Backcountry Multi-Day Trips « Backpacking Point-to-Point
The Fosse to Kennicott
Trip Description:
An impressive flight over the convergence of four massive valley glaciers gives a glimpse of the adventure to come. You will soon be crossing this impressive show of countless colors and textures. The Fosse is located high in the Kennicott Glacier valley, you may want to take advantage of the ample camping and epic day hiking before setting off across the ice. Once you leave the Fosse, the first major on-route challenge is crossing the Kennicott Glacier. Navigating its many bands of moraine and ice is an other-worldly backpacking experience. Up close views of Mount Blackburn (16,390 ft) makes every step exciting. Giant blue pools, creeks and canyons grace the glacial landscape. A big day of ice hiking brings you to Donoho Basin, an island of green in the valley of glaciers. With great camping and many day hike options, this a good place to spend an extra day exploring or birding by the lakes. A fun bushwack brings you to the Root Glacier and your final crossing. Hike the sun sculpted white ice, cross a little more moraine for good measure and take the well worn trail back to Kennicott for a satisfying end to this local treasure.
Duration: 3-7 Days. We recommend taking time to explore The Fosse and Donoho Basin, this route can be done in 3 days.
Difficulty: Medium to Hard 
Trip Options:
Looking for a longer route? This trip links up beautifully with Lakina to The Fosse for a fly-in/ hike home that covers a lot of ground. 6-10 days, with option of a resupply at The Fosse.
Highlights:
- A single incredible flight makes this our most affordable point to point
- Views of valley glaciers, hanging glaciers and giant glaciated peaks
- Potential for wildlife sightings in Donoho Basin
- Up close views of Mount Blackburn (16,390 ft!) and the Stairway Icefall (7,000 vertical feet!)
- Glacial backpacking is consistently full of unique and beautiful features that you can’t find anywhere else
Trip Details
Terrain Challenges: Rocky/unstable ground, elevation gain and loss in short distances, hiking on glaciers with or without crampons, small creek crossings.
Who: Intermediate to experienced backpackers. This trip has the potential to be challenging for any level. If you are new to backpacking we will discuss your experience level 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 8+ 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.
Trip Prices
The Fosse to Kennicott (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)
Client:Guide Ratio & Price
Pricing per Number of Clients – 3 Day Trip
1:1 / $2,875 per person
2:1 / $1,695 per person
3:1 / $1,425 per person
4:1 / $1,305 per person
5:1 / $1,160 per person
6+:2 / $1,185 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $3,715 per person
2:1 / $2,170 per person
3:1 / $1,820 per person
4:1 / $1,650 per person
5:1 / $1,475 per person
6+:2 / $1,500 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,555 per person
2:1 / $2,645 per person
3:1 / $2,215 per person
4:1 / $1,995 per person
5:1 / $1,790 per person
6+:2 / $1,815 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,395 per person
2:1 / $3,120 per person
3:1 / $2,610 per person
4:1 / $2,340 per person
5:1 / $2,105 per person
6+:2 / $2,130 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,235 per person
2:1 / $3,595 per person
3:1 / $3,005 per person
4:1 / $2,685 per person
5:1 / $2,420 per person
6+:2 / $2,445 per person
Photo Gallery
Click to enlarge
Trip Prices
The Fosse to Kennicott (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)
Client:Guide Ratio & Price
Pricing per Number of Clients – 3 Day Trip
1:1 / $2,875 per person
2:1 / $1,695 per person
3:1 / $1,425 per person
4:1 / $1,305 per person
5:1 / $1,160 per person
6+:2 / $1,185 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $3,715 per person
2:1 / $2,170 per person
3:1 / $1,820 per person
4:1 / $1,650 per person
5:1 / $1,475 per person
6+:2 / $1,500 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,555 per person
2:1 / $2,645 per person
3:1 / $2,215 per person
4:1 / $1,995 per person
5:1 / $1,790 per person
6+:2 / $1,815 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,395 per person
2:1 / $3,120 per person
3:1 / $2,610 per person
4:1 / $2,340 per person
5:1 / $2,105 per person
6+:2 / $2,130 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,235 per person
2:1 / $3,595 per person
3:1 / $3,005 per person
4:1 / $2,685 per person
5:1 / $2,420 per person
6+:2 / $2,445 per person
Trip Description:
An impressive flight over the convergence of four massive valley glaciers gives a glimpse of the adventure to come. You will soon be crossing this impressive show of countless colors and textures. The Fosse is located high in the Kennicott Glacier valley, you may want to take advantage of the ample camping and epic day hiking before setting off across the ice. Once you leave the Fosse, the first major on-route challenge is crossing the Kennicott Glacier. Navigating its many bands of moraine and ice is an other-worldly backpacking experience. Up close views of Mount Blackburn (16,390 ft) makes every step exciting. Giant blue pools, creeks and canyons grace the glacial landscape. A big day of ice hiking brings you to Donoho Basin, an island of green in the valley of glaciers. With great camping and many day hike options, this a good place to spend an extra day exploring or birding by the lakes. A fun bushwack brings you to the Root Glacier and your final crossing. Hike the sun sculpted white ice, cross a little more moraine for good measure and take the well worn trail back to Kennicott for a satisfying end to this local treasure.
Duration: 3-7 Days. We recommend taking time to explore The Fosse and Donoho Basin, this route can be done in 3 days.
Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Trip Options:
Looking for a longer route? This trip links up beautifully with Lakina to The Fosse for a fly-in/ hike home that covers a lot of ground. 6-10 days, with option of a resupply at The Fosse.
Highlights:
- A single incredible flight makes this our most affordable point to point
- Views of valley glaciers, hanging glaciers and giant glaciated peaks
- Potential for wildlife sightings in Donoho Basin
- Up close views of Mount Blackburn (16,390 ft!) and the Stairway Icefall (7,000 vertical feet!)
- Glacial backpacking is consistently full of unique and beautiful features that you can’t find anywhere else
Trip Details
Terrain Challenges: Rocky/unstable ground, elevation gain and loss in short distances, hiking on glaciers with or without crampons, small creek crossings.
Who: Intermediate to experienced backpackers. This trip has the potential to be challenging for any level. If you are new to backpacking we will discuss your experience level 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 8+ 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.
The Fosse to Kennicott
Photo Gallery
Click to enlarge, or use arrows to scroll.
