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Half Day Root Glacier Hike

21 Reviews 4.95 out of 5 stars Based on 21 reviews collected by Cool Alaska and TripAdvisor | McCarthy, USA

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Don't miss out!
This is usually booked 26 (0) days in advance.

5 hours (approx).
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Tour Highlights
~Interpretive Walking Tour through the Historic Kennicott Mining Town
~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
~Unbeatable Views of the Stairway Icefall

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What's Included

  • Private transportation
  • Crampons
  • Local guide
  • 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)
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

If electing hotel pickup, please ask the front desk to contact us the evening prior to your trip to finalize pick up location and time.

OR
Meeting point

McCarthy River Tours, Mile 59, McCarthy Rd, McCarthy, AK 99588, USA

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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.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Start Times

What To Expect

Explore the Blue Pools, Moulins, Crevasses and rolling Ice of the Root Glacier accompanied by one of our local, knowledgeable guides. Well studied in glaciology and geology, our guides will bring you on a glacier hike adventure in one of the earth’s most dynamic landscapes. Outfitted with a pair of crampons and a pre-trip orientation, we’ll shuttle you from our shop in McCarthy 5 miles up the road up to historic Kennecott.

Our glacier hike begins in historic Kennecott where your guide explains the buildings and history of the purest copper ever found on Earth. Your guides “insider” knowledge will help to illuminate the stories that once unfolded here.

From Kennecott it is a two mile trek along the well-marked glacier trail. Check out wild-flowers, maybe taste a few of the Alaska Berries along the way. The roughly 2 mile hike from bus depot to white ice provides for great photo ops and stops along the way. Your guide will offer a immersive interpretive tour of glacier, alpine mountains and the creatures that roam here. Spend a few hours circling moulins, traversing fields of ice & basking in the beauty of blue pools, ice-falls & soaring mountains.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

(4)

Q: Is this an accessible Tour?

A: Accessibility information for the Half Day Root Glacier Hike is as follows:Service animals allowedNot recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular healthTravelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitnessApr 2025

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given to customers' questions.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-8165P4

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.95
21 reviews

Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 21 traveler reviews collected by Cool Alaska and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
20
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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Don't miss out!
This is usually booked 26 (0) days in advance.

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Cancellation Policy

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKDT).

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