MCCARTHY HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Glacier and Tundra: Five Days on McCarthy’s Living Ice
A concentrated 5-day guided traverse from snowy peaks across living glaciers into vibrant tundra — this guide orients you on logistics, gear, and booking options for the St. Elias Alpine Guides trip.
Glacier and Tundra: Five Days on McCarthy’s Living Ice.
Set in McCarthy, Alaska, this five-day guided outing threads snowy peaks, living glaciers, and stretches of lush tundra, with options for both group departures and private trips and an ice-climbing add-on available on scheduled dates.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Snowy Peaks, Living Glaciers, Lush Tundra
The trip moves through dramatic glaciated terrain and the tundra that frames it, delivering stark alpine vistas and variable ground underfoot that define the route.
Ice-Climbing Add-on on Scheduled Departures
On select group departures the itinerary includes an ice-climbing add-on, allowing participants to extend the core backpacking experience with technical ice travel.
Group and Private Options
Trips run as scheduled group departures and as private or custom trips; private pricing is offered by party size, and the operator provides booking options for both singles and larger groups.
What the day feels like
What the Five Days Feel Like
Across five days you move between snow-covered summits, active glacier ice, and colorful tundra corridors; the program is run as both scheduled group departures and private/custom trips, with an optional ice-climbing component offered on certain dates.
THE LANDSCAPE
Snowy Peaks, Living Glaciers, Lush Tundra
The trip moves through dramatic glaciated terrain and the tundra that frames it, delivering stark alpine vistas and variable ground underfoot that define the route.
THE ACTIVITY
Ice-Climbing Add-on on Scheduled Departures
On select group departures the itinerary includes an ice-climbing add-on, allowing participants to extend the core backpacking experience with technical ice travel.
THE FORMAT
Group and Private Options
Trips run as scheduled group departures and as private or custom trips; private pricing is offered by party size, and the operator provides booking options for both singles and larger groups.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and how group size affects the experience.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Consult the operator’s equipment list for clothing, sleeping, and pack requirements; the trip page includes a full gear list and guidance for both backpacking and optional ice-climbing gear.
An ice-climbing add-on is offered on scheduled departures; participants should review the equipment list for technical gear needed for that extension.
Refer to the trip page for detailed equipment guidance and operator notes before departure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Glacier and Tundra trip?
The core program runs five days.
Are there scheduled group departures?
Yes—group trip dates are scheduled, and some departures include the ice-climbing add-on.
Can I book a private or custom trip?
Private trips and custom dates are available; the operator also lists private pricing by party size.
Is ice climbing part of the trip?
An ice-climbing add-on is offered on certain group departures.
Where can I find the equipment list?
The trip page includes an equipment list and further details on what to bring for both the backpacking route and any technical add-ons.