Backcountry Trips « Backpacking Point-to-Point

Goat Trail Backpacking Trip

Trip Description:

From the alpine wonderland of Skolai to the airy slopes of Wolverine Mountain, this route delivers unrelenting beauty and consistently good backpacking throughout. This fabled route, pioneered by gold miners and mules, has become a modern point to point of the highest quality. After a thrilling bush plane flight and drop off, a steady climb in elevation takes you up into the big sky country of Chitistone Pass. Day hikes or side loops towards the glaciated giants of University Range are a good way to soak in this high alpine paradise. Descend the impressive Chitstione Valley, crossing creeks and spotting Dall sheep in the cliffs until the river drops dramatically into a canyon. From here follow a precarious path across the Scree Slopes, the section that gives the route its name. The route winds improbally across the mountainside, as memorable as it is hair raising, it’s worth bragging about back in town. Next, voyage through the fertile high country of Hasen Creek, landen with fossils and geologic wonders. Camp between waterfalls and watch the morning fog push up valley, giving glimpses of striking peaks in the distance. Traverse around Wolverine Mountain to a lofty highland plateau perched thousands of feet above the valley below. Spend a day hiking and unwinding for a fitting end to an amazing journey through the Wrangells.

Duration: 4-7 days
Difficulty: Medium
*Although not overly difficult, the Goat Trail is not recommended if you’re not comfortable with heights as the scree slopes section has extended periods of exposure.

All-Inclusive Package Opportunity:

Group-Trip: July 5-11, 2025

Round Trip Transportation between Anchorage and McCarthy. 2 Nights Lodging. 4 Night/ 5 Day Goat Trail Trip. Group Size Max 5ppl. $4,010/ person

Trip Options:

Looking for a longer route? Circumnavigate Wolverine Mountain to add 2-3 days onto the route. With expansive views, fairy tale alpine and rugged passes, it’s our go to way to extend the Goat Trail.

Highlights:

Two scenic bush plane flights
Big views and the best hiking surfaces the Wrangells has to offer
Great day hikes and camping options throughout
Exciting traverse across the scree slopes
High potential for Dall sheep, mountain goat and bear sightings

Trip Details

Terrain Challenges: Rocky/unstable ground, elevation gain and loss in short distances, steep vegetated hillsides, side-hilling, 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’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.*Not recommended for those uncomfortable with heights.

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 »

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Custom Trip Prices

Goat Trail (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)

Client:Guide Ratio & Price

Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,160 per person
2:1 / $3,160 per person
3:1 / $2,695 per person
4:1 / $2,560 per person
5:1 / $2,230 per person
6+:2 / $2,315 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,130 per person
2:1 / $3,710 per person
3:1 / $3,155 per person
4:1 / $2,960 per person
5:1 / $2,230 per person
6+:2 / $2,315 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,100 per person
2:1 / $4,260 per person
3:1 / $3,615 per person
4:1 / $3,360 per person
5:1 / $2,960 per person
6+:2 / $3,045 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $8,070 per person
2:1 / $4,810 per person
3:1 / $4,075 per person
4:1 / $3,760 per person
5:1 / $3,325 per person
6+:2 / $3,410 per person

Group Package Trip Prices

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

July 5–11, 2025 • 5 Total Spots
Pricing per Person – 5 Day Trip
$4,010

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Start Planning Your Trip Now

Custom Trip Prices

Goat Trail (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)

Client:Guide Ratio & Price

Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,160 per person
2:1 / $3,160 per person
3:1 / $2,695 per person
4:1 / $2,560 per person
5:1 / $2,230 per person
6+:2 / $2,315 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,130 per person
2:1 / $3,710 per person
3:1 / $3,155 per person
4:1 / $2,960 per person
5:1 / $2,230 per person
6+:2 / $2,315 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,100 per person
2:1 / $4,260 per person
3:1 / $3,615 per person
4:1 / $3,360 per person
5:1 / $2,960 per person
6+:2 / $3,045 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $8,070 per person
2:1 / $4,810 per person
3:1 / $4,075 per person
4:1 / $3,760 per person
5:1 / $3,325 per person
6+:2 / $3,410 per person

Group Package Trip Prices

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

July 5–11, 2025 • 5 Total Spots
Pricing per Person – 5 Day Trip
$4,010

Trip Description:

From the alpine wonderland of Skolai to the airy slopes of Wolverine Mountain, this route delivers unrelenting beauty and consistently good backpacking throughout. This fabled route, pioneered by gold miners and mules, has become a modern point to point of the highest quality. After a thrilling bush plane flight and drop off, a steady climb in elevation takes you up into the big sky country of Chitistone Pass. Day hikes or side loops towards the glaciated giants of University Range are a good way to soak in this high alpine paradise. Descend the impressive Chitstione Valley, crossing creeks and spotting Dall sheep in the cliffs until the river drops dramatically into a canyon. From here follow a precarious path across the Scree Slopes, the section that gives the route its name. The route winds improbally across the mountainside, as memorable as it is hair raising, it’s worth bragging about back in town. Next, voyage through the fertile high country of Hasen Creek, landen with fossils and geologic wonders. Camp between waterfalls and watch the morning fog push up valley, giving glimpses of striking peaks in the distance. Traverse around Wolverine Mountain to a lofty highland plateau perched thousands of feet above the valley below. Spend a day hiking and unwinding for a fitting end to an amazing journey through the Wrangells.

Duration: 4-7 days
Difficulty: Medium
*Although not overly difficult, the Goat Trail is not recommended if you’re not comfortable with heights as the scree slopes section has extended periods of exposure.

All-Inclusive Package Opportunity:

Group-Trip: July 5-11

Round Trip Transportation between Anchorage and McCarthy. 2 Nights Lodging. 4 Night/ 5 Day Goat Trail Trip. Group Size Max 5ppl. $4,010/ person

Trip Options:
Looking for a longer route? Circumnavigate Wolverine Mountain to add 2-3 days onto the route. With expansive views, fairy tale alpine and rugged passes, it’s our go to way to extend the Goat Trail.

Highlights:

Two scenic bush plane flights
Big views and the best hiking surfaces the Wrangells has to offer
Great day hikes and camping options throughout
Exciting traverse across the scree slopes
High potential for Dall sheep, mountain goat and bear sightings

Trip Details

Terrain Challenges: Rocky/unstable ground, elevation gain and loss in short distances, steep vegetated hillsides, side-hilling, 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’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.*Not recommended for those uncomfortable with heights.

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.