MCCARTHY WELLNESS FIELD GUIDE
Across Blue Ice: A Full-Day Hike on Root Glacier out of McCarthy
An 8-hour guided crossing of Root Glacier in Wrangell–St. Elias — this guide explains what to expect, who it suits, and the verified logistics you’ll need.
Across Blue Ice: A Full-Day Hike on Root Glacier out of McCarthy.
Embark on an 8-hour guided hike across the Root Glacier in Wrangell–St. Elias, a full-day outing that pairs vast glacial panoramas with the focused, physical work of moving over blue ice and crevassed terrain.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Root Glacier’s wide sweep
The route traverses the Root Glacier inside Wrangell–St. Elias, offering expansive, glacial vistas that define the day’s scenery.
The thrill of glacier travel
Participants experience the distinctive thrill of walking on a living glacier — a highlight repeatedly noted for its drama and scale.
A full day for immersive exploration
This is a full-day (8-hour) outing designed for travelers who want an extended, active immersion on the ice and in the surrounding alpine landscape.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Over eight hours you’ll move deliberately across Root Glacier under the guidance of a professional operator, trading the shortcuts of transport for the steady rhythm of boots on ice and the constant presence of vast alpine terrain.
THE LANDSCAPE
Root Glacier’s wide sweep
The route traverses the Root Glacier inside Wrangell–St. Elias, offering expansive, glacial vistas that define the day’s scenery.
THE MOMENT
The thrill of glacier travel
Participants experience the distinctive thrill of walking on a living glacier — a highlight repeatedly noted for its drama and scale.
THE PURSUIT
A full day for immersive exploration
This is a full-day (8-hour) outing designed for travelers who want an extended, active immersion on the ice and in the surrounding alpine landscape.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a full-day guided outing with a stated duration of 8 hours.
See the operator’s trip page for a detailed gear list; the operator provides more information and photos on their official trip page.
Rates are listed per person with adult and child pricing as well as private-group pricing; consult the operator for reservations and exact pricing structure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Full-Day Glacier Hike?
The trip is an 8-hour outing.
Who operates this trip?
The Full-Day Glacier Hike is operated by St. Elias Alpine Guides.
What does the trip cost?
Per-person rates are listed as $172 for adults (ages 13+) and $152 for children (ages 12 and under); private-group pricing is also available with published per-group rates.
Is special fitness required?
Yes — the operator notes that a certain level of physical fitness is required for participation.
Where does the hike take place?
The hike traverses the Root Glacier within Wrangell–St. Elias, based out of the McCarthy area in Alaska.