Go Ice Climbing, McCarthy

What: Anyone that’s visiting / living in Alaska should consider ice climbing at the top of their bucket lists. Luckily with the number of glaciers in the state, it’s totally possible to do this in the summer. St Elias Alpine guides and Kennecott Wilderness guides both offer day trip ice climbing tours on the Root glacier near McCarthy Alaska. This is a fairly strenous activity so worth doing if you’re mostly fit.

When to go: Ideally accessed in the summer months between May and September.

How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/XAgMmvCN579ajAay5
You’ll need to first get to McCarthy via a long road, and then cross the footbridge into McCarthy, and then take a shuttle to Kennecott. From here you can find St Elias alpine guides who will take you out on the tour.

Tips:

• Given the complexities of getting out to McCarthy, it’s worth doing this as part of a broader trip to the area. It is possible to do this as a fly in trip from Chitina, but the cost can add up quickly.
• The guide companies provide everything you need for ice climbing including helmets, crampons, ice axe, ropes, harnesses, boots, etc. It is worth dressing warm, bringing sunglasses, and plenty of water/snacks.
• You’ll first hike a few miles to root glacier, then put on crampons as you climb onto the glacier, and then hike to various spots where the guides will take you ice climbing. Depending on the group size you may end up checking out several climbing spots. In some cases you climb up to the guide from a low spot, and in some cases the guide will have you descend down into an ice cave and climb back out. Luckily glacier ice can be very forgiving and is a great place to learn how to climb.
• The views of the surrounding valley from the glacier are stunning, and you’ll even get to see the famous ice falls on a clear day. If it’s an extra warm day, you may even have a chance to dive into a glacial pool so bring an extra set of clothes!
• The guides are amazing and really know their stuff. They are extra safe and take multiple steps to ensure all the gear and anchors are set up correctly. They’re very patient as well even if you want to go slow. Highly worth recommend either guide company for this incredible adventure.