
Half-Day Glacier Hike
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 16 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Half-Day Glacier Hike worth booking?
Half-Day Glacier Hike is a 5.5-hour experience in McCarthy, United States, from $127 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 16 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (16)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $127 per person
Make sure you prioritize safety by exploring the Root Glacier with the longest-standing guide service in the valley! With over 40 years of experience in Wrangell St. Elias National Park, our guides are well-trained on th
What you get
About this experience
Make sure you prioritize safety by exploring the Root Glacier with the longest-standing guide service in the valley! With over 40 years of experience in Wrangell St. Elias National Park, our guides are well-trained on the 2-mile trail to the glacier and navigating the Root Glacier's diverse features! Elevate your hike with insight into the flora, fauna, and local history you'll see along the way! This hike is a moderate 5-6 mile round trip and is great for families, couples, and solo travelers! We send around 8 travelers per guide and people with diverse ability levels are welcome! From strong hikers to beginners, we welcome anyone with a sense of adventure! This hike is challenging for those under the age of 7 and anyone with knee problems. Private tour options are available and can be a great fit for families, those who need additional assistance while hiking, or even advanced hikers looking to push their tour to the limits! Call for Private options.
What's included
Included
- Crampons
Not included
- Lunch
- Personal Hiking Gear (Extra layers, rain gear, sunglasses, gloves, backpack, etc.)
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
McCarthy
Our Kennecott Office is the second building on the left as you enter Kennecott! Those staying in Kennecott can easily walk to our office. Anyone staying in or near McCarthy (5 miles down the road) will need to use our scheduled shuttle that departs up to 30 minutes before the start of the tour.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Our Kennecott Office is the second building on the left as you enter Kennecott! Those staying in Kennecott can easily walk to our office. Anyone staying in or near McCarthy (5 miles down the road) will need to use our scheduled shuttle that departs up to 30 minutes before the start of the tour.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- St. Elias Alpine Guides
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A hands free carrier is required for children 2 or under.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
8 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Half-Day Glacier Hike. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing views!
Loved this excursion. We had great weather, which made it absolutely beautiful. Our guide, Maguire, was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. Hiking on a glacier was a highlight for sure and we would definitely do it again! I would highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Great hike/tour
Hike was awesome though strenuous. Our guide was great. The only thing I could say for improvement is to include on the form what your hiking levels are. We are 70 but hike/walk 5+miles (with elevation) almost daily. We were paired in our group with someone that could barely make it a mile on fairly level ground. I understand grouping based on demographics but I think including one’s capabilities would be helpful (as well as determining if someone can do the hike) We also did the mine tour which was good as well. Would highly recommend using them.
via Tripadvisor
Crampon-ing on thick ice!
Amazing!! This hike was unlike anything we have ever done. Our guide, Emma, was fun, knowledgeable, confident and professional. The hike to and from the glacier was challenging for some in our group, mainly me, but Emma gave support and lots of encouragement when needed. We spent about 2 hours exploring the glacier. Seeing crevasses, waterfalls, streams, blue pools while surrounded by beautiful mountains is something that can never be forgotten. Emma was awesome in assisting one of the men in our group do the Blue Pool Plunge. I would highly recommend this hike with St. Elias Alpine Guides.
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful view & awesome guide! Highly recommend
My tour guide, Ella was so experienced, professional, sweet, and attentive. Can't recommend a better guide.
via Tripadvisor
Review of glacier hike alaska
We had an amazing day hiking the Root glacier with our guide Stephanie. She took great care of us and had so much knowledge about the area, its history and geology. We even had hot chocolate on the glacier after lunch. Could not have been a better day.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Half-Day Glacier Hike: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for McCarthy.
How much does Half-Day Glacier Hike cost?
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Prices start at $127 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in McCarthy usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Half-Day Glacier Hike take?
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Plan for about 5.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in McCarthy is not rushed.
Is Half-Day Glacier Hike worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 16 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in McCarthy, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Half-Day Glacier Hike?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Half-Day Glacier Hike suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Half-Day Glacier Hike?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in McCarthy can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in McCarthy and add a light layer if any part of the 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Half-Day Glacier Hike start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central McCarthy within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in McCarthy?
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On Outty we rank every McCarthy experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kennecott Mill Town Tour, Half Day Root Glacier Hike, 4 Hr Kennicott Glacial Lake & River Raft. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit McCarthy?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in McCarthy?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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