« Hiking Overview

Glacier’s Edge Hike

The best walk in the valley.

Trip Description

Walk a friendly trail to panoramic views of a spectacular valley.

This trip starts with a magical walk through forest and flowers, quickly opening up to a world seldom seen and constantly changing. Walk along the lake at the terminus of the 27 mile long Kennicott Glacier. See rocks tumble, icebergs drift and plants that creep down to regenerate the hillsides as the glacier recedes.
The viewpoint from this area is unique and jaw dropping. Stairway Icefall (7,000 ft of ice!), Fireweed Mountain and the Kennicott Glacier surround you.

Away from the bustle of the Root Glacier Trail, this is a great choice for those looking for a quiet day in a wild place. You are hiking off of the ice, in an actively changing environment, that lends itself to learning about the geology, ecology and glaciology.

Duration: 4-5 hrs
Difficulty: Easy Glacier's Edge Hike
Trip Option: Extend to a full day and go further or spend more time in special places. (7-8 hrs, difficulty easy-hard) Add $50/person.

Highlights:

  • User friendly hiking surfaces, no crampons needed
  • Hike alongside the dynamic Kennicott Glacier Lake
  • Panoramic vistas of the Kennicott Valley and the Stairway Icefall (7,000 ft of ice!)
  • Variety of ecosystems and venues for geologic and biologic interpretation
  • Get away from the crowds
Trip Details

Terrain Challenges May Include:
Uneven trail surfaces, loose rocks.

Who:
Anyone looking for an easier hike that doesn’t involve glacier hiking.

When:
Hike starts at 10am. We can accommodate alternative start times by request.

Where:
If you are staying in Kennicott, meet at our office at 10 am. If you are staying in McCarthy we will pick you in Downtown McCarthy at 10am or meet you at the Footbridge at 10 am.

Trip Includes
  • Experienced, friendly, knowledgeable guides!
  • Small or custom client to guide ratios, no more than 6 people to one guide.
  • Round-trip, local transportation to where we begin our trip.
  • A full array of medical, communications, and technical gear.
  • Extra layers if you forgot anything or couldn’t fit it in your luggage!
  • Day packs if you need one.

Trip Does not Include

  • Guide Gratuity (recommended 10-20% of tour cost)
  • Personal clothing & gear. For further suggestions on gear you will want to bring from home (this might help you pack for your whole Alaskan vacation!) visit our Trip Planning Page for a gear list.
  • Pre & Post trip lodging.
  • Transportation to and from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Glacier's Edge Hike Pricing

Client:Guide Ratio & Price

1:1   / $540 per person
2:1   / $299 per person
3:1   / $215 per person
4:1   / $168 per person
5+ / $141 per person

$50/per person upgrade to have your hike be a full day excursion.
$20/child discount for all children 12 and under on all private day hikes (issued at final payment)
$5/person discount for AK residents & Active Military and family. Valid with current I.D. (Issued at final payment)

Photo Gallery

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Glacier's Edge Hike Pricing

Client:Guide Ratio & Price

1:1   / $540 per person
2:1   / $299 per person
3:1   / $215 per person
4:1   / $168 per person
5+ / $141 per person

$50/per person upgrade to have your hike be a full day excursion.
$20/child discount for all children 12 and under on all private day hikes (issued at final payment)
$5/person discount for AK residents & Active Military and family. Valid with current I.D. (Issued at final payment)

Trip Description

Walk a friendly trail to panoramic views of a spectacular valley.

This trip starts with a magical walk through forest and flowers, quickly opening up to a world seldom seen and constantly changing. Walk along the lake at the terminus of the 27 mile long Kennicott Glacier. See rocks tumble, icebergs drift and plants that creep down to regenerate the hillsides as the glacier recedes.
The viewpoint from this area is unique and jaw dropping. Stairway Icefall (7,000 ft of ice!), Fireweed Mountain and the Kennicott Glacier surround you.

Away from the bustle of the Root Glacier Trail, this is a great choice for those looking for a quiet day in a wild place. You are hiking off of the ice, in an actively changing environment, that lends itself to learning about the geology, ecology and glaciology.

Duration: 4-5 hrs
Difficulty: Easy Glacier's Edge Hike
Trip Option: Extend to a full day and go further or spend more time in special places. (7-8 hrs, difficulty easy-hard) Add $50/person.

Highlights:

  • User friendly hiking surfaces, no crampons needed
  • Hike alongside the dynamic Kennicott Glacier Lake
  • Panoramic vistas of the Kennicott Valley and the Stairway Icefall (7,000 ft of ice!)
  • Variety of ecosystems and venues for geologic and biologic interpretation
  • Get away from the crowds
Trip Details

Terrain Challenges May Include:
Uneven trail surfaces, loose rocks.

Who:
Anyone looking for an easier hike that doesn’t involve glacier hiking.

When:
Hike starts at 10am. We can accommodate alternative start times by request.

Where:
If you are staying in Kennicott, meet at our office at 10 am. If you are staying in McCarthy we will pick you in Downtown McCarthy at 10am or meet you at the Footbridge at 10 am..

Trip Includes
  • Experienced, friendly, knowledgeable guides!
  • Small or custom client to guide ratios, no more than 6 people to one guide.
  • Round-trip, local transportation to where we begin our trip.
  • A full array of medical, communications, and technical gear.
  • Extra layers if you forgot anything or couldn’t fit it in your luggage!
  • Day packs if you need one.

Trip Does not Include

  • Guide Gratuity (recommended 10-20% of tour cost)
  • Personal clothing & gear. For further suggestions on gear you will want to bring from home (this might help you pack for your whole Alaskan vacation!) visit our Trip Planning Page for a gear list.
  • Pre & Post trip lodging.
  • Transportation to and from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Glacier’s Edge Hike
Photo Gallery

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The highlight of all my Alaskan adventures to date.

Kennicott Wilderness Guides offer a variety of adventures to choose from. They are a reputable and safe outfitter. Heck, just being in Kennicott is an adventure all it’s own!

Benvr

Half-Day Glacier Hike

Half-Day Glacier Hike

Duration : 4-5 hours
Cost : $
Difficulty : medium
Full-Day Glacier Hike

Full-Day Glacier Hike

Duration : 7-8 hours
Cost : $$
Difficulty : medium
Ice Explorer Climb & Hike

Ice Explorer Climb & Hike

Duration : 7-9 hours
Cost : $$
Difficulty : medium - hard
Fly-in Hikes

Fly-in Hikes

Duration : 7-9 hours
Cost : $$$
Difficulty : easy - hard
Donoho Lakes Hike

Donoho Lakes Hike

Duration : 7-9 hours
Cost : $$
Difficulty : medium - hard
Glacier’s Edge Hike

Glacier’s Edge Hike

Duration : 4-5 hours
Cost : $
Difficulty : easy
Alpine Hikes

Alpine Hikes

Duration : 7-9 hours
Cost : $$
Difficulty : medium - hard