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.

Deposit and Cancellation Policy »

Start Planning Your Trip Now

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 / $3,305 per person
2:1 / $1,945 per person
3:1 / $1,645 per person
4:1 / $1,495 per person
5:1 / $1,335 per person
6+:2 / $1,360 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,275 per person
2:1 / $2,495 per person
3:1 / $2,105 per person
4:1 / $1,895 per person
5:1 / $1,700 per person
6+:2 / $1,725 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,245 per person
2:1 / $3,045 per person
3:1 / $2,565 per person
4:1 / $2,295 per person
5:1 / $2,065 per person
6+:2 / $2,090 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,215 per person
2:1 / $3,595 per person
3:1 / $3,025 per person
4:1 / $2,695 per person
5:1 / $2,430 per person
6+:2 / $2,455 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,185 per person
2:1 / $4,145 per person
3:1 / $3,485 per person
4:1 / $3,095 per person
5:1 / $2,795 per person
6+:2 / $2,820 per person

Photo Gallery

Click to enlarge

The Fosse to Kennicott Header people sitting in front of glacier

Start Planning Your Trip Now

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 / $3,305 per person
2:1 / $1,945 per person
3:1 / $1,645 per person
4:1 / $1,495 per person
5:1 / $1,335 per person
6+:2 / $1,360 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,275 per person
2:1 / $2,495 per person
3:1 / $2,105 per person
4:1 / $1,895 per person
5:1 / $1,700 per person
6+:2 / $1,725 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,245 per person
2:1 / $3,045 per person
3:1 / $2,565 per person
4:1 / $2,295 per person
5:1 / $2,065 per person
6+:2 / $2,090 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,215 per person
2:1 / $3,595 per person
3:1 / $3,025 per person
4:1 / $2,695 per person
5:1 / $2,430 per person
6+:2 / $2,455 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,185 per person
2:1 / $4,145 per person
3:1 / $3,485 per person
4:1 / $3,095 per person
5:1 / $2,795 per person
6+:2 / $2,820 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.

Deposit and Cancellation Policy »