[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” module_id=”paintbrush-white” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Frequently Asked Questions” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#000000″ background_image=”https:\/\/kennicottguides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/@GabrielRovick_AlaskaPackraftExpedition_TheRoadToMcCarthy-.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_tabs _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_tab title=”Day Trips” _builder_version=”4.17.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
I only have one or two days to spend in McCarthy & Kennicott. How do I choose?<\/strong> Is transportation included in my day trip?<\/strong> Do I need to bring lunch on my day trip?<\/strong> What do I need to bring and what do you provide?<\/strong> Who will my guide be?<\/strong> How much should I tip my guide?<\/strong> How much elevation gain and loss can I expect on a day trip?<\/strong> What are the differences between a Group & Private Trip?<\/strong> What do you do if it rains?<\/strong> What does experience required mean for downriver packrafting trips?<\/strong> How many people will be in my Group Trip?<\/strong> Does my Glacier Hike include a tour of the Kennicott Milltown?<\/strong> Do you offer crampon rentals?<\/strong> What is your deposit and cancellation policy?<\/strong> [\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”General” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n I have so many questions about getting to Kennicott from Anchorage, can you help?<\/strong> I also have questions about transportation around Kennicott, can you help?<\/strong> What\u2019s the McCarthy Road like?<\/strong> Can I take my rental car down McCarthy Road?<\/strong> What is the best time of year to visit?<\/strong> How bad are the mosquitos?<\/strong> What are my lodging options?<\/strong> What is there to do in McCarthy & Kennicott?<\/strong> What should I bring for my trip to Alaska?<\/strong> Is there cell coverage in McCarthy\/Kennicott?<\/strong> Is there WiFi in McCarthy\/Kennicott?<\/strong> What are some important local landmarks? What is the Footbridge?<\/strong> What elevations are McCarthy and Kennicott at?<\/strong> Where is the KWG Office?<\/strong> When did KWG start?<\/strong> What is your deposit and cancellation policy?<\/strong> [\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”Multi-Day” _builder_version=”4.17.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I\u2019ve never been to the Wrangells before, how do I decide what to do and where to go?<\/strong> What does experience recommended or required mean for backpacking Point-to-Point trips?<\/strong> What does experience required mean for downriver packrafting trips?<\/strong> Who will my guide be?<\/strong> How much should I tip my multi-day guide?<\/strong> Do you follow Leave No Trace Policies?<\/strong> Where do we go to the bathroom in the backcountry?<\/strong> Do I have to carry my own gear? How heavy will my pack be?<\/strong> What do you do if it rains?<\/strong> What do I need to know about flying in a bush plane?<\/strong> What happens if the airplane can’t pick us up?<\/strong> What if I’m afraid of bears?<\/strong> What will we eat in the backcountry?<\/strong> Can you accommodate my dietary needs\/preferences?<\/strong> Do you have a packing list?<\/strong> Where can I store my luggage while I\u2019m in the backcountry?<\/strong> What\u2019s included in the cost of my trip?<\/strong> What can I expect before and after my trip?<\/strong> Why are all of your Backcountry Trips and Packages private?<\/strong> What is the best time to plan a trip?<\/strong> How do I get around Kennicott and McCarthy once I arrive?<\/strong> What is the booking process for a multi-day trip?<\/strong> What is your deposit and cancellation policy?<\/strong> How far in advance do I need to book my Multi-Day Trip?<\/strong> Do you recommend travel and\/or rescue insurance?<\/strong> [\/et_pb_tab][\/et_pb_tabs][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/kennicottguides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/\u00a9CarsonDavisBrown_KWG-7813-web.jpg” alt=”Someone in a raft with a hand holder their paddle” title_text=”\u00a9CarsonDavisBrown_KWG-7813-web” align=”center” admin_label=”Image – Sarah holding Paddle ” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/kennicottguides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/\u00a9CarsonDavisBrown_KWG-4896-web.jpg” title_text=”\u00a9CarsonDavisBrown_KWG-4896-web” align=”center” admin_label=”Image – Three People with Hands up” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/kennicottguides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/\u00a9CarsonDavisBrown_KWG-9985-web.jpg” alt=”a person in front of the packrafting gear tent” title_text=”\u00a9CarsonDavisBrown_KWG-9985-web” align=”center” admin_label=”Image – Spencer in front of gear tent” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I only have one or two days to spend in McCarthy & Kennicott. How do I choose?We\u2019re partial, but feel like getting on the glacier is top priority and all our glacier trips include an interpretive walk through the Kennicott Millsite. For a single day that\u2019s easier on the legs, a packraft trip in the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":46,"featured_media":6616,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" KWG is committed to setting up an adventure that empowers you to meet or exceed your goals and objectives. \u00a0We do this by spending the time to get to know you<\/em>. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p> In order to do this, we ask that our multiday clients fill out the following form and email it back to mail@kennicottguides.com. \u00a0These forms will go directly to your guide, so the more detailed you answers, the more prepared we can be.<\/p> Pre-Trip Bio<\/a><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> We understand that packing and shopping for gear to outfit your Alaskan adventure can be a daunting task.<\/strong><\/p> Here are our recommended gear lists that you should bring with you for your adventures.\u00a0 We are constantly experimenting to find the best combination of gear that is most efficient for our mountain adventures.\u00a0 We welcome your feedback, and want to hear what gear works best for you.<\/p>
We\u2019re partial, but feel like getting on the glacier is top priority and all our glacier trips include an interpretive walk through the Kennicott Millsite. For a single day that\u2019s easier on the legs, a packraft trip in the glacier lake is top of the list. Check out our package trips<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n
Yes! Round-trip, local transportation is provided. When you reserve your trip you will have the opportunity to let us know where you’re staying. We’ll make arrangements on when and where to pick you up.<\/p>\n
Yes, you need to bring your own lunch or snacks on your day trip. If it\u2019s a half day trip, snacks might be fine, but we recommend bringing a lunch for a full day. Lunch can be purchased from some lodging options and local restaurants, and snacks can be bought in McCarthy at the Mercantile. Contact us if you would like help arranging a lunch.<\/p>\n
Check out our packing lists located on our Trip Planning Overview Page<\/a>\u2026everything else from crampons to packrafts is included in your trip.<\/p>\n
All of our guides are Wilderness First Responder certified with extensive local and regional training and a love for the outdoors. See Our Guides<\/a> to meet our staff<\/p>\n
10-20% of your trip cost per person is customary. If you\u2019ve got multiple guides, tip them separately or tip the lead guide and they\u2019ll split tips within the team.<\/p>\n
Short answer is not that much, but at times it might feel like it. Although you don\u2019t technically go up or down any big terrain (unless you do an Alpine Hike which has a required 2,000-4,000ft gain\/ loss) there are short sections of elevation gains and loss in terrain on the glacier trail and glacier.<\/p>\n
Group Trips leave the office at set times and can have multiple parties with one guide. Private trips have customizable departure times and a private guide for just your party.<\/p>\n
We go on the trip!!! KWG doesn\u2019t cancel trips for rain, which is why we so highly recommend bringing good rain layers (we have some extras if you forgot). Packraft trips are already in drysuits so rain isn\u2019t an issue on the lake either. Our trips don\u2019t require big views to be worthwhile and the glacier can be especially beautiful in the rain. As we always say, wouldn\u2019t you rather be seeing Alaska than the inside of your hotel room?<\/p>\n
It depends on the trip, but generally you need to be proficient in navigating hazards and catching eddies at the river difficulty listed in your own kayak paddle driven boat. You could be experienced in a packraft, an inflatable kayak or a hard shell. Contact us to start the assessment process by filling out our Packraft Experience Questionnaire.<\/a><\/p>\n
It depends on the day, but we always stick to our ratios. Our ratio sizes are excellent for the industry and listed on each trip page. We don\u2019t ever cancel trips for too few people.<\/p>\n
Yes it does! We live in Kennicott and love to share the rich history with our guests on all our glacier trips.<\/p>\n
We don\u2019t, but crampons are included at no extra cost on all glacier trips.<\/p>\n
Please review our Deposit and Cancellation Policy here \u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n
Yes! We know it’s complicated, so we designed the Trip Planning<\/a> section of our website to help.
See our All Inclusive Custom Package<\/a> page if you are interested in a custom package that includes all all of the logistics involved in your trip to Wrangell-St. Elias from anywhere in Alaska.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll pick you up for all activities you’re doing with KWG and for everything else there\u2019s local shuttles that run regularly between Kennicott and McCarthy. Both the towns are very walkable once there.<\/p>\n
For a great video and a more in depth answer see our Getting Here<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n
Only a few rental companies in Alaska allow you to drive their cars down the McCarthy Road. There are options to take a shuttle or flight from Chitina if your rental is not allowed. See our Getting Here<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n
Honestly, whenever you make it is the best time. Each month has its own perk: May and June have the long days (and sunsets) Alaska is known for, July and August have the most consistently nice weather and it is when all of our backcountry locations are available, and September is prime time for seeing the Fall colors.<\/p>\n
The peak of the mosquito season is late June and July. If you come at that time we recommend bringing a headnet and spray. That said, everyone hates mosquitos, but they have never ruined a trip!<\/p>\n
We recommend all of the options on our Lodging Partners<\/a> page. These range from inclusive lodges to bare bones camping.<\/p>\n
Both towns are great for a good stroll, have great food and fun gift shops featuring local artists. Friday is Softball Night in McCarthy and most weekends there\u2019s live music at The Potato or Golden Saloon.<\/p>\n
Our packing lists are intended to prepare you not only for your trip(s) with us but for your whole Alaskan vacation. Check out our packing lists located on our Trip Planning Overview<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n
Verizon and Copper Valley have consistently worked for a number of years, Credo worked in 2021 and should continue to do so in the future. The rest of the carriers have been inconsistent.<\/p>\n
There is no public WiFi, however many of the lodging options will have WiFi available for you.<\/p>\n
Getting to the end of the road can be disorienting here’s some landmarks to help.
The Footbridge is the bridge over the Kennicott River at the end of McCarthy Road. Walk across the footbridge to get picked up by KWG or local shuttles.
The Swimming Hole is the mirror pond just off the road from the footbridge to McCarthy. Our outdoor \u201cpool\u201d for packraft courses and local hot spot when it heats up.
McCarthy is a \u00bc walk or shuttle from the footbridge.
Kennicott is 5 miles up the road from McCarthy, making it the end of the end the road.
KWG\u2019s Office is on Main Street, Kennicott across from the Kennicott Glacier Lodge.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t let the big mountains fool you, McCarthy is at 1,401 ft and Kennicott is at 1,901 ft. When you see the summit of Mt. Blackburn (16, 390 ft) from town you’re looking up over 14,000 ft.<\/p>\n
Our office is located in downtown Kennicott across the street from the Kennicott Glacier Lodge and neighbors with the Meatza Wagon.<\/p>\n
KWG started in 1995 when Chris Richards and a group of Alaskan mountaineers decided to start glacier hikes and tours of Kennicott from Chris\u2019s lot on Main St. Kennicott. Monte, Jared and Betsy began guiding for KWG 2005 and have owned it together since 2011.<\/p>\n
Please review our Deposit and Cancellation Policy here \u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n
That is what we are here for! KWG only operates in Wrangell-St. Elias. Our entire company is founded on finding the best adventures in the area, and customizing them to each individual who visits us.<\/p>\n
These trips are committing and in difficult terrain. We are referring to experience not just outdoors but backpacking while carrying a heavy pack. Many visitors don\u2019t have previous off-trail experience, but having done some amount of backpacking sets you (and us) up for more enjoyable trips. If you are unsure, we will take the time to discuss with you which trips are a good fit.<\/p>\n
For Experience Required Packraft Trips you need to be proficient in navigating hazards and catching eddies at the river difficulty listed in your own packraft. You could be experienced in a packraft, an inflatable kayak or a hard shell. Contact us to start the assessment process by filling out our Packraft Experience Questionnaire<\/a>.<\/p>\n
All of our guides are Wilderness First Responder certified with extensive local and regional training and a love for the outdoors. Check out Our Guides page to get to know them a little better.<\/p>\n
Tipping your package or backcountry guide is customary. It’s difficult to give a percentage as a guideline due to the cost of these trips including flights and other logistics. A good rule of thumb is $50-$150 a day per day, per guide, total from the entire participant group. This is by no means a limit if your guides made it the trip of a lifetime.<\/p>\n
We follow the standards for Leave No Trace in Alaska Wildlands. We limit our impact by packing out all waste, camping and traveling on durable surfaces, and cooking and storing food following guidelines for travel in bear country. Our guides will teach you the finer points pre-trip and along the way to help you limit your impacts on this trip and in future.<\/p>\n
You can urinate just about anywhere, as long as it’s 200 ft from a water source. To poop we dig 6 inch deep \u2018cat holes\u2019 that we bury deposits in and pack out the used toilet paper. We know this can be stressful for folks, you got it, it\u2019s the best views you\u2019ll ever have from a bathroom.<\/p>\n
It depends on trip style and goals.
For Basecamping Trips you will have to carry a small pack with your personal items in it to camp and will carry a small pack on day hikes. If you don\u2019t want to carry a pack at all you can add a porter to your trip.
For Backpacking Loops or Point-to-Points you will need to carry all your own gear and some amount of group gear. You can add a porter to your trip to assist with some of the weight but will always need to be able to carry some amount of your own gear.<\/p>\n
We go on the trip!!! KWG doesn\u2019t cancel trips for rain which is why we so highly recommend bringing good rain layers (we have some extras if you forgot). In the backcountry we still day hike and backpack in the rain and with good layers it never ruins a trip. In addition, we always bring a cook tent so that we have a dry place to eat and prepare meals. As we always say, wouldn\u2019t you rather be seeing Alaska than the inside of your hotel room?<\/p>\n
The basics are; be on time, be organized and be nice to the pilot. The planes are small (2-6 people) and flights are generally pretty smooth sailing. The pilots in the Wrangells are the best in the business and the flights are beyond belief beautiful!<\/p>\n
It’s rare, but sometimes flights get delayed by weather on the front end or back end of a Backcountry Trip. If possible, we recommend planning a buffer day at the end of your trip in case we can\u2019t fly in or there\u2019s a delay in getting picked up.
We have many years of experience with bush planes in the backcountry of Wrangell-St. Elias. We are prepared with extra supplies, multiple communication devices, and direct contact with the flight services.<\/p>\n
It’s ok, lots of people are afraid of bears. Our guides are all trained and experienced travelers in bear country in Alaska and will teach you how we manage that risk with camping and travel practices. The bears in the Wrangells are still wild and generally not interested in people. Our guides carry bear spray and we camp and travel according to guidelines laid out by Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.<\/p>\n
We will eat good out there. No matter the trip or your dietary desires our guides will be cooking up delicious nutritious meals for you in the backcountry. On Basecamps we can do a lot with the menu and it is always customized to your tastes and preferences. On trips where weight is a concern we\u2019ll keep breakfast and lunch simple and make sure dinners are hot and filling.<\/p>\n
Let us know as soon as possible what they are and we will do our best to accommodate. We are in a remote location and may recommend bringing your own snacks and\/or meals depending on your needs\/preferences.<\/p>\n
We have a few in fact! Our packing lists are intended to prepare you not only for your trip(s) with us but for your whole Alaskan vacation. Check out our packing lists located on our Trip Planning Overview<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n
Some lodging options will store your luggage, if yours doesn\u2019t we\u2019ll keep it for you in a secure location at our office in Kennicott.<\/p>\n
Each trip has a drop down that has a complete list of what the Trip Includes and what the Trip Does Not Include.<\/p>\n
Before your trip, your guide will set up a time to meet with you and go over your gear, review the trip plan and answer any last minute questions. Your guide will pick you up and bring you to the airstrip or the KWG office if you’re hiking out.
After your trip, your guide will bring you back to your lodging or straight to The Potato for french fries. We\u2019ll make sure we have all our gear and that you have a way to get all the great pictures your guide took. Feel free to take your guide to dinner and start planning your next trip!<\/p>\n
All our Backcountry Trips and Packages are private trips because we like working directly with people to deliver the experience they are looking for.<\/p>\n
Honestly, whenever you make it is the best time. Each month has its own perk: May and June have the long days (and sunsets) Alaska is known for, July and August have the most consistently nice weather and it is when all of our backcountry locations are available, and September is prime time for seeing the Fall colors.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll pick you up for all activities you’re doing with KWG and for everything else there\u2019s local shuttles that run regularly between Kennicott and McCarthy. Both the towns are very walkable once there.<\/p>\n
Step 1: Look over trip types and locations and see what jumps out at you.
Step 2: Start planning your trip by filling out our Backcountry Booking form.
Step 3: Get excited! Your adventure has already begun. We will contact you shortly to discuss options and put together an itinerary.
Step 4: When we finalize your itinerary we will send you a reservation, once you have paid a 50% deposit your trip is confirmed.<\/p>\n
Please review our Deposit and Cancellation Policy here \u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n
We recommend booking between 1 year to 3 months in advance. As a small custom guide service that operates during a short season our backcountry guides are in high demand. Advanced booking is highly recommended.<\/p>\n
We recommend looking into travel insurance to protect your trip especially for package or backcountry trips. Travel insurance varies depending on plans but most cover trip cancellations, interruptions, changes, lost luggage, and some emergency medical coverage.<\/p>\n