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    5. Root Glacier Ice Climbing in McCarthy
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    Root Glacier Ice Climbing in McCarthy

    Climb beginner-friendly ice walls on a full-day glacier outing

    From$208/ personincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    9 hours

    Includes

    Guide, Crampons and Boots

    Highlights

    Climb the ice walls of the Root Glacier on a full-day outing. No experience required, but you should be fit for hiking and climbing.

    • Hike 5–6 miles with a 300 ft hill
    • Traverse a short steep section over loose rock and ice
    • Climb up to 75 ft at a time on glacier ice
    • Go out rain or shine
    • Bring lunch, snacks, water, and a backpack
    • Use provided crampons and climbing boots

    What's Included

    • Guide
    • Crampons and climbing boots

    Things to know

    Must be in good physical condition. No previous climbing experience is necessary, but you must be able to climb up to 75 ft. The last part of the trail is steep and on loose rock over ice.

    Cancellation Policy

    Fully refundable up to 48 hours before the start. Within 48 hours, cancellations are nonrefundable and no-shows are charged in full. If the operator cancels due to dangerous conditions, you will be notified and receive a full refund.

    Meeting details

    12 Kennicott Millsite, McCarthy, AK 99588

    Experience provided by St. Elias Alpine Guides
    Experience provided by St. Elias Alpine Guides

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text (650) 414-7338

    Reference #VTQY45

    Adult

    $208.82

    Ages 13+

    0

    Child

    $187.62

    Ages 12 and under

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • Greetwell Approved

      This experience meets our quality and safety standards

    • Includes Concierge Support

      Our team is here to help with questions, timing, or special requests

    • Flexible Cancellation

      Plans change? Most experiences offer flexible cancellation

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    4.9 stars• 938 reviews

    Review summary

    4.9
    Excellent
    938 reviews•Google Maps

    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.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 5
    5/5

    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!

    Photo of Roy Ma

    Roy Ma

    October 18, 2025

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    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!

    Photo of Roy Ma

    Roy Ma

    October 18, 2025

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