Immerse yourself in the natural landscape of Kennicott Valley on a private hike to Root Glacier, offered at a range of departure times for your convenience. In addition to navigating the icy trails for you, your guide offers inside knowledge about the area’s history and geology. Booking a private tour ensures an intimate experience and the full attention of your guide, who tailors the hike to your needs.
Pre-book tickets and skip the lines at the Sky View Observatory
Wall murals and infographics help you interpret the view in front of you
Get skyline photos that include the famous Space Needle
Upgrade to private access (standard or premium options available)
What To Expect
Explore the Blue Pools, Moulins, Crevasses and rolling Ice of the Root Glacier accompanied by one of our local, knowledgeable guides. Well studied in glaciology and geology, our guides will bring you on a glacier hike adventure in one of the earth’s most dynamic landscapes. Outfitted with a pair of crampons and a pre-trip orientation, we’ll shuttle you from our shop in McCarthy 5 miles up the road up to historic Kennecott.
Our glacier hike begins in historic Kennecott where your guide explains the buildings and history of the purest copper ever found on Earth. Your guides “insider” knowledge will help to illuminate the stories that once unfolded here.
From Kennecott it is a two mile trek along the well-marked glacier trail. Check out wild-flowers, maybe taste a few of the Alaska Berries along the way. The roughly 2 mile hike from bus depot to white ice provides for great photo ops and stops along the way. Your guide will offer a immersive interpretive tour of glacier, alpine mountains and the creatures that roam here. Spend a few hours circling moulins, traversing fields of ice & basking in the beauty of blue pools, ice-falls & soaring mountains.
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age is 8 years
Not wheelchair accessible
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
Service animals allowed
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Include
Local guide
Private tours
Crampons
Trekking Poles (by request)
Private transportation
Exclude
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)