Top McCarthy landmark tours

Half Day Root Glacier Hike

22 Reviews 4.95 out of 5 stars Based on 22 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | McCarthy, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.

5 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
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

What's Included

  • Private transportation
  • Trekking Poles (by request)
  • Private tours
  • Lunch or Snacks
  • Water Bottle
  • Sturdy Hiking Shoes or Boots
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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

Mile 59
McCarthy Road, McCarthy, AK 99588, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

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 (6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Half Day Root Glacier Hike?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Activity code: C-8165P4

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.95
22 reviews

Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 22 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
21
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Private transportation
  • Trekking Poles (by request)
  • Private tours
  • 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)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers 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
  • Operated by a business

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