Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Root Glacier on this exhilarating half-day hike. Accompanied by knowledgeable local guides, you'll explore unique glacial features such as blue pools, moulins, and crevasses, while learning about the fascinating history of the Kennicott Mining Town. Begin your adventure in historic Kennecott, where you'll discover the stories behind the famous copper mines. Then, embark on a two-mile trek along the well-marked glacier trail, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding alpine mountains and wildlife along the way. Equipped with crampons, you'll traverse the rolling ice of the Root Glacier, stopping to drink from a glacial stream and capture unforgettable photos. Immerse yourself in the dynamic landscape of the Root Glacier and let the majesty of this natural wonder leave you awe-inspired.
About this experience
Free Cancellation
For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
5
hours
Suitable for
1-8
Participants
Private Tour, Small Group Tour
Guided Experience
Soaring Glacial & Mountain Vistas
Hike on the White Ice of the Root Glacier
Explore Unique Glacial Features (Blue Pools, Moulins, Crevasses)
Drink from a Glacial Stream
Private transportation
Crampons
Local guide
Private tours
Trekking poles (by request)
Lunch or snacks
Water bottle
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Sunglasses & sunscreen (even if it is cloudy!)
Rain gear (top & bottom)
Backpack
Camara
Lightweight gloves
A tip for your guide! (10-20% of trip cost is recommended)
Popular Hotels Closeby
More about this experience
Introduction
Get ready for a thrilling adventure that will take you deep into the heart of the magnificent Alaskan wilderness. Introducing the Half Day Root Glacier Hike, an exhilarating experience that combines breathtaking natural beauty with a fascinating exploration of history. Lace up your hiking boots and let our expert guides lead you on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of the Root Glacier.
What to expect?
On this amazing glacier hike, you can expect to discover the stunning Blue Pools, Moulins, and Crevasses that make the Root Glacier so unique. Equipped with crampons and with the guidance of our knowledgeable team, you'll have the opportunity to explore the rolling expanse of white ice that stretches as far as the eye can see. Feel the thrill of drinking from a glacial stream and marvel at the unbeatable views of the Stairway Icefall. Throughout the hike, you'll gain insights into glaciology and geology, expanding your understanding of this dynamic landscape.
Who is this for?
This unforgettable experience is for adventurers and nature lovers of all ages who seek a deeper connection with the natural world. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a curious explorer, this tour is designed to suit a wide range of fitness levels. From families looking to create lasting memories to solo travelers yearning for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Half Day Root Glacier Hike welcomes anyone who is captivated by the wonder of glaciers and the charm of the Alaskan wilderness.
Why book this?
Embark on the Half Day Root Glacier Hike to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska's glacial landscapes up close. Our expert guides have an insider's knowledge of the historic Kennecott Mining Town, bringing its intriguing past to life. With an immersive interpretive tour, you'll learn about the fascinating history of copper mining and discover the secrets hidden within the town's well-preserved buildings. As you traverse the well-marked glacier trail, you'll have plenty of opportunities to capture incredible photographs of wildflowers, taste Alaska berries, and soak in the breathtaking mountain views. This unforgettable journey will leave you with a profound appreciation for the power and majesty of nature.
Good to know
Before setting off on the Half Day Root Glacier Hike, remember to arrive at our Adventure Office at least 15 minutes prior to departure. Free onsite parking is available for our tour guests. To ensure your comfort and safety, we provide crampons and offer a pre-trip orientation. Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in this dynamic landscape. Don't forget your camera to capture the unforgettable moments you'll experience during this incredible journey.
Reviews
Customers who have embarked on the Half Day Root Glacier Hike rave about their experiences. They were amazed by the expert guidance provided by our knowledgeable guides, immersing them in the history and natural wonders of the area. Visitors praised the breathtaking beauty of the glacier, the crispness of the blue pools, and the stunning ice-falls. The overall satisfaction with the tour highlights the Half Day Root Glacier Hike as an unforgettable adventure that leaves guests with a deep appreciation for the wonders of Alaska's wilderness.
How long before the event do I need to book?
You can book at any time before the event
Vouchers accepted in the following formats
Mobile
Our Adventure Office is located on the West Side of the Kennicott River, Just one stop before the Kennicott River Footbridge. Please arrive at our office no later than 15 minutes prior to trip departure. We have free onsite parking for our tour guests.
McCarthy River Tours,
Mile 59, McCarthy Rd, McCarthy, AK 99588,
US
Your Itinerary
McCarthy
McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters
Root Glacier Trail
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age is 8 years
Dress code is outdoors ready, participants should bring sunglasses, gloves and rain gear and dress appropriately for the temperature.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Reviews
(19)
5(19)
Owen_T
This was a great day hiking to the glacier and over it. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.
DouglasF2219
We had a wonderful time hiking to and on the glacier. We booked last minute due to weather and they were very accommodating. Our guide John was terrific and we enjoyed our day with him very much. He shared his knowledge of the area and glaciers, fitted us with equipment and instructed us well on how to stay safe. Great experience! We're so glad we did this!
patellaOwensboro
Just enjoyed the experience of being on the glazier and learning about the glaziers. Our guide Macie was knowledgeable. I am certainly glad we had a guide.
apsback
We went for the glacier walk with beautiful weather late July.
The walk on the glacier is spectacular as it gives amazing views to the surrounding mountains and the different shapes and colors of the ice and crevasses around.
While it was warm on the way to the glacier, it was much cooler once on the glacier. So take at least two layers to manage the change of temperature.
Robin M
Very well run operation and an almost spiritual experience. The glacier hike was stunning and our guide was both knowledgeable and fun, while also very safety conscious. Highly recommend!
745alliec
Jeremiah was a great guide. He was full of local knowledge and made us feel comfortable on our hike. Only 1 in 4 of us had ever been on crampons before but he made sure we had a good fit and knowledge of how to use. Would definitely recommend
Kirsten N
We went on the Root Glacier Hike with our daughter and her friend. This was his first trip to Alaska. We live in the area, and had been to McCarthy many times, but had never been to Root Glacier. Walking on the glacier was a highlight for all of us. We had a great hike. The glacier was amazing. Our guide, Johnny, was informative, helpful, and outgoing. As a bonus, he took beautiful pictures with our camera and cell phones. We saw guides from another outfit with large groups of people and we were sure glad we selected McCarthy River Tours; since it was just the four of us and our guide, we could go at our own pace and fully explore the area. Thank you, Johnny!
AimeeBDC
I booked a Root Glacier hike with Johnny and boy am I glad I did! I normally would forego a formal tour and take a hike by myself, and I'm happy that I did the opposite this time.
Johnny was an awesome guide! He was patient, informative, and since we were the only two people on the glacier at 8 AM in the morning, he took me around to all of the good picture taking spots. He showed me some of the remnants of the Gold Rush systems that exist on the mountainside to the right of the glacier; that was cool! I got some really amazing photos of the ice fall and other glacial structures and he even helped me fill my Camelback with delicious glacier water! He was super knowledgeable about the area, about the Root glacier structure (as well as the surrounding Kennicott glacier), and about the history of the surrounding area.
It was truly an amazing and unforgettable experience and I'm glad I got a super cool and relatable guide like Johnny!
ComProf19
Here’s the truth, folks: There are a few companies in the area that book tours of the Root, but this company has individualized service, and it is totally worth the negligible amount of money. This July I booked a 7:00am private tour, and Amanda was my guide. It was just the two of us on the glacier. By the time we got off the glacier, other companies with much larger groups were arriving. Nothing against big groups, but if you want to move quickly, see more, and get a personalized experience, I highly recommend this company. And if you can get Amanda, you will not be disappointed. She was funny, wickedly smart and knowledgeable, and a perfect guide. It was an experience I will never forget.
Amy L
We three mature ladies took the Root Glacier hike. Despite the really un-Alaskan weather (hot, hot, hot) we had a terrific time and are very proud we made this choice.
Guide Stone provided hiking poles and crampons. He was well prepared for emergencies. We were able to go at our pace and liked the smaller group (just us) with McCarthy River Tours. He met us at the Kennicott Lodge were we were staying, however I understand other groups start in McCarthy.
Although we are Alaskan and know our plants and quite a bit of Kennicott history, he was knowledgeable about those things also, and taught us quite a bit about the local geology.
Time on the glacier was magical. Stone was able to show us things we wouldn't have found on our own.
Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners
2024-06-29 11:40
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