazing! Somehow we convinced our friends (The Bonelli’s and The Banks) to head down this crazy road with us, either we’re extremely convincing or they’re crazy too. I thought you might enjoy the following link for our blue pool polar plunge on the last day of our hike. From here, take the shuttle, walk, or ride a bike the remaining 4.5 miles to Kennecott. It’s impossible to share the impact this adventure had on our entire group of friends, but if you like hiking and you like jaw dropping scenery then you’ve got to get out on this glacier. Whether you hike Root Glacier without a guide or not you can park RVs and tents at Root Glacier base camp near the parking lot and footbridge. I watch all these tv shows about Alaska and I am blown away. Here the Copper River flows directly through town bringing with it the best salmon in the world: Copper River Reds and Copper River Kings. As the climate warms, Alaska's glaciers are receding. From there its 5 miles to Kennecott, you can walk or pay for the shuttle. I watch a lot of shows on Alaska and one is all about the people in McCarthy. I have watched many episodes of ‘Edge of Alaska’ and cringed when I saw that you guys went there! Though it’s out of the way, it is really an assume trip. I’m hoping to take my wife to see all the places I saw in my youth. We did the exact same hike in June 2015 and boy it was the best experience ever. 8-10 miles of hiking in approximately 8 hours. Lots of ridge walking and glacier hiking. Trail Guide Best Trails & Photos. Parking: You cannot drive into Kennecott or nearby McCarthy unless you’re a resident. I’m reading all your posts and watching your videos. Thanks again. But if I wait too long, my health could decrease!! Resources – We would suggest picking up a cheap pair of multi-purpose crampons and good hiking boots. It’s on our bucket list. Hey Guys If your trip comes shortly after it’s been graded, then you’ll probably have 60 miles of decent dirt-road travel. It’s a giant open lot right along the Kennicott River with spectacular views of the nearby glaciers and surrounding mountains. In either case, you should have everything in the rig extra-secure because things are going to jostle and fall. NICE BEAR POO SHOT!!!! Secure your spot with ease, stay flexible, and never miss out. This glacier is moderate enough that you can easily hike up on it with no gear or previous experience. My hubby and I went to Alaska in 2013 and have not been the same since and are craving to go back again as we did not go to the places that you have and we just have to go again! Otherwise, you’re really in for something special when you hike to Root Glacier. You and Alaska never disappoint. Okay! Love following you adventures! I am convinced! This national park, the largest in the entire USA, contains some of the highest concentration of glaciers and 16,000 foot mountains in the world. Food was tasty but the prices were a little higher and the stuff in McCarthy is hard to beat. More than enough space to stay and yes it cost money to park it there even though you don’t get any services. Don’t forget to check out the town of McCarthy when you make your way back. I will talk to the guides there and see what their thoughts are. Strap on crampons and explore the otherworldly surface of the Root Glacier on this icy trek! This activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers. Thanks for sharing! Oops, looks like something went wrong! Unbelievable but I stayed in McCarthy (at Ma Johnson’s) the 11th-13th and hiked Root Glacier on the 12th! The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions. Would you care to expand on your experiences with your P3A? Best drinks ever. Great job and thank you for really capturing a place that is very special to my family. We now own a Minnie Winnie and we plan on driving up from California. It’s kind of like I’m right with you guys (my sons are now 26 & 30) and NO don’t jump that Jason!!! Alpinists hike through Alaskan glacier in breathtaking footage November 30, 2020, 12:02 PM Imagine taking a morning stroll through this beautiful natural wonder One of our favorite hikes to do of all our adventures is hiking the Root Glacier in Kennicott. Only a tiny fraction of the park is accessible by road and our short time here didn’t even begin to scratch the surface of this place. The McCarthy Road ends at the Kennicott River. Time: Allow 2 hours to do the trail, then add more time to spend on Root Glacier. Hope to meet you guys on the road someday. Checkout some of our pics here. THIS IS OUR ALASKA! Take the left hand trail. The main street in Kennicott turns into a well-maintained, 4-mile-long hiking trail just outside of town. As the climate warms, Alaska's glaciers are receding. The shuttle will meet you in McCarthy area at 9:00 for the 9:30 hike. I’m so ready to start our journey. Where you parked the RV near the McCarthy pedestrian bridge at Base Camp Root Glacier, were you basically paying $20 to park overnight? The drive down took us nearly three hours. That scares the heck out of me seeing you jump that crevasse! It will be cheaper than renting in McCarthy and you will find them useful many other places here in Alaska and beyond. It was thrilling to watch and the pictures in this blog were great. That’s exactly how our trip down Alaska’s worst road ended up…and we can honestly say this little side trip might be our favorite Alaskan experience. My folks took my 10 year old daughter up to Kinnecott in 1995 pulling a 5th wheel to visit friends who live there and helped rebuild the town. This was, by far, the most amazing experience we had in Alaska and we’re so grateful we got to do it with you guys (and The Learning Banks, of course). There is no guessing on the weather but July and August were really nice! To limit the spread of the coronavirus, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. Awesome thank you! Hike to where Donoho Falls pours under the cracking edge of the glacier and/or explore the Jumbo Creek ice cave, where you will be surrounded by blue ice. Famous for my "how-not-to" videos, and typically the man behind the camera, sometimes I’m forced to be here in the “spotlight”. Since 2003, Guided Hiking &Backpacking Adventures in Alaska's Best Wilderness Areas McCarthy Alaska. Thanks for the wonderful comment Alan…and thanks for the kudos on the booster, glad it’s worked out. It’s only 2 miles of slight incline to the glacier. Thanks you soooooo much for including us in this (and all of the other) adventure. Again REALLY great info. Get Ready for Whitewater Rafting & Glacier Hiking in Historic McCarthy and Alaska’s Largest National Park Wrangell St. Elias National Park & Preserve surrounds historic McCarthy, Alaska. The Highway was all dirt and gravel. It’s one of those hidden treasures that we tend to miss. Love all the videos of your adventure… very helpful to us to 2016. Root Glacier/Erie Mine Trail (pdf format 785 KB) The history here is unbelievable from the hauling of a steamship across the mountains from Valdez, to wealthy investors with powerful names like J.P. Morgan and Guggenheim, and the most striking statistic to me: the workers pulled over $200,000,000 worth of copper out of these mountains in under 30 years , that’s about $3.5 billion in today’s money! Thanks for sharing! This is one of those experiences I wish we had more time to capture! The focus of the tour is on enjoying the beauty of the glacial streams and blue glacier ice as well as exploring the ice cliffs and awe inspiring waterfalls and blue pools along the way. 8-10 miles of hiking in approximately 8 hours. If you like adventure, good food, friendly dogs and nature I think you’ll fit in well here. Many of the buildings and equipment have been restored and open for visitors to walk though on a self-guided tour. I am ready to go back to McCarthy!! It’s one for the record books! I have watched it four times since it was published last night. read the road report at the bottom of the page. Between the six of us we were all satisfied with our pizza purchase, which is difficult considering we’re a mixed bag of meat eaters, vegetarians, gluten free and a vegan. I have a question for you about the glacier hike. After the short but magnificent flight into the Kennicott Valley, visitors either join up with a guide to hike on the blue-and-white Root Glacier or explore the historic frontier town of McCarthy and participate in a guided tour of the abandoned Kennecott company town and mill building. They left their rig on the other side of the river and took the bucket across.