Backcountry Multi-Day Trips « Backpacking Point-to-Point
Goat Trail
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 9-15
Round Trip Transportation between Anchorage and McCarthy. 2 Nights Lodging. 4 Night/ 5 Day Goat Trail Trip. Group Size Max 5ppl. $3,725/ 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.
Trip Prices
Goat Trail (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)
Client:Guide Ratio & Price
Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,750 per person
2:1 / $2,925 per person
3:1 / $2,480 per person
4:1 / $2,365 per person
5:1 / $2,060 per person
6+:2 / $2,140 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,630 per person
2:1 / $3,425 per person
3:1 / $2,895 per person
4:1 / $2,725 per person
5:1 / $2,390 per person
6+:2 / $2,470 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,510 per person
2:1 / $3,925 per person
3:1 / $3,310 per person
4:1 / $3,085 per person
5:1 / $2,720 per person
6+:2 / $2,800 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,390 per person
2:1 / $4,425 per person
3:1 / $3,725 per person
4:1 / $3,445 per person
5:1 / $3,050 per person
6+:2 / $3,130 per person
Photo Gallery
Click to enlarge
Trip Prices
Goat Trail (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)
Client:Guide Ratio & Price
Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,750 per person
2:1 / $2,925 per person
3:1 / $2,480 per person
4:1 / $2,365 per person
5:1 / $2,060 per person
6+:2 / $2,140 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,630 per person
2:1 / $3,425 per person
3:1 / $2,895 per person
4:1 / $2,725 per person
5:1 / $2,390 per person
6+:2 / $2,470 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,510 per person
2:1 / $3,925 per person
3:1 / $3,310 per person
4:1 / $3,085 per person
5:1 / $2,720 per person
6+:2 / $2,800 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,390 per person
2:1 / $4,425 per person
3:1 / $3,725 per person
4:1 / $3,445 per person
5:1 / $3,050 per person
6+:2 / $3,130 per person
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 9-15
Round Trip Transportation between Anchorage and McCarthy. 2 Nights Lodging. 4 Night/ 5 Day Goat Trail Trip. Group Size Max 5ppl. $3,725/ 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.
Goat Trail
Photo Gallery
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