Half Day Root Glacier Hike in McCarthy, United States
McCarthy, United States

Half Day Root Glacier Hike

Outty Ranking 65 5.0 · 22 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $285
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Outty Ranking

65/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Half Day Root Glacier Hike worth booking?

Half Day Root Glacier Hike is a 5-hour experience in McCarthy, United States, from $285 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 22 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
65 / 100
Rating
5/5 (22)
Duration
5 hours
From
$285 per person

The Outty verdict

It ranks #3 of the 4 similar experiences we compared in McCarthy, with an Outty Ranking of 65. At $285 it sits above the typical similar option ($127), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families.

Prices and availability checked

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 you get

    About this experience

    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

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Local guide
    • Trekking Poles (by request)
    • Private tours
    • Crampons

    Not included

    • 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)

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    McCarthy

    Our Adventure Office is located on the West Side of the Kennicott River, Just one stop before the Kennicott River Footbridge. Please arrive at our office no later than 15 minutes prior to trip departure. We have free onsite parking for our tour guests.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Our Adventure Office is located on the West Side of the Kennicott River, Just one stop before the Kennicott River Footbridge. Please arrive at our office no later than 15 minutes prior to trip departure. We have free onsite parking for our tour guests.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    McCarthy River Tours

    Know before you go

    • 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

    Photos

    Beautiful water ways carved on the ice, Half Day Root Glacier Hike in McCarthyHalf Day Root Glacier Hike in McCarthy, photo 3Half Day Root Glacier Hike in McCarthy, photo 4Half Day Root Glacier Hike in McCarthy, photo 5

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Physical effort

    8 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    22 verified traveler reviews for Half Day Root Glacier Hike. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    21
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Tom0324 · August 2026

    Excellent experience all around

    My wife and I had a great time on our half day hike. It was us plus a mother and her son - so a nice small group. A few weeks before we did the hike a rockslide had necessitated a change towards the end of the hiking trail. However the NPS had done a great job blazing a new trail. The hike is not super strenuous, though the last bit is a bunch of switchbacks down to the glacier, so it is a bit of a leg burner on the way back up. Having proper crampons for the glacier made it a breeze to hike around. It was really fun to get to see some of the different features, and drink nice clear glacier water. Our guide Stephanie made the experience even better. We were back in plenty of time to do the later afternoon mill tour. The tour included transport from the footbridge and back (though at the end of the day they dropped us off at the Potato - which was nice since it saved us a bit of a hike to dinner).

    via Tripadvisor

    pasdedeux092907 · January 2025

    Veronica and McCarthy River Tours are Root Glacier's Best Hiking Guides

    Hiking the Root Glacier was exciting and a little scary as our first glacier hike. However, hiking with a friendly, experienced, and knowledgible guide, such as Veronica, from McCarthy River Tours made our day. Veronica prepared us for the hike and provided all of the guidance needed. Veronica stayed with us every step, she shared her experience and knowledge to insure a safe hike as well as an interesting experience. We would never have ventured as far and as safely on the Root Glacier if we had hiked without a guide. Veronica made this hike a memorable and fun one.

    via Tripadvisor

    Scott T · June 2024

    Glacier hike

    An amazing view of a real live glacier. A scenic hike along the historic mining town of Kennicott takes you to the bottom of the root glacier where you strap on supplied crampons to hike around a beautiful white ice glacier with the option to swim in a glacial pool. Knowledgeable guides keep you informed about your surroundings and the history of the old mining town.

    via Tripadvisor

    Owen_T · June 2024

    A great private tour with an excellent guide.

    This was a great day hiking to the glacier and over it. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.

    via Viator

    DouglasF2219 · September 2023

    Fantastic!

    We had a wonderful time hiking to and on the glacier. We booked last minute due to weather and they were very accommodating. Our guide John was terrific and we enjoyed our day with him very much. He shared his knowledge of the area and glaciers, fitted us with equipment and instructed us well on how to stay safe. Great experience! We're so glad we did this!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $285 to $525
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    8
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by McCarthy River Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.7.

    See everything McCarthy River Tours runs

    Why this scores 65

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)96
    Review evidence (18% weight)59
    Booking momentum (14% weight)52
    Value for money (12% weight)60
    Listing quality (10% weight)63
    Local standing (8% weight)58
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Half Day Root Glacier Hike: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for McCarthy.

    How does Half Day Root Glacier Hike compare to similar tours in McCarthy?

    +

    It ranks #3 of the 4 similar experiences we compared in McCarthy, with an Outty Ranking of 65. At $285 it sits above the typical similar option ($127), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families.

    Who is Half Day Root Glacier Hike best for?

    +

    It suits families best, based on its 5-hour length, all-ages access and non-refundable terms.

    Is Half Day Root Glacier Hike good value?

    +

    It is a premium pick. It starts at $285, above the $127 typical for similar experiences in McCarthy.

    How much does Half Day Root Glacier Hike cost?

    +

    Prices start at $285 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 Root Glacier Hike take?

    +

    Plan for about 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 Root Glacier Hike worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 22 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in McCarthy, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Half Day Root Glacier Hike?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Half Day Root Glacier Hike suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Half Day Root Glacier Hike?

    +

    Around 8 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?

    +

    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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Half Day Root Glacier Hike start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Half Day Root Glacier Hike?

    +

    Included: Private transportation; Local guide; Trekking Poles (by request); Private tours; and Crampons. Not included: Lunch or Snacks; Water Bottle; Sturdy Hiking Shoes or Boots; and Sunglasses & Sunscreen (Even if it is Cloudy!). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Half Day Root Glacier Hike include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 7 listed pickup locations in and around McCarthy. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Half Day Root Glacier Hike offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Half Day Root Glacier Hike?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Half Day Root Glacier Hike if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in McCarthy. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about Half Day Root Glacier Hike?

    +

    Across 22 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Half Day Root Glacier Hike.

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