Strenuous guided hike to the 100-year-old Erie Mine bunkhouse
9 hours
Challenge yourself on a strenuous 9-hour hike to the 100-year-old Erie Mine bunkhouse near McCarthy. Travel off-trail through steep, rocky terrain with major elevation gain and exposed scrambling.
This trip is strenuous and not recommended if you have vertigo or are afraid of heights. You must be able to move through steep, exposed terrain independently with verbal guidance. If you are physically unable to complete the hike, you will not receive a refund.
Fully refundable up to 48 hours prior to the start of the trip. Within 48 hours, no refund for cancellations. No-shows will be charged the full price. Full refund if the operator cancels due to dangerous conditions.
Expect a strenuous off-trail hike through a scree-filled gully with loose rock and overhead rock hazards. You’ll gain over 2,000 feet of elevation in about 1/2 mile and do steep, exposed rock scrambling. A background in Class II–III terrain is strongly encouraged, and this trip isn’t recommended if you have vertigo or are afraid of heights.
You must be able to move through steep, exposed terrain independently while following your guide’s verbal instructions.
Bring layered clothing (including rain jacket and rain pants), a warm sweater and/or jacket, hiking pants, a hat, light gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, hiking boots with ankle support (or other sturdy walking shoes), trekking poles, a water bottle, a camera/phone, and a backpack big enough for extra layers, lunch, and water.
The guides here clearly make all the difference. Reviewers consistently praise staff by name—Benjamin, Caroline, Stella, Pat, Roy, and many others—for their knowledge, professionalism, and genuine care. Whether it's someone helping a 75-year-old hiker manage the heat, bringing hot coffee to guests on a chilly glacier, or extending a tour when timing didn't match expectations, the personal attention stands out. The operation offers everything from Kennecott Mill tours to multi-day wilderness adventures, glacier hikes, ice cave explorations, and rafting trips. The experiences range from accessible half-day outings to seriously challenging multi-day treks that reviewers describe as "not for the faint of heart." Guests appreciate that guides adapt to their group's needs and abilities while keeping safety front and center. The mill tours get special mention for being both informative and entertaining, with access to restricted areas you can't see on your own. People leave with what one reviewer perfectly called "core memories"—the kind of Alaskan adventure that feels both thrilling and remarkably well-supported.
We took a private ice cave tour with St. Elias Alpine Guides, the guide was professional. The ice cave was gorgeous. Please choose them if you want to get some adventure there!
Roy Ma
October 18, 2025
We took a private ice cave tour with St. Elias Alpine Guides, the guide was professional. The ice cave was gorgeous. Please choose them if you want to get some adventure there!
Roy Ma
October 18, 2025