Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Make sure you prioritize safety by exploring the Root Glacier with the longest-standing guide service in the valley! With over 40 years of experience in Wrangell St. Elias National Park, our guides are well-trained on the 2-mile trail to the glacier and navigating the Root Glacier's diverse features! Elevate your hike with insight into the flora, fauna, and local history you'll see along the way!
This hike is a moderate 5-6 mile round trip and is great for families, couples, and solo travelers! We send around 8 travelers per guide and people with diverse ability levels are welcome! From strong hikers to beginners, we welcome anyone with a sense of adventure! This hike is challenging for those under the age of 7 and anyone with knee problems.
Private tour options are available and can be a great fit for families, those who need additional assistance while hiking, or even advanced hikers looking to push their tour to the limits! Call for Private options.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A hands free carrier is required for children 2 or under.
What To Expect
Explore the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and walk on the Root Glacier with a knowledgeable guide! From glacial waterfalls to canyons of ice, your guide can navigate you to the best views and features! This ever-changing glacier is full of dramatic features and surrounded by an equally dramatic landscape! After you check in at our office, you'll meet your guide and the rest of your group. Before you hit the trail, your guide will get you outfitted with crampons and make sure you have all the gear noted on the equipment list you receive in your confirmation. From our office, you'll begin an interpretive 2-mile hike to the glacier. Once at the glacier’s edge, you’ll strap on your crampons and step foot on the ice for the first time! Get ready to hear the crunch of ice under your feet as you make your way onto the glacier to behold the stunning 7,000-foot Stairway Icefall! Along the way, your guide will explain the forces that have shaped the landscape you’re seeing and give you plenty of time to take pictures.
Options
Half-Day Glacier Hike
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Crampons
Lunch
Personal Hiking Gear (Extra layers, rain gear, sunglasses, gloves, backpack, etc.)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful guides to Root glacier Kennicott Alaska
417constanceh,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Emma of St. Elias guides, ably, assisted by Stella helped our group from 12 to 70+ years old on the trip of a lifetime. I felt so safe with their guidance and blessed by the fabulous views and the experience.
Outstanding
837cherylo,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I would recommend this company to support your glacier hike and mill tour in Kennecott-McCarthy. The guides are very informative - special thanks to Olivia and Mariah on their knowledge of the area and pointing out unique elements on the hike and mill tour, respectively. The guides are aware of their customer needs and go above and beyond - special thanks to Mike and Ben for their support. The constant communication with the owner on status was most appreciated since we got back an hour late due to some medical challenges we experienced. The customer service and concerns they expressed were just magnificent.
Related Experiences
Operated by St. Elias Alpine Guides