Backcountry Trips « Backpacking Point-to-Point

Chugach Traverses Backpacking Trip

Trip Description

Famed for its wilderness backpacking, the Chugach Mountains, in the southern part of the park, are home to an array of options for Point-to-Points. This is a true wilderness: alpine valleys and rugged peaks without end on the fringes of the largest icefield in the world. From classics like The Seven Passes, Forever Alpine and Iceberg to Fan Glacier, to seldom done link ups, the number of airstrips in this area makes it especially conducive to point-to-points. There are options for glacier backpacking or non glacier routes and short or long timeframes. Terrain consists mostly of alpine tundra, hiker friendly glaciers and not so friendly bushes. Hike over alpine passes on paths worn by thousands of years of grizzly bear travel, traverse over glaciers flowing off icefields. Any trip in the Chugach is a big adventure in a wild place.

Duration: 3-7 days
Difficulty: Medium to Hard

Highlights:

A long, breathtaking bush plane flight through a large portion of the park.
Travel through a variety of terrain and access diverse vistas
Visit remote alpine valleys only accessible by backpacking
Multiple days of amazing valley glacier travel
Potential for wildlife sighting

Trip Details

Terrain Challenges: Rocky/unstable ground, elevation gain and loss in short distances, steep vegetated hillsides, side-hilling, creek crossings, glacier travel.

Who: Novice to experienced backpackers. This trip has the potential to be challenging for any level. If you are new to backpacking we’ll discuss your experience to see if it’s the right trip for you. You will need to be able to carry a pack that ranges from 35 – 50 lbs for up to 6+ hours a day.

When: June-September

Where: We will meet you at your lodging or at the footbridge ½ hour before your flight time and provide transportation to the airstrip.

Trip Includes

Pre-trip planning.
Experienced, friendly, knowledgeable guides!
Small ratios: 1 guide for groups up to 5 people. 2 guides for groups of 6+ (additional porters may be requested for any group size at an additional cost)
Customizable itinerary.
Airfare into the backcountry.
Medical equipment, training and protocols to Wilderness First Responder Standards.
SAT phone & Delorme InReach.
Healthy, nutritious food customized to your tastes.
Cooking gear and fuel.
Backpacking pack (if needed)
Sleeping bag/pad combo (if needed)
Technical gear and equipment.
Personal tent(s) and group cook tent.
Leave No Trace and Bear Safety education/ ethics.

Trip Does Not Include

Guide Gratuity (recommended 10-20% of tour cost)
Day packs (for basecamping day hikes)
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.
Alcohol in the backcountry.
Pre & Post trip lodging.
Transportation to and from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Deposit and Cancellation Policy »

Start Planning Your Trip Now

Custom Trip Prices

Chugach Traverses (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)

Client:Guide Ratio & Price

Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,915 per person
2:1 / $4,300 per person
3:1 / $3,675 per person
4:1 / $3,390 per person
5:1 / $3,065 per person
6+:2 / $3,200 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,885 per person
2:1 / $4,850 per person
3:1 / $4,135 per person
4:1 / $3,790 per person
5:1 / $3,430 per person
6+:2 / $3,565 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $8,855 per person
2:1 / $5,400 per person
3:1 / $4,595 per person
4:1 / $4,190 per person
5:1 / $3,795 per person
6+:2 / $3,930 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 8 Day Trip
1:1 / $9,825 per person
2:1 / $5,950 per person
3:1 / $5,055 per person
4:1 / $4,590 per person
5:1 / $4,160 per person
6+:2 / $4,295 per person

Group Package Trip Prices

All inclusive group trip includes local lodging, roundtrip transportation to McCarthy-Kennicott and backcountry airfare from McCarthy.

August 4–12, 2025 • 5 Total Spots
Pricing per Person – 7 Day Trip
$4,270

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Start Planning Your Trip Now

Custom Trip Prices

Chugach Traverses (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)

Client:Guide Ratio & Price

Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,915 per person
2:1 / $4,300 per person
3:1 / $3,675 per person
4:1 / $3,390 per person
5:1 / $3,065 per person
6+:2 / $3,200 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,885 per person
2:1 / $4,850 per person
3:1 / $4,135 per person
4:1 / $3,790 per person
5:1 / $3,430 per person
6+:2 / $3,565 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $8,855 per person
2:1 / $5,400 per person
3:1 / $4,595 per person
4:1 / $4,190 per person
5:1 / $3,795 per person
6+:2 / $3,930 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 8 Day Trip
1:1 / $9,825 per person
2:1 / $5,950 per person
3:1 / $5,055 per person
4:1 / $4,590 per person
5:1 / $4,160 per person
6+:2 / $4,295 per person

Group Package Trip Prices

All inclusive group trip includes local lodging, roundtrip transportation to McCarthy-Kennicott and backcountry airfare from McCarthy.

August 4–12, 2025 • 5 Total Spots
Pricing per Person – 7 Day Trip
$4,270

Trip Description

Famed for its wilderness backpacking, the Chugach Mountains, in the southern part of the park, are home to an array of options for Point-to-Points. This is a true wilderness: alpine valleys and rugged peaks without end on the fringes of the largest icefield in the world. From classics like The Seven Passes, Forever Alpine and Iceberg to Fan Glacier, to seldom done link ups, the number of airstrips in this area makes it especially conducive to point-to-points. There are options for glacier backpacking or non glacier routes and short or long timeframes. Terrain consists mostly of alpine tundra, hiker friendly glaciers and not so friendly bushes. Hike over alpine passes on paths worn by thousands of years of grizzly bear travel, traverse over glaciers flowing off icefields. Any trip in the Chugach is a big adventure in a wild place.

Duration: 3-7 days
Difficulty: Medium to Hard

Highlights:

A long, breathtaking bush plane flight through a large portion of the park.
Travel through a variety of terrain and access diverse vistas
Visit remote alpine valleys only accessible by backpacking
Multiple days of amazing valley glacier travel
Potential for wildlife sighting

Trip Details

Terrain Challenges: Rocky/unstable ground, elevation gain and loss in short distances, steep vegetated hillsides, side-hilling, creek crossings, glacier travel.

Who: Novice to experienced backpackers. This trip has the potential to be challenging for any level. If you are new to backpacking we’ll discuss your experience to see if it’s the right trip for you. You will need to be able to carry a pack that ranges from 35 – 50 lbs for up to 6+ hours a day.

When: June-September

Where: We will meet you at your lodging or at the footbridge ½ hour before your flight time and provide transportation to the airstrip.

Trip Includes

Pre-trip planning.
Experienced, friendly, knowledgeable guides!
Small ratios: 1 guide for groups up to 5 people. 2 guides for groups of 6+ (additional porters may be requested for any group size at an additional cost)
Customizable itinerary.
Airfare into the backcountry.
Medical equipment, training and protocols to Wilderness First Responder Standards.
SAT phone & Delorme InReach.
Healthy, nutritious food customized to your tastes.
Cooking gear and fuel.
Backpacking pack (if needed)
Sleeping bag/pad combo (if needed)
Technical gear and equipment.
Personal tent(s) and group cook tent.
Leave No Trace and Bear Safety education/ ethics.

Trip Does Not Include

Guide Gratuity (recommended 10-20% of tour cost)
Day packs (for basecamping day hikes)
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.
Alcohol in the backcountry.
Pre & Post trip lodging.
Transportation to and from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Deposit and Cancellation Policy »