9-Hour Helicopter Hike & Rafting Tour in Girdwood
Explore Chugach alpine terrain by helicopter, hike, raft, and train
Duration
9.5 hours
Ideal For
Up to 8 people
Includes
Helicopter flight, lunch, rafting
Highlights
Take on a private helicopter-and-hiking adventure tailored to your adventure level. Explore alpine landscapes, glacier-fed waters, and mountain views with a guide.
- Customize the private helicopter and hiking portion for your adventure level
- View cirque, hanging, rock, and retreating mountain glaciers from the air
- Follow your guide through alpine terrain, lakes, creeks, and forest trail
- Explore icebergs on Spencer Lake during the rafting portion
- Ride the Glacier Discovery Train after your time on the water
Itinerary
- 8:00 AM – Girdwood Arrival Time (If needing transportation from Anchorage, it costs an additional $150 per person).
- 8:40 AM – Alpine Air Helicopter Departure
- 9:10 AM Comet Glacier Landing into Spencer Bench Alpine (Dependent on Time of Year)
Helicopter Landing Zone dependent on Weather and Snow Pack Conditions:
- 9:15 – 1:30 PM Comet Heli Hiking to Spencer Lake (6+ Miles Mostly Downhill Hike).
- 3 Mile Alpine Hike Thru Snow (June/ early July), Alpine Lakes & Creeks, No Trails.
- 3 Mile Hike Down US Forest Service Spencer Bench Cabin Trail
For a Shorter Hike, we can land closer to the Spencer Bench trail and Spencer Glacier Overlook.
Please let us know your hiking experience to determine if you are ready.
- 2:00-4:30 PM Explore the Icebergs on Spencer Lake and Raft up to the Spencer Glacier Terminus Face.
- 4:45 PM Board the AK Railroad Glacier Discovery Train to Portage Station
- 5:15 PM De-board Train at Portage Station for CA Shuttle to Girdwood
- 5:45 PM Return Arrival to Girdwood
What's Included
- Scenic helicopter flight
- Glacier Discovery Train tickets
- Catered sack lunch, drinks, and snacks
- Rafting trip
- Rain ponchos, rubber boots, and personal flotation devices
- Trekking poles and bear spray
Important details
- Ages 8+ only; children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Minimum of 2 people per booking party
- Complete the helicopter waiver before departure
- Bring hiking boots or trail running shoes with thick tread, warm synthetic or wool layers, rain gear, water, hat, gloves, and extra socks
- Maximum helicopter seat weight is 290 lbs
- If your weight prevents helicopter flight and no suitable aircraft can fly, helicopter charter costs still apply
- If combined passenger and guide weight exceeds the R44 helicopter's 600 lb limit and an R66 is needed, an additional $200 per party applies and is not included in the listed price
- Bring a government-issued photo ID if you are 18 or older for the train ride
- Expect the route and landing location to change based on weather, snow conditions, wind, water levels, and group ability
Cancellation Policy
Cancel 10 days or more in advance for a 90% refund. Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable.
Product ID: ZTYF25
FAQs
Take a private helicopter and hiking segment with your booking party and a guide. The rafting segment may be shared if fewer than 3 guests book the trip; groups with more than 4 guests keep the rafting private.
Plan for ages 8+. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The rafting portion is described as suitable for ages 12 and up.
Bring hiking boots or trail running shoes with good, thick tread, plus warm layers (synthetic or wool), a rain or wind jacket, warm hat, gloves, a water bottle, and a camera. Pack an extra pair of socks for rafting, and carry everything in a backpack that can sit in your lap during the helicopter flight.
Meeting details
1553 Alyeska Highway, Girdwood, AK 99587
