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Source: http://www.steliasguides.com/feed/

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30. <item>
31. <title>Half-Day vs. Full-Day Glacier Hike: Which One is Right for You?</title>
32. <link>https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/half-day-vs-full-day-glacier-hike-which-one-is-right-for-you/</link>
34. <dc:creator><![CDATA[St. Elias Guides]]></dc:creator>
35. <pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2025 04:09:56 +0000</pubDate>
36. <category><![CDATA[Spotlight on Adventure]]></category>
37. <category><![CDATA[Travel Tips]]></category>
38. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.steliasguides.com/?p=31750</guid>
39.  
40. <description><![CDATA[<p>So, you’re thinking about hiking on a glacier—excellent choice! But now you’re faced with an icy dilemma: should you go for a half-day or a full-day adventure? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down so you can pick the perfect option for your style of adventure!</p>
41. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/half-day-vs-full-day-glacier-hike-which-one-is-right-for-you/">Half-Day vs. Full-Day Glacier Hike: Which One is Right for You?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
42. ]]></description>
43. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
44. <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">So, you’re thinking about hiking on a glacier—excellent choice! But now you’re faced with an icy dilemma: should you go for a <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/half-day-glacier-hike/">half-day</a> or a full-day adventure? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down so you can pick the perfect option for your style of adventure!</p>
45. </div>
46. <div style="text-align: center;">
47. <p><span id="more-31750"></span></p>
48. </div>
49. <div style="text-align: center;">
50. <h3 data-pm-slice="1 1 []"></h3>
51. <h3 data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-31756" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Getting-to-the-Root-Glacier.jpg" alt="People hiking up the rocky trail with a glacier and mountains in the background" width="600" height="450" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Getting-to-the-Root-Glacier.jpg 680w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Getting-to-the-Root-Glacier-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></h3>
52. </div>
53. <div style="text-align: center;">
54. <h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []"></h2>
55. <h2 style="text-align: left;" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The Starting Point: Same Same, But Different</h2>
56. <p style="text-align: left;">Both hikes kick off at our Kennecott Office, where you’ll meet your guide and get fitted for crampons (think tire chains, but for your feet). After that, we’ll hit the trail! The Root Glacier Trail starts just outside of Kennecott, leading you on a scenic 2.5-mile hike to the glacier’s edge. The trail is moderate, with about 200 feet of elevation gain and loss. While most of the hike is relatively gentle, there are a couple of short sections that get steep as you approach the ice. Along the way, you’ll pass a beautiful waterfall and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. No matter which hike you choose, everyone takes the same trail to and from the glacier, so you’ll all get to experience this stunning approach.</p>
57. <p style="text-align: left;">Now, here’s where the paths diverge—literally.</p>
58. <p>&nbsp;</p>
59. <p><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-31754" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Family-glacier-hike-fun.jpg" alt="Happy family and guide posing together on a glacier" width="600" height="450" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Family-glacier-hike-fun.jpg 680w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Family-glacier-hike-fun-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></p>
60. <h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []"></h2>
61. <h2 style="text-align: left;" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Half-Day Glacier Hike: Just a Taste of the Ice Life</h2>
62. <p style="text-align: left;">If you’re up for an adventure but not quite ready to dedicate a full day to ice trekking, the <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/half-day-glacier-hike/">Half-Day Glacier Hike</a> is the perfect option. Once you step onto the glacier, you’ll cover about a mile on the ice (or more, depending on the group’s energy level and curiosity). Along the way, you’ll see stunning ice canyons, towering blue walls, and moulins—those mesmerizing vertical shafts that disappear into the depths of the ice. (Don’t worry, we’re not sending you down one.)</p>
63. <p style="text-align: left;">This hike is all about balance: some groups prefer to keep moving and cover more ground, while others like to take breaks, snap photos, or enjoy a glacier-side lunch with a view. Your guide will tailor the experience to match your group’s pace and interests. While this hike still brings the challenge, it’s an ideal choice for those who want a taste of glacier trekking without committing to a full-day grind. The Half-Day Hike is also a great option for younger kids and visitors who don’t consider themselves avid hikers.</p>
64. <p>&nbsp;</p>
65. <p><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-31755" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hikers-and-the-Stairway-Icefall-1024x683.jpg" alt="Two little human figures walking on a huge glacier with the Stairway Icefall towering above" width="600" height="400" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hikers-and-the-Stairway-Icefall-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hikers-and-the-Stairway-Icefall-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hikers-and-the-Stairway-Icefall-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hikers-and-the-Stairway-Icefall.jpg 1350w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></p>
66. <p>&nbsp;</p>
67. </div>
68. <h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []"></h2>
69. <div style="text-align: center;">
70. <h2 style="text-align: left;" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Full-Day Glacier Hike: Ice, Ice, Baby!</h2>
71. <p style="text-align: left;">For those who want to go big or go home, the <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/full-day-root-glacier-hike/">Full-Day Glacier Hike</a> is the way to go. Once you hit the ice, you’ll cover around 4+ miles, exploring deeper into the glacier’s wild, ever-changing landscape. With more time and fewer limits, your guide will lead you on a choose-your-own-adventure-style trek, navigating around deep crevasses, cascading waterfalls, and crystal blue pools. And yes, if you’re feeling brave, you can even take a dip—our version of a polar plunge! (Note: The blue pool jump is only possible on the Full-Day Hike.)</p>
72. <p style="text-align: left;">You’ll see many of the same cool formations as the Half-Day Hike, but going further means you get to witness even more dramatic ice features and remote, untouched scenery. This hike is perfect for those who are comfortable covering longer distances over varied terrain and want the full glacier experience.</p>
73. <p>&nbsp;</p>
74. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-31751" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_20240726_165455_368.jpg" alt="People standing on a high point on a blue icy glacier" width="600" height="450" /></p>
75. <p>&nbsp;</p>
76. </div>
77. <h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []"></h2>
78. <h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">What You’ll Get on Both Hikes</h2>
79. <p>No matter which adventure you choose, you’re in for breathtaking views of the towering 16,390-ft Mt. Blackburn and the incredible Stairway Icefall. Your guide will also drop some knowledge on how glaciers shape the land around them, so you’ll leave not only with epic photos but also with a newfound appreciation for these icy giants.</p>
80. <p>Both hikes include an opportunity for lunch. Your guide will find a beautiful location with great views to sit down and enjoy a lunch or snacks that you brought with you. (Lunch is not provided by St. Elias Alpine Guides, but snack packs are available for purchase at the office.)</p>
81. <p>&nbsp;</p>
82. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-31753" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Lunch-on-the-glacier-1024x768.jpg" alt="People sitting and eating lunch on a glacier" width="600" height="450" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Lunch-on-the-glacier-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Lunch-on-the-glacier-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Lunch-on-the-glacier-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Lunch-on-the-glacier-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Lunch-on-the-glacier-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></p>
83. <h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []"></h2>
84. <h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Pro Tips for Your Glacier Adventure</h2>
85. <ul data-spread="false">
86. <li><strong>Consider a Private Hike:</strong> If you’re traveling with a group or just want to go at your own pace, private hikes are a fantastic option. Your guide can customize the experience entirely to your interests and abilities.</li>
87. <li><strong>Pair the Half-Day Hike with History:</strong> If you want to make the most of your time in Kennecott, consider combining the Half-Day Glacier Hike with the 2-hour <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/kennecott-mill-town-tour/">Historic Kennecott Mill Town Tour</a>. It’s a great way to experience both adventure and history in one day!</li>
88. <li><strong>Dress for the Elements:</strong> Weather can change quickly, so wear sturdy footwear and bring a variety of layers. It’s common to shed layers or add them back on throughout the day, so be prepared! Check out the equipment list for both hikes <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/alaska-glacier-hiking-equipment-list.pdf">here</a>.</li>
89. </ul>
90. <p>&nbsp;</p>
91. <h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">How do the hikes add up?</h2>
92. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-31757" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Half-Day-Glacier-Hike-1024x512.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="350" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Half-Day-Glacier-Hike-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Half-Day-Glacier-Hike-300x150.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Half-Day-Glacier-Hike-768x384.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Half-Day-Glacier-Hike.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
93. <p>&nbsp;</p>
94. <p>&nbsp;</p>
95. <p>&nbsp;</p>
96. <p>&nbsp;</p>
97. <p>&nbsp;</p>
98. <p>&nbsp;</p>
99. <p>&nbsp;</p>
100. <p>&nbsp;</p>
101. <p>Half-Day or Full-Day?</p>
102. <ul data-spread="false">
103. <li><strong>Go for the Half-Day</strong> if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure that’s accessible, exciting, and doesn’t take up your whole day.</li>
104. <li><strong>Opt for the Full-Day</strong> if you’re all about that ice life and want to explore as much as possible.</li>
105. </ul>
106. <p>Either way, you can’t go wrong—both hikes promise a day of adventure, incredible scenery, and memories that will last a lifetime. The only real question is: are you ready to get your glacier on?</p>
107. <p>Book your hike with St. Elias Alpine Guides today and let’s hit the ice!</p>
108. <div style="text-align: center;">
109. <p>&nbsp;</p>
110. </div>
111. <div style="text-align: center;">
112. <div>
113. <p style="text-align: left;"><em>written by Samantha Prien<br />
114. updated 3/2025</em></p>
115. </div>
116. </div>
117. <p style="text-align: left;">Check out our other <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/">Travel Tips</a> for more great info!</p>
118. <p style="text-align: left;">
119. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/half-day-vs-full-day-glacier-hike-which-one-is-right-for-you/">Half-Day vs. Full-Day Glacier Hike: Which One is Right for You?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
120. ]]></content:encoded>
124. </item>
125. <item>
126. <title>Why Hire a Guide for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?</title>
127. <link>https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/why-hire-a-guide-for-wrangell-st-elias-national-park/</link>
129. <dc:creator><![CDATA[St. Elias Guides]]></dc:creator>
130. <pubDate>Sat, 28 Dec 2024 22:58:57 +0000</pubDate>
131. <category><![CDATA[Spotlight on Adventure]]></category>
132. <category><![CDATA[Travel Tips]]></category>
133. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.steliasguides.com/?p=31609</guid>
134.  
135. <description><![CDATA[<p>If you’re an experienced outdoorsperson planning a trip to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, you may be wondering if hiring a guide is worth it. This park, the largest in the United States, offers unparalleled wilderness experiences, but its vastness and rugged terrain present unique challenges. Here’s why hiring a guide through St. Elias Alpine Guides can elevate your adventure and ensure you make the most of your time in this incredible place.</p>
136. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/why-hire-a-guide-for-wrangell-st-elias-national-park/">Why Hire a Guide for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
137. ]]></description>
138. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
139. <p style="text-align: left;">If you’re an experienced outdoorsperson planning a trip to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, you may be wondering if hiring a guide is worth it. This park, the largest in the United States, offers unparalleled wilderness experiences, but its vastness and rugged terrain present unique challenges. Here’s why hiring a guide through St. Elias Alpine Guides can elevate your adventure and ensure you make the most of your time in this incredible place.</p>
140. </div>
141. <div style="text-align: center;">
142. <p><span id="more-31609"></span></p>
143. </div>
144. <div style="text-align: center;">
145. <h3 data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-31613" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_2803-1024x683.jpg" alt="A pointing raft guide and two clients sit in a raft on a river" width="600" height="400" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_2803-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_2803-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_2803-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_2803-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_2803-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></h3>
146. <p>&nbsp;</p>
147. <h3 style="text-align: left;" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>Cultural and Natural Insight</strong></h3>
148. <p style="text-align: left;">One of the highlights of a guided trip is the wealth of knowledge your guide brings. They’ll share insights about the park’s geology, flora and fauna, and cultural history, giving you a deeper appreciation of the landscape. Wrangell-St. Elias has a rich story to tell, and your guide can bring it to life.</p>
149. <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Safety in the Wild</strong></h3>
150. <p style="text-align: left;">The park’s remoteness and untamed landscapes come with inherent risks, including glacier travel, river crossings, and wildlife encounters. Guides are trained in backcountry safety, first aid, emergency protocols, and evacuation procedures, which can be invaluable in emergencies. They also carry specialized gear for tackling challenging terrain and can outfit you with whatever specialized gear is required for your adventure.</p>
151. <p>&nbsp;</p>
152. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-31612" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3416-1024x768.jpeg" alt="A guide helping a backpacking client with her crampons on a glacier" width="600" height="450" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3416-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3416-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3416-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3416-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3416.jpeg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></p>
153. <p>&nbsp;</p>
154. <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Go Farther, See More</strong></h3>
155. <p style="text-align: left;">Guided parties usually achieve more than their unguided counterparts, even on the same routes. Why? Guides know how to optimize pacing, navigate efficiently, and make informed decisions about when to push forward or rest. They’re adept at supporting clients—physically and mentally—helping them accomplish feats they might not have believed possible on their own. With their in-depth knowledge of the park’s geography and ever-changing conditions, they’ll show you places most visitors never see.</p>
156. <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Perfect for First-Time Alaska Trips</strong></h3>
157. <p style="text-align: left;">If this is your first time backpacking in Alaska, a guide is invaluable. The state’s wilderness, especially in Wrangell-St. Elias, is some of the most rugged, undeveloped, and remote in the world. Even experienced backpackers can find the terrain—with its unmarked routes, unpredictable weather, and lack of infrastructure—daunting. A guide ensures that your introduction to Alaska’s backcountry is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.</p>
158. <p>&nbsp;</p>
159. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-31611" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hiker-at-falls-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="450" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hiker-at-falls-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hiker-at-falls-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hiker-at-falls-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hiker-at-falls-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hiker-at-falls.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></p>
160. <p>&nbsp;</p>
161. <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Maximize Your Experience</strong></h3>
162. <p style="text-align: left;">Logistics in Wrangell-St. Elias can be challenging. With an enormous and dynamic landscape, every adventure is subject to the weather. A guide handles the complexities of route planning, navigation, and transportation to remote access points, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than the logistics. Whether your goal is summiting a remote peak, traversing a glacier, or soaking in the scenery, guides can <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/packages/">craft an itinerary</a> that suits your interests and skill level. Their ability to adapt to changing conditions ensures you get the most out of your time in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.</p>
163. <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Educational Opportunities</strong></h3>
164. <p style="text-align: left;">Backcountry trips with a guide are not just adventures—they’re opportunities to <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/courses/">learn</a>. Your guide can teach you navigation skills, wilderness cooking, wildlife etiquette and safety, technical climbing, and other sport-specific or Alaska-specific techniques. Since WSENP is known for it’s glaciers, this is a great place to learn about glacial travel, <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/three-day-ice-climbing-camp/">climbing</a>, and rescue. With these skills, you’ll not only enjoy a richer experience but also leave better prepared for future backcountry adventures.</p>
165. <p>&nbsp;</p>
166. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31059" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blackburn-Gallery-10.jpg" alt="" width="536" height="357" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blackburn-Gallery-10.jpg 536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blackburn-Gallery-10-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 536px) 100vw, 536px" /></p>
167. <p>&nbsp;</p>
168. </div>
169. <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Ready to Explore?</strong></h3>
170. <p style="text-align: left;">Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a destination like no other, offering endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. With a guide by your side, you’ll not only navigate the challenges of this wild landscape but also unlock experiences you’d be hard-pressed to achieve on your own. At St. Elias Alpine Guides, we’re passionate about helping our clients explore farther, see more, and create memories that last a lifetime.</p>
171. <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/contact/">Contact us today</a> to start planning your guided adventure in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park!</p>
172. <div style="text-align: center;">
173. <p>&nbsp;</p>
174. </div>
175. <div style="text-align: center;">
176. <div>
177. <p style="text-align: left;"><em>updated 12/2024</em></p>
178. <p style="text-align: left;">
179. </div>
180. </div>
181. <p style="text-align: left;">Check out our other <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/">Travel Tips</a> for more great info!</p>
182. <p style="text-align: left;">
183. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/why-hire-a-guide-for-wrangell-st-elias-national-park/">Why Hire a Guide for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
184. ]]></content:encoded>
188. </item>
189. <item>
190. <title>Tips for Traveling to Wrangell &#8211; St. Elias with Kids</title>
191. <link>https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/traveling-to-wsenp-with-kids/</link>
193. <dc:creator><![CDATA[St. Elias Guides]]></dc:creator>
194. <pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 19:40:10 +0000</pubDate>
195. <category><![CDATA[Spotlight on Adventure]]></category>
196. <category><![CDATA[Travel Tips]]></category>
197. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.steliasguides.com/?p=31336</guid>
198.  
199. <description><![CDATA[<p>When it comes to memorable family travel, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Nestled in Alaska’s wild frontier, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is America’s largest national park and a playground for explorers of all ages. Whether you’re drawn to glaciers, mountains, or the quiet vastness of the backcountry, this untouched wilderness [&#8230;]</p>
200. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/traveling-to-wsenp-with-kids/">Tips for Traveling to Wrangell &#8211; St. Elias with Kids</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
201. ]]></description>
202. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
203. <p style="text-align: center;">When it comes to memorable family travel, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Nestled in Alaska’s wild frontier, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is America’s largest national park and a playground for explorers of all ages. Whether you’re drawn to glaciers, mountains, or the quiet vastness of the backcountry, this untouched wilderness provides endless possibilities for outdoor family bonding. Traveling with kids to Wrangell-St. Elias can be seamless and enjoyable with a bit of planning—and some tips from those who know it best!</p>
204. </div>
205. <div style="text-align: center;">
206. <p><span id="more-31336"></span></p>
207. </div>
208. <div style="text-align: center;">
209. <p>&nbsp;</p>
210. <h1></h1>
211. <h1 style="text-align: center;">Planning Tips with kids in mind</h1>
212. <p>&nbsp;</p>
213. <h3 style="font-style: normal;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-31526" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Robel-kids-in-a-bushplane-1024x768.jpg" alt="Two kids in headphones in the back of a small airplane" width="800" height="600" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Robel-kids-in-a-bushplane-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Robel-kids-in-a-bushplane-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Robel-kids-in-a-bushplane-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Robel-kids-in-a-bushplane-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Robel-kids-in-a-bushplane-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></h3>
214. </div>
215. <h3 style="text-align: center;"></h3>
216. <p>&nbsp;</p>
217. <div style="text-align: center;">
218. <h3>Getting around Alaska and transportation</h3>
219. <p>&nbsp;</p>
220. <p style="text-align: left;">Did someone say family road trip?! Packing into a rental vehicle or RV and traveling around the state by roadway is the start of every epic family adventure dream! It also allows for maximum independence and flexibility, which can be important, especially with smaller kiddos. So can having all your stuff and your home-away-from-home easily accessible. Driving Alaska is incredibly scenic and usually gets you a good amount of animal sightings along the way.</p>
221. <ul>
222. <li style="text-align: left;">Make sure your kids are equipped with snacks, games, and car activities that don&#8217;t involve a screen &#8211; guessing games and riddles, rock-paper-scissors, &#8220;I spy&#8221;, and state license plate collecting are classics!</li>
223. <li style="text-align: left;">When planning a drive, allow time for scenic stops and bathroom breaks. Just because Google says it&#8217;s a 5-hour drive, it may well take 6+ hours with all the photo shoots, bear sightings, splashing in a creek, and other necessary stops along the way.</li>
224. </ul>
225. <p style="text-align: left;">Fly to get there faster. Alaska is big and getting from place to place can eat up a lot of your itinerary. Flying is usually more expensive than driving but can cut your travel time in half or even more. Flying also provides an unforgettable view of the landscape and can be the wow-factor that takes this trip to the next level, especially for older kids or any pilots-to-be!</p>
226. <p style="text-align: left;">Travel by water to mix it up. Check out the Alaska Marine Highway for ferry schedules and connect the dots along the coast by water &#8211; the ferry is very comfortable for all ages and allows many opportunities for viewing the scenery and marine wildlife, too. Or check out a <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/alaska-rafting-trips/">multi-day river rafting trip</a> where you can start at Point A and end up in Point B like our <strong><a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/chitina-river/">Chitina River </a></strong>and <strong><a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/copper-river-rafting/">Copper River </a></strong>trips.</p>
227. <p style="text-align: left;">
228. </div>
229. <h3 style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-31343 aligncenter" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-on-a-raft-1024x682.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-on-a-raft-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-on-a-raft-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-on-a-raft-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-on-a-raft-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-on-a-raft.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></h3>
230. <h3></h3>
231. <p>&nbsp;</p>
232. <div style="text-align: center;">
233. <h3>Lodging</h3>
234. <p>&nbsp;</p>
235. <p style="text-align: left;">Once you arrive, the historic town of McCarthy and the Kennecott Mill area offer several lodging options. Check them out on our<strong> <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/transport-lodging/">Transportation + Lodging Page</a>.</strong></p>
236. <p style="text-align: left;">Some accommodations offer family-sized rooms or cabins with fully-equipped kitchens, which can be really nice if you&#8217;re staying for several days. There are limited dining options in McCarthy/Kennecott and feeding large families daily can add up quickly. Most units have separate sleeping spaces so your teenagers don&#8217;t have to share a space with anyone they don&#8217;t want to. Check out the <strong><a href="http://www.mccarthyguesthouse.com">McCarthy Guesthouse</a> </strong>for one such option.</p>
237. <p style="text-align: left;">Spend a night or two camping! No matter what their age, kids can have a blast and even amazing, transformative experiences in the wilderness. Get them out of their comfort zones and spend a night together in the backcountry!</p>
238. <p>&nbsp;</p>
239. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-31527" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cute-fam-shot-GTS05-1024x768.jpg" alt="Happy family in bright outdoor clothing sitting on rocks" width="800" height="600" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cute-fam-shot-GTS05-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cute-fam-shot-GTS05-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cute-fam-shot-GTS05-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cute-fam-shot-GTS05-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cute-fam-shot-GTS05.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p>
240. </div>
241. <div style="text-align: center;">
242. <h3></h3>
243. <h3></h3>
244. <h3>What to bring</h3>
245. <p>&nbsp;</p>
246. <p style="text-align: left;">There are very few resources in McCarthy, so you&#8217;ll want to come prepared with everything you&#8217;ll need for a fun time with the whole family.</p>
247. <ul>
248. <li style="text-align: left;">Snacks and a water bottle. Make sure you have something to much on throughout the day as you may find yourself adventuring so hard you don&#8217;t sit down for a proper mid-day meal. Drinking water is easy to get in town and on the glacier, so just 1 water bottle per person works great.</li>
249. <li style="text-align: left;">Layers &#8211; the days can range from hot summer temps to rain to what may even feel like winter. Make sure everyone in the group has quality rain gear and something to keep them warm. For kids, an extra set of clothes and shoes can be a good idea since it can be hard to stay out of water and mud when you&#8217;re that age in McCarthy.</li>
250. <li style="text-align: left;">Make them carry their weight! Empower your little adventurers with a backpack of their own where they can keep their own gear, just like the grown-ups. Kids have fun using their own backcountry gear &#8211; a set of binoculars or plant identification book can keep them entertained and engaged long into a trip.</li>
251. <li style="text-align: left;">Swimming gear. There is a local swimming hole in McCarthy, and although the water is chilly, on a hot day, it can be pretty awesome to splash around the shallows. Floaties welcome!</li>
252. <li style="text-align: left;">SUP or personal boats like packrafts, kayaks, or canoes. There are no boat rentals in town, but if you have your own, there&#8217;s relatively easy access to the Kennicott Glacier Lake where you can paddle around and explore on your own. Be very careful out here as the lake is deep and has a current near the mouth of the Kennicott River. The water is sitting right at 32 degrees (or 0 Celcius) so swimming here is not recommended and can be quite dangerous.</li>
253. <li style="text-align: left;">If you have the opportunity to bring bikes, we recommend that you do! Bike rentals are sometimes available in McCarthy, but not always, and usually not child-size bikes. Bikes can help a family get around the area independently and expand the map of available terrain for adventuring around town.</li>
254. </ul>
255. <p>&nbsp;</p>
256. </div>
257. <div style="text-align: center;">
258. <h1>Activities for kids by age group</h1>
259. <p>&nbsp;</p>
260. </div>
261. <div style="text-align: center;">
262. <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-31534" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Austin-and-baby-looking-at-bear-prints.jpg" alt="Dad and baby son looking at bear prints in the sand" width="800" height="784" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Austin-and-baby-looking-at-bear-prints.jpg 960w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Austin-and-baby-looking-at-bear-prints-300x294.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Austin-and-baby-looking-at-bear-prints-768x753.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></h3>
263. <p>&nbsp;</p>
264. <h3>Babies</h3>
265. <p>&nbsp;</p>
266. <p style="text-align: left;">In some ways, babies can be easy to travel with here &#8211; if you&#8217;re comfortable hiking with them in a backpack-style carrier, they can go wherever you want to go! A backpack-style carrier is the way to go since McCarthy has no paved roads and most strollers do not do well on gravel. We recommend sticking to <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/alaska-day-hikes-adventures/">Day Trips</a>, as camping with an infant in the wilderness is often much more challenging than it&#8217;s worth. It&#8217;s important to remember that the McCarthy/Kennecott is extremely remote and there is no medical care readily available, so be mindful of this when deciding what level of adventure to take your baby on. Also, when packing, keep in mind that there are no baby-specific supplies in town like diapers or formula, so you&#8217;ll want to come prepared with everything they&#8217;ll need.</p>
267. <p>&nbsp;</p>
268. <h3 style="font-style: normal; text-align: start;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31528" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Mom-on-glacier-with-dog.jpg" alt="Mom on glacier with baby in backpack carrier and dog on the Root Glacier" width="996" height="678" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Mom-on-glacier-with-dog.jpg 996w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Mom-on-glacier-with-dog-300x204.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Mom-on-glacier-with-dog-768x523.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 996px) 100vw, 996px" /></h3>
269. </div>
270. <h3></h3>
271. <p>&nbsp;</p>
272. <div style="text-align: center;">
273. <h3>Toddlers, and kids under 6</h3>
274. <p>&nbsp;</p>
275. <p style="text-align: left;">This can be a challenging age to travel with because these little kiddos want to walk everywhere! Most of the trails in the area are +4 miles round trip, which can be very hard or even impossible to accomplish happily at that age. We can point out some shorter hikes on location, as well as the swimming hole and playground to check out! National Creek, which flows through the old town of Kennecott is a prime location for rock throwing and bird watching on a nice day. The entire area is crawling with bugs and small critters and there are dogs everywhere, so this is definitely the place to nurture a growing animal lover.</p>
276. <p style="text-align: left;">Check out our <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/kennicott-glacial-lake-paddle/"><strong>Packrafting Day Trips</strong></a> if traveling with smaller kiddos! Spend a sunny afternoon paddling peacefully around the glacier lake, watching rocks slide down steep slopes and icebergs bob in the water. Very small kids can fit on their parent&#8217;s lap, while bigger kids can paddle on their own in a tandem boat with an adult. No previous experience is necessary.</p>
277. <p style="text-align: left;">And yes, we&#8217;re actually recommending our <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/kennecott-mill-town-tour/"><strong>2-hr</strong><strong>Historical Town Tour of Kennecott</strong></a> for your 5-year-old! This tour is unlike any other historical tour you&#8217;ve taken &#8211; think of it more like a game of Chutes &amp; Ladders come to life! Our guides are great at making the historical material more digestible even for our smallest historians and it&#8217;s not uncommon for kids to ask the best questions on the tour.</p>
278. <ul>
279. <li style="text-align: left;">All participants of the Mill Town Tour must be able to get down a steep stair ladder on their own &#8211; you will not be able to hold their hand. Babies should go in a front or back carrier, and bigger kids usually have no problem on their own. Small toddlers can have the most trouble here. Check out the trip page to see a picture of what we&#8217;re talking about to decide if this trip is a good idea for your kid.</li>
280. </ul>
281. <p>&nbsp;</p>
282. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-31342" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-on-the-Root-Glacier-with-Roy-and-Stairway-Icefall-1024x768.jpg" alt="Family of three and their guide in front of the Stairway Icefall" width="800" height="600" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-on-the-Root-Glacier-with-Roy-and-Stairway-Icefall-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-on-the-Root-Glacier-with-Roy-and-Stairway-Icefall-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-on-the-Root-Glacier-with-Roy-and-Stairway-Icefall-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-on-the-Root-Glacier-with-Roy-and-Stairway-Icefall-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-on-the-Root-Glacier-with-Roy-and-Stairway-Icefall.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p>
283. <h3></h3>
284. <h3>Kids ages 6-12</h3>
285. <p>&nbsp;</p>
286. <p style="text-align: left;">Now your kids are getting a little older, a little bigger, and they can handle extended outdoor adventures. Kids in this age group are usually great candidates for almost all of our <strong><a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/alaska-day-hikes-adventures/">Day Trip s</a></strong>and our <strong><a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/two-day-adventure-package/">Two-</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/three-day-adventure-package/">Three-day Adventure Packages </a></strong>are popular options for families with kids this age. Families can learn about the park’s rich mining history, Alaskan flora and fauna, and the geology that has shaped this unique landscape, all while making memories to last!</p>
287. <p style="text-align: left;">Here are some details to keep in mind for the younger kids:</p>
288. <ul style="text-align: left;">
289. <li>Our <strong><a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/raft-flightsee/">Raft &amp; Flightsee Day Trip</a></strong> has an 8-year-old age minimum.</li>
290. <li><a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/ice-climbing/"><strong>Ice Climbing</strong></a> gear can be heavy and bulky for small bodies &#8211; our smallest ice climbing boot is a Women&#8217;s size 5, and ice tools can be very hard to swing over your head to climb with. Every kid is different, but we recommend waiting till about 9 or 10, or a major growth spurt before trying ice climbing.</li>
291. <li style="list-style-type: none;">
292. <ul>
293. <li>Want your kids to climb, but don&#8217;t want to climb yourself? No problem! You can join your kids out on the ice and be the designated family photographer. We&#8217;ll outfit you with basic crampons, but won&#8217;t provide you with any climbing gear. Give us a call if you&#8217;d like to set this up!</li>
294. </ul>
295. </li>
296. </ul>
297. <ul style="text-align: left;">
298. <li>We highly recommend the Private format for both <strong><a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/half-day-glacier-hike/">Half</a></strong> and<strong><a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/half-day-glacier-hike/">Full-Day Glacier Hikes</a></strong>for families with kids in this age group. You&#8217;ll be able to travel at your own pace, take as many breaks as you want, and have a fully customized, kid-focused experience.</li>
299. </ul>
300. <p>&nbsp;</p>
301. <p style="text-align: left;">This is also a great age to take kids camping! Camping is an immersive experience for kids and can foster an early appreciation for nature. Check out our recommended trips:</p>
302. <ul>
303. <li style="text-align: left;">The <strong><a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/root-glacier-overnight-adventure/">Root Glacier Overnight Adventure</a></strong>is the perfect first backpacking trip for your little adventure buddy! Explore the best of the glacier by day, then set up camp at the glacier&#8217;s edge for a magical night under the stars.</li>
304. <li style="text-align: left;">The <strong><a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/western-copper-river/">Western Copper Rafting Trip</a></strong> is the best, kid-friendly stretch of river in Alaska! Adults relax and enjoy the big mountain views while the kids splash the days away. Multi-day Rafting allows for a more comfortable, less bare-bones, nature experience while still getting far into the backcountry.</li>
305. <li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/alaska-base-camp-hiking/"><strong>Base Camp Hiking</strong></a> and Base Camp Packrafting Trips are an incredible way to immerse your family in the wilderness. Fly out to a remote backcountry destination to set up a base camp. From here you&#8217;ll hike or paddle to explore the undeveloped backcountry of Alaska!</li>
306. </ul>
307. <p>&nbsp;</p>
308. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-31341" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PXL_20230707_184928028-1024x684.jpg" alt="Teenager sitting at a lake with parents in the background" width="800" height="534" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PXL_20230707_184928028-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PXL_20230707_184928028-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PXL_20230707_184928028-768x513.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PXL_20230707_184928028-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PXL_20230707_184928028-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p>
309. <p>&nbsp;</p>
310. <h3>Teenagers</h3>
311. <p>Phew! Good luck!</p>
312. <p style="text-align: left;">Just kidding, teens are great! Teenagers, especially as they get older, can usually keep up with most adults, and are often much faster and stronger than their parents. They can take on some of the biggest adventures out there &#8211; we&#8217;ve had multiple teenagers summit high-altitude peaks like <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/mt-bona-expedition/">Mt. Bona</a>! It can be appealing to want to create an itinerary of <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/alaska-day-hikes-adventures/">Day Trips</a> for a multi-sport experience where you try this and dip your toes in that. However, longer and more immersive <strong><a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/multi-day-trips/">Multi-day trips</a></strong> can be really impactful and memorable at this age as participants inevitably overcome the challenges of the wilds and bond with their group. With teens, we recommend going as big as the adventure appetite desires!</p>
313. <ul>
314. <li style="text-align: left;">Make sure you ask your teen their opinion when planning your family adventure. It&#8217;s much harder to drag your 16-year-old kicking and screaming on a glacier hike than your 6-year-old! Teens are known for their big emotions, which can make them seem less adaptive or stubborn and they also want to be seen and heard. Talk to them about what they&#8217;d like to do on the trip, what concerns they have, and what contingencies will be in place for if/when things don&#8217;t go according to plan.</li>
315. <li style="text-align: left;">Alaska is quite different than the rest of the US and your family will likely have a very palpable cultural experience as you travel the state, especially when you get to McCarthy. Our end-of-the-road community welcomes all kinds and you&#8217;ll find an eclectic mix of artists, outdoorsmen, hermits, and dogs roaming our streets. Being out of the familiar can give teens opportunities to try new forms of self-expression and learn from people very different than themselves. Similarly, the wilderness itself and the challenges brought on by nature can teach us a lot about ourselves. Make time for intentional reflection on your Alaska trip, strengthening the bond between you and your soon-to-be adult!</li>
316. </ul>
317. <p>&nbsp;</p>
318. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-31525" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nizina-114-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Smiling family on a red raft floating in front of a mountain" width="800" height="600" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nizina-114-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nizina-114-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nizina-114-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nizina-114-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nizina-114-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p>
319. <p>&nbsp;</p>
320. <p>We are excited to welcome you and your family to Wrangell &#8211; St. Elias National Park! If you have any other questions about traveling with children or what trips will work best for your kids, just give us a call!</p>
321. <p>&nbsp;</p>
322. </div>
323. <div style="text-align: center;">
324. <div>
325. <p><em>created by: Anya Voskresensky<br />
326. updated 11/2024</em></p>
327. <p>&nbsp;</p>
328. </div>
329. </div>
330. <p style="text-align: center;">Check out our other <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/">Travel Tips</a> for more great info!</p>
331. <p style="text-align: center;">
332. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/traveling-to-wsenp-with-kids/">Tips for Traveling to Wrangell &#8211; St. Elias with Kids</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
333. ]]></content:encoded>
337. </item>
338. <item>
339. <title>Tech Tip: Upper Body Layering for Backpacking</title>
340. <link>https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/upper-body-layering-for-backpacking/</link>
342. <dc:creator><![CDATA[St. Elias Guides]]></dc:creator>
343. <pubDate>Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:08:57 +0000</pubDate>
344. <category><![CDATA[Tech Tips]]></category>
345. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.steliasguides.com/?p=30709</guid>
346.  
347. <description><![CDATA[<p>Backpacking in the Wrangell-St. Elias Park is a stunning adventure, but part of what makes it so spectacular is the remoteness and wild conditions. Therefore, it is pertinent to make sure you are prepared with the correct gear and layers! Lightweights vs Midweights and Heavyweights can be a bit confusing, so we talked with our [&#8230;]</p>
348. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/upper-body-layering-for-backpacking/">Tech Tip: Upper Body Layering for Backpacking</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
349. ]]></description>
350. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
351. <p>Backpacking in the Wrangell-St. Elias Park is a stunning adventure, but part of what makes it so spectacular is the remoteness and wild conditions. Therefore, it is pertinent to make sure you are prepared with the correct gear and layers! Lightweights vs Midweights and Heavyweights can be a bit confusing, so we talked with our senior guides to give you a little more insight into what you need to be prepared for your backcountry journey!</p>
352. </div>
353. <div>
354. <p><span id="more-30709"></span></p>
355. </div>
356. <div>
357. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30731" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Layering-for-Backpacking-1024x565.png" alt="Four technical upper body layers laid out on rocks" width="1024" height="565" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Layering-for-Backpacking-1024x565.png 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Layering-for-Backpacking-300x166.png 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Layering-for-Backpacking-768x424.png 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Layering-for-Backpacking-1536x848.png 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Layering-for-Backpacking.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
358. <h1>Upper Body</h1>
359. <h2>Tshirt or Long-sleeve</h2>
360. <ul>
361. <li><em>Purpose:<strong> </strong></em>Baselayer &#8211; the bare minimum you&#8217;ll have on when it&#8217;s the warmest
362. <ul>
363. <li>Some people like sleeves while others prefer the exposure and breathability of a T-shirt as a baselayer. Just remember to wear sunscreen!</li>
364. <li><strong>Synthetic, moisture-wicking</strong> fabrics work well, while <strong>wool</strong> provides additional warmth for a colder trip.</li>
365. <li>Opt for a T-shirt over a tank since your backpack will likely rub uncomfortably on any exposed skin on your back, chest, and shoulders</li>
366. <li><em>Our guides recommend: Patagonia Capeline Cool Daily Shirt, Artcteryx Iona Wool Shirt</em></li>
367. </ul>
368. </li>
369. </ul>
370. <h2>Sun Hoodie*</h2>
371. <ul>
372. <li aria-level="1">*This item can replace your baselayer above, or be paired with a T-shirt</li>
373. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><em>Purpose</em><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Skin Protection (it&#8217;s very bright when the sun is out and it might be out all day and all night!) </span>
374. <ul>
375. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Look for any type of lightweight sun hoodie</span></li>
376. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Make sure there is </span><b>UPF </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Protection  </span></li>
377. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><b>Long sleeves</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with a </span><b>hood </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">is best</span></li>
378. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><b>Moisture-wicking</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> capabilities can be good too for sweaty trekking! </span></li>
379. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our guides recommend: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoodie, Patagonia Capeline Cool Daily Hoody</span></i></li>
380. </ul>
381. </li>
382. </ul>
383. <h2>Fleece</h2>
384. <ul>
385. <li style="list-style-type: none;">
386. <ul>
387. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Purpose</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">: keep you warm at night or lounging at camp and provide warmth while hiking on chillier mornings</span>
388. <ul>
389. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><b>Breathability </b>is key<span style="font-weight: 400;">! When you are wearing this layer to move, you do not want to get soaked while sweating.</span></li>
390. <li aria-level="2">For warmer trips or if you run hot, you may prefer a technical fleece. It&#8217;ll be lighter weight with a trim cut and useful features.</li>
391. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you run cold, we recommend a non-technical fleece in addition to or instead of a technical fleece. A non-tech fleece will be roomy, cozy, warmer and heavier than a tech fleece, but less breathable</span></li>
392. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> In either case, fleece dries quickly and doesn&#8217;t lose insulation value when wet.</span></li>
393. <li aria-level="2">Some people prefer a hood on this layer since it my often be your top-most layer, while other prefer no hood so it&#8217;s easier to layer under another jacket.</li>
394. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our Guides recommend: Rab Filament Hoodie or Black Diamond Coefficient Hoody (tech), Patagonia Synchilla Marsupial (non-tech)</span></i></li>
395. </ul>
396. </li>
397. </ul>
398. </li>
399. </ul>
400. <h2>Midweight Puffy or Fleece Jacket</h2>
401. <ul>
402. <li style="list-style-type: none;">
403. <ul>
404. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Purpose</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Stay warm at lunch breaks on colder or windier days, layer up to stay warmer at camp or while sleeping, your warmest layer</span>
405. <ul>
406. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A puffy or fleece jacket is fine &#8211; you&#8217;re looking for <strong>i</strong></span><b>nsulation</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">! </span></li>
407. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Make sure you can fit other </span><b>layers </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">underneath this layer</span></li>
408. <li>We recommend <strong>synthetic</strong> over down insulation so you don&#8217;t have to baby your jacket and can wear it in the rain if needed.</li>
409. <li aria-level="1">Hoods are recommended on these jackets as they&#8217;ll likely be your outer-most layer.</li>
410. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><i style="font-weight: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our Guides recommend: Patagonia DAS Light, Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody, Mountain Hardwear Kor Stasis Hoody</span></i></li>
411. </ul>
412. </li>
413. </ul>
414. </li>
415. </ul>
416. <h2>Rain Jacket (&#8220;Shell&#8221;)</h2>
417. <ul>
418. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Purpose: </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keep you dry! This is important as Alaska can be a very wet place whether rain is coming from the clouds above or you’re bushwhacking through the dew!</span>
419. <ul>
420. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Gore-Tex:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> durable and consistent (when taken care of)</span></li>
421. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Waterproof</b>, not just water-resistant
422. <ul>
423. <li aria-level="1">Treat older jackets with new waterproofing before your next AK trip. We recommend Nikwax products.</li>
424. </ul>
425. </li>
426. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This layer can add a surprising amount of warmth by trapping body heat!</span></li>
427. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><i style="font-weight: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our Guide Recommends: Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Waterproof Jacket, Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket, Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket</span></i></li>
428. </ul>
429. </li>
430. </ul>
431. <h3>Other Do’s and Don’ts:</h3>
432. <ul>
433. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Absolutely </span><b>NO COTTON. </b>If your cotton gets wet, it will stay wet for the whole trip. No bueno.</li>
434. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Down can be a warm and lightweight material, but also looses it&#8217;s insulatory properties when wet. We recommend staying away from down for backpacking layers in Alaska because the weather can shift swiftly and sharply and it&#8217;s very hard to protect your jacket from getting wet. S</span><b>ynthetic insulation</b> is the way to go<span style="font-weight: 400;">!</span></li>
435. <li>For June, late-August, and early September trip, or if you generally run cold, consider an even warmer jacket, doubling up on the fleece, or wearing a wool baselayer.</li>
436. <li aria-level="1">Merino wool has antimicrobial properties and can help with hygiene and odor control on a longer trip.</li>
437. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Make sure to</span><b> try all of your layers on</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to ensure they fit over each other properly and you have plenty of freedom of movement. </span></li>
438. <li aria-level="1">You don&#8217;t need duplicate layers. When backpacking, every ounce counts so make sure each layer has a purpose (or even two!) and you&#8217;re not bringing multiple items that fulfill the same function.</li>
439. </ul>
440. <p>&nbsp;</p>
441. <div>
442. <h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gloves</span></h1>
443. <div>
444. <p>When you are looking at buying gloves: do NOT break your bank. The wilderness will do the breaking for you! Look for a few key things with gloves, but keep in mind they will endure wear!</p>
445. </div>
446. </div>
447. <h2>Lightweight Gloves</h2>
448. <ul>
449. <li style="list-style-type: none;">
450. <ul>
451. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><em>Purpose</em><span style="font-weight: 400;">: camp comfort, protecting hands while crossing glaciers</span>
452. <ul>
453. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Any type of </span><b>lightweight fleece liner</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> will typically work, a little wind or water protection can be nice, but the idea is for these to be </span><b>breathable</b></li>
454. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you want more hand protection on the glacier, a </span><b>gardening style</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> or </span><b>work glove</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> would do!</span></li>
455. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our guides use: Arc’teryx Venta Glove, Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves, REI Merino Glove Liner</span></i></li>
456. </ul>
457. </li>
458. </ul>
459. </li>
460. </ul>
461. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A few notes on gloves from our guides:</span></p>
462. <ul>
463. <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">ABSOLUTELY </span><b style="font-style: inherit;">NO COTTON</b></li>
464. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Waterproof </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">or a thin waterproof shell glove might be nice if you know it&#8217;s going to be rainy!</span></li>
465. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do <b style="font-style: inherit;">NOT </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">get anything fragile or expensive! A bushwack can give a good wear down!</span></li>
466. </ul>
467. <p>&nbsp;</p>
468. </div>
469. <div>
470. <div>
471. <p><em>created by: Caroline Whitaker and Jake Rehm<br />
472. updated 08/2024</em></p>
473. </div>
474. </div>
475. <p>Make sure to check out our <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/alaska-backpacking-equipment-list.pdf">Backpacking Equipment List</a> to be fully prepared for a <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/alaska-backpacking-hiking/">Backpacking Trip</a> in Alaska! Check out our other <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/">Tech Tips</a> for more great info!</p>
476. <p>&nbsp;</p>
477. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/upper-body-layering-for-backpacking/">Tech Tip: Upper Body Layering for Backpacking</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
478. ]]></content:encoded>
482. </item>
483. <item>
484. <title>The History of Alcohol in McCarthy</title>
485. <link>https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/history-of-alcohol-in-mccarthy/</link>
487. <dc:creator><![CDATA[St. Elias Guides]]></dc:creator>
488. <pubDate>Sat, 03 Aug 2024 00:32:15 +0000</pubDate>
489. <category><![CDATA[Historical Highlights]]></category>
490. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.steliasguides.com/?p=30702</guid>
491.  
492. <description><![CDATA[<p>A typical night in McCarthy often includes a trip to the Potato or Golden Saloon. Whether you’re a local winding down after a day’s work, or a tourist soaking in the unique ambiance, enjoying a cold drink is a longstanding tradition in this historic town. However, beneath this warm atmosphere of relaxation lies a history [&#8230;]</p>
493. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/history-of-alcohol-in-mccarthy/">The History of Alcohol in McCarthy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
494. ]]></description>
495. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
496. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A typical night in McCarthy often includes a trip to the Potato or Golden Saloon. Whether you’re a local winding down after a day’s work, or a tourist soaking in the unique ambiance, enjoying a cold drink is a longstanding tradition in this historic town. However, beneath this warm atmosphere of relaxation lies a history of fierce defiance against prohibition laws that has shaped McCarthy’s spirit throughout the years.</span></p>
497. </div>
498. <div>
499. <p><span id="more-30702"></span></p>
500. <div>
501. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In its early days, McCarthy relied heavily on Kennicott for business, drawing both tourists and miners eager for a drink and other diversions. Despite strict prohibition laws, unlicensed saloons and home-brewed moonshine thrived in McCarthy. In fact, special occasions often ended with inebriated Kennicott residents whisked home the next morning strapped to dog sleds!</span></p>
502. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-30706 size-full" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/McCarthy-Bar.jpg" alt="Black and white photo of people in a bar" width="499" height="396" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/McCarthy-Bar.jpg 499w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/McCarthy-Bar-300x238.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px" />Despite this illegal circulation, surprisingly few individuals were penalized by authorities. Federal enforcement from Cordova aimed to shut down the illicit trade, yet the town was not easily deterred. Train engineers on the Copper River and Northwestern Railway often signaled impending alcohol raids with a coded whistle, warning the town of agents onboard. Several close calls kept everyone on their toes, but failed to deter the town’s determination to have their alcohol.</span></p>
503. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One illustrious resident by the name of Slim Lancaster, known for his delicious pies and covert moonshine operation, ran a rest stop between McCarthy and Kennicott. Slim was brewing a batch one day when a marshal came through, sitting down to enjoy a warm slice of pie. The marshal was chatting with Slim, when he felt a–</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">drip</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">–onto his head. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Drip, drip</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from the floor above. Slim was brought straight to jail. The miners caught wind of this arrest and quickly rallied to secure his release. They weren’t about to lose one of the best moonshiners in town, after all.</span></p>
504. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Four-Eyed Kid, a colorful character known for his distinctive spectacles, ran into a marshal with a bottle of whiskey in hand. The bottle was confiscated for evidence, while Four-Eyed Kid spent the night in jail. His friends managed to get their hands on the bottle, emptying the whiskey and filling it with water. During Four-Eyed Kid’s trial, his attorney theatrically attempted to ignite the liquid on fire. But, being water, it failed to burn. Embarrassed and frustrated, the marshal had no choice but to release him.</span></p>
505. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, not everyone in town supported the bootlegging. The owner of the general merchandise store, R.L.H. Marshall, frequently complained to the authorities. Responding to his concerns, a secret plan was drawn up. Undercover agent J. Lindley Green, posing as a man looking for work on the railroad, swept in and apprehended McCarthy residents caught in the act. Despite these crackdowns, McCarthyans proved to be extremely resourceful in their ability to get their hands on liquor.</span></p>
506. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30707" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/McCarthy-1914web-1024x570.webp" alt="Historic photograph of the town of McCarthy, AK" width="1024" height="570" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/McCarthy-1914web-1024x570.webp 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/McCarthy-1914web-300x167.webp 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/McCarthy-1914web-768x428.webp 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/McCarthy-1914web.webp 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
507. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nowadays, the booze flows free and fast in McCarthy for those who partake. Both the Golden Saloon and the Potato have excellent beer and wine menus for the tourist (or guide!) looking to kick back and relax after a long day of adventuring. We’re also well known throughout Alaska &#8211; 49th State Brewing Company makes an excellent stout named after McCarthy and its rich history. So the next time you’re sitting down for a brew, raise a toast to Slim, old Four-Eye, and the McCarthy spirit!</span></p>
508. <p>&nbsp;</p>
509. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sources:<br />
510. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Photo 1–Alaska’s Digital Archives: Bar in McCarthy 1953<br />
511. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Photo 2–National Park Service: McCarthy 1914 (Bleakley Collection)<br />
512. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Historic McCarthy: The Town that Copper Built</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> by M.J. Kirchhoff</span></p>
513. </div>
514. </div>
515. <div>
516. <div>
517. <p><em>written by: Emma Wilkinson<br />
518. updated 08/2024</em></p>
519. </div>
520. </div>
521. <p>Interested in learning even more about the boom days of McCarthy and Kennecott? Sign up for a <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/kennecott-mill-town-tour/">2-hr Mill Town Tour of Kennecott</a> and step back into time!</p>
522. <p>&nbsp;</p>
523. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/history-of-alcohol-in-mccarthy/">The History of Alcohol in McCarthy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
524. ]]></content:encoded>
528. </item>
529. <item>
530. <title>Trip Report: Donoho Peak Summit</title>
531. <link>https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/trip-report-donoho-peak-summit/</link>
533. <dc:creator><![CDATA[St. Elias Guides]]></dc:creator>
534. <pubDate>Thu, 01 Aug 2024 04:17:13 +0000</pubDate>
535. <category><![CDATA[Spotlight on Adventure]]></category>
536. <category><![CDATA[Trip Reports]]></category>
537. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.steliasguides.com/?p=30644</guid>
538.  
539. <description><![CDATA[<p>Senior guide Kip Sprout recalls a fun &#8220;backyard adventure&#8221; from his first summer at SEAG (St. Elias Alpine Guides) &#8211; an overnight on top of Donoho Peak! As my first summer in McCarthy was getting into the full swing of tourist season, I found myself with the same “weekend” as three other friends. We knew [&#8230;]</p>
540. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/trip-report-donoho-peak-summit/">Trip Report: Donoho Peak Summit</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
541. ]]></description>
542. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
543. <p>Senior guide Kip Sprout recalls a fun &#8220;backyard adventure&#8221; from his first summer at SEAG (St. Elias Alpine Guides) &#8211; an overnight on top of Donoho Peak!</p>
544. </div>
545. <div>
546. <p><span id="more-30644"></span></p>
547. <div>
548. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As my first summer in McCarthy was getting into the full swing of tourist season, I found myself with the same “weekend” as three other friends. We knew we had to make something out of the opportunity we had, so we planned to tackle Donoho Peak in a beautiful alpine backpacking style.</span></p>
549. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Following in the footsteps of guides before us, we made the decision to camp on the saddle just 350 feet shy of the summit of nearly 6,700 feet. With this plan in mind, we packed our lightweight sleep systems, cook gear, and layers. We all went pretty light as the trip was not far from home nor &#8220;of any real length&#8221;. </span></p>
550. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30690" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Looking-up-at-the-objective-1024x768.jpg" alt="Three hikers look up at an imposing mountain summit above them" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Looking-up-at-the-objective-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Looking-up-at-the-objective-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Looking-up-at-the-objective-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Looking-up-at-the-objective-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Looking-up-at-the-objective-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
551. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The next morning, we woke and caught the morning shuttle to Kennecott. From the shuttle, we began through town and down the already familiar Root Glacier Trail. Upon reaching the glacier, we beelined directly across it, aiming for the easiest path into Donoho Basin. In no time, we found ourselves removing our crampons and exiting the glacier. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">As we gained the basin, the cool and dry air flowing down the Root Glacier quickly shifted to warm and humid air. We followed the small trail through the brush that runs through the basin, and eventually ran into the lower lake. It was here that we decided to call lunch, enjoying a scenic Mt Blackburn reflection off of the lake.</span></p>
552. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30715" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Walking-through-the-basin-768x1024.jpg" alt="Two backpackers walking on a trail" width="768" height="1024" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Walking-through-the-basin-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Walking-through-the-basin-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Walking-through-the-basin-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Walking-through-the-basin-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Walking-through-the-basin-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
553. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After lunch, we headed directly for the south gully that marked the beginning of our climb. We believed to be on trail, but abruptly found ourselves bushwhacking through thick alders. Instead of making the wise decision to turn around and find the trail, we naively pushed through the brush. By the time we emerged from the brush, we found that a tent had been ripped off of one of the member’s packs on the way through; this served as one last bruise to the egos. With low hope of finding the tent, we continued onwards to the gully.</span></p>
554. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30693" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bushwacking-in-Donoho-Basin-768x1024.jpg" alt="Two guides moving through thick brush" width="768" height="1024" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bushwacking-in-Donoho-Basin-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bushwacking-in-Donoho-Basin-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bushwacking-in-Donoho-Basin-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bushwacking-in-Donoho-Basin-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bushwacking-in-Donoho-Basin-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
555. <p>&nbsp;</p>
556. <p style="font-size: 16px;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30697" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Starting-up-through-the-clouds-768x1024.jpg" alt="" width="768" height="1024" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Starting-up-through-the-clouds-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Starting-up-through-the-clouds-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Starting-up-through-the-clouds-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Starting-up-through-the-clouds-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Starting-up-through-the-clouds-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
557. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The gully provided us very straightforward climbing up a slowly steepening pitch. We took the easy elevation for the first 2,000 feet of the climb. As the gully grew steeper, we made the decision to traverse over to an alpine step connected to a ridge leading nearly to the saddle. From the step, we started up the ridgeline where we found more solid rock due to the tundra partially keeping it in place. As we ascended beyond the basalt and into the limestone layer, the tundra quickly disappeared; we were left with loose rock with the occasional semi-solid handrail. </span></p>
558. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30699" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Traversing-the-steep-slopes-768x1024.jpg" alt="" width="768" height="1024" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Traversing-the-steep-slopes-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Traversing-the-steep-slopes-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Traversing-the-steep-slopes-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Traversing-the-steep-slopes-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Traversing-the-steep-slopes-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
559. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Along with our medium deteriorating, the weather also worsened. We had long been watching a storm roll up valley into us, so when it hit us, we were as prepared as possible. Knowing we couldn’t stop where we were, we committed to reaching the saddle within the rain. As we neared the saddle and the ridge we were following began to disappear, we found that the rain had turned to snow. Pushing through the last steep section on loose rock led us to the saddle where we would build camp and rest for the night.</span></p>
560. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30712" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Snowy-camp-on-the-saddle-1024x768.jpg" alt="people setting up tents on a stormy ridgeline" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Snowy-camp-on-the-saddle-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Snowy-camp-on-the-saddle-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Snowy-camp-on-the-saddle-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Snowy-camp-on-the-saddle-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Snowy-camp-on-the-saddle-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
561. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We all squeezed into an MSR Elixir 2 tent to make dinner, and after regaining lost calories, I retired to my tent for the evening. Since we had lost a tent on the way up, the two-person MSR tent acted as a three-person tent for the night. I’m sure it was a cozy night for them piled into the tent. </span></p>
562. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The following morning started with pancakes, a backpacking speciality of one of the members. As we ate our breakfast, the clouds began to part and we were treated to the best views yet. We enjoyed seeing all of the Gates and Kennecott glaciers, and the fog over the Root glacier provided a mysterious atmosphere to the morning. After breakfast, we broke down camp and began up.</span></p>
563. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30698" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Summit-views-off-of-Donoho-768x1024.jpg" alt="Birds eye view of glaciers" width="768" height="1024" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Summit-views-off-of-Donoho-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Summit-views-off-of-Donoho-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Summit-views-off-of-Donoho-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Summit-views-off-of-Donoho-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Summit-views-off-of-Donoho-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
564. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We only had a few hundred feet to reach the summit, and the climbing was on par or easier than what we had done the day before. This made for a quick summit, allowing for lots of time to enjoy the scenery from the peak. We sat around for over 30 minutes, taking in the beauty of the Kennecott Valley.</span></p>
565. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-30692 size-large" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/At-the-saddle-768x1024.jpg" alt="Three people on a ridgeline" width="768" height="1024" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/At-the-saddle-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/At-the-saddle-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/At-the-saddle-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/At-the-saddle-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/At-the-saddle-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />&nbsp;</p>
566. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30713" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Summit-shot-1024x768.jpg" alt="Four young people smiling on a mountain summit" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Summit-shot-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Summit-shot-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Summit-shot-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Summit-shot-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Summit-shot-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
567. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After soaking it all in, we began back down in order to make it to the town shuttle before they stopped running. Progress on the descent was quick, and any worries of saturated choss were quickly disproven. This was a relief to us all, and allowed for a clear headspace on our way down. After a long break on tundra, we traversed our way into the south gully, and were delighted to find easily glissadable snow. This saved us time as we ended up doing standing glissades for around 1,500 feet.</span></p>
568. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30714" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Going-down-the-gully-with-views-1024x768.jpg" alt="Two people on a high ridge overlooking a valley" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Going-down-the-gully-with-views-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Going-down-the-gully-with-views-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Going-down-the-gully-with-views-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Going-down-the-gully-with-views-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Going-down-the-gully-with-views-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
569. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the bottom of the gully, a trail was very obvious. Instead of repeating our mistake, we took the trail through the dense brush and were swiftly spit out onto the main trail through the basin. As we passed our bushwhack, the member who lost his tent told us to enjoy a snack while he went and searched for the lost package. Within no time, the bright orange tent bag was located, and we were back to the trail. </span></p>
570. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We found our way back to the Root and crossed in no time, being sure to enjoy the blue skies on our way out. Before we knew it we were walking through Kennecott, feeling accomplished and proud. Donoho proved to be a rewarding and challenging objective, and for those looking to tickle the itch of adrenaline, the exposed scrambling towards the top of the mountain provided.</span></p>
571. </div>
572. </div>
573. <p>&nbsp;</p>
574. <div>
575. <div>
576. <p><em>written by: Kip Sprout<br />
577. photos by Kip Sprout, Morgan Marks, and Olga Iwaniuk<br />
578. </em><em>updated 07/2024</em></p>
579. </div>
580. </div>
581. <p>Inspired to climb Donoho Peak yourself? Sign up for a <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/root-glacier-overnight-adventure/">Root Overnight Adventure</a> or a <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/donoho-peak-wilderness-backpacking/">Donoho Wilderness Trip</a> and send it!</p>
582. <p>&nbsp;</p>
583. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/trip-report-donoho-peak-summit/">Trip Report: Donoho Peak Summit</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
584. ]]></content:encoded>
588. </item>
589. <item>
590. <title>The Mines of Kennecott</title>
591. <link>https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/mines-of-kennecott/</link>
593. <dc:creator><![CDATA[St. Elias Guides]]></dc:creator>
594. <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:42:47 +0000</pubDate>
595. <category><![CDATA[Historical Highlights]]></category>
596. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.steliasguides.com/?p=30606</guid>
597.  
598. <description><![CDATA[<p>Sometimes visitors to Kennecott ask about our &#8220;Mine Tour&#8221;. We get this little mix-up all the time &#8211; the old mines themselves were located about 4,000 feet above Kennecott along the ridgelines of the mountains above! Over 70 miles of tunnels ran through the hillside and hundreds of miners worked and lived in these remote [&#8230;]</p>
599. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/mines-of-kennecott/">The Mines of Kennecott</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
600. ]]></description>
601. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
602. <p>Sometimes visitors to Kennecott ask about our &#8220;Mine Tour&#8221;. We get this little mix-up all the time &#8211; the old mines themselves were located about 4,000 feet above Kennecott along the ridgelines of the mountains above! Over 70 miles of tunnels ran through the hillside and hundreds of miners worked and lived in these remote operations.</p>
603. </div>
604. <div>
605. <p><span id="more-30606"></span></p>
606. <div>
607. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-30609" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/14-Bonanza-Mine-copy-1024x786.jpg" alt="Bonanza Mine" width="800" height="614" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/14-Bonanza-Mine-copy-1024x786.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/14-Bonanza-Mine-copy-300x230.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/14-Bonanza-Mine-copy-768x590.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/14-Bonanza-Mine-copy-1536x1179.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/14-Bonanza-Mine-copy-2048x1572.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p>
608. <p>The miners lived in bunkhouses at the mines. They had access to a &#8220;gymnasium&#8221; and reading room, and there was even a pool table up at Erie Mine! Miners were fed in a heated underground lunchroom so they didn’t have to commute all the way back to the surface for lunch.</p>
609. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-30611" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Dishes-in-mine-tunnel-1024x786.jpg" alt="Historic photograph of underground dining room" width="800" height="614" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Dishes-in-mine-tunnel-1024x786.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Dishes-in-mine-tunnel-300x230.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Dishes-in-mine-tunnel-768x590.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Dishes-in-mine-tunnel-1536x1179.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Dishes-in-mine-tunnel-2048x1572.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p>
610. </div>
611. <p>“In the winter, as I understand it, the snow was so heavy there in the Jumbo and Bonanza you couldn’t even come outside … And essentially these men lived without seeing the outside air from the first of November to, what, the end of March?” (William Douglass, Kennecott Kids 2, 48)</p>
612. <div>
613. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-30610" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Miners-in-Tunnel-w-Train-1024x786.jpg" alt="Historic photograph inside a mine with a miner and train cart" width="800" height="614" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Miners-in-Tunnel-w-Train-1024x786.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Miners-in-Tunnel-w-Train-300x230.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Miners-in-Tunnel-w-Train-768x590.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Miners-in-Tunnel-w-Train-1536x1179.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Miners-in-Tunnel-w-Train-2048x1572.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p>
614. <p>The mines of the Kennecott Copper Company were quite impressive, the tunnels running 60-80 feet deep. Just the tunnel between the Jumbo and Erie Mines was 12,000 feet long, or 2.3 miles! The deeper levels were drier and preferred, while the upper levels had ice-covered walls and heavy fog. Temperatures in the underground mines never rose above 32 degrees which encouraged the men to work rather than grow cold. (Sullivan, 40)</p>
615. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-30612" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Miner-on-Tram-786x1024.jpg" alt="Historic photograph of miner riding an oar cart" width="615" height="801" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Miner-on-Tram-786x1024.jpg 786w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Miner-on-Tram-230x300.jpg 230w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Miner-on-Tram-768x1000.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Miner-on-Tram-1179x1536.jpg 1179w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Miner-on-Tram-1572x2048.jpg 1572w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Miner-on-Tram-scaled.jpg 1965w" sizes="(max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px" /></p>
616. <p>&nbsp;</p>
617. <p>Occasionally the doctor would ride the buckets up to the mines to take care of the miners’ smaller ailments. He would perform surgeries in town. (Grauman 1977, pg. 47) How about that ore bucket ride?! The Bonanza and Jumbo arial trams were about 3 miles long and the entire trip took about 45 minutes. (Grauman 1977, pg. 45)</p>
618. <p>&nbsp;</p>
619. </div>
620. <p>Want to learn more? Join us on an Alpine Hike to <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/jumbo-mine-day-hike/">Jumbo</a> or <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/bonanza-mine/">Bonanza Mines</a>! Get incredible views of the valley, while exploring the historic artifacts of the old mining operation!</p>
621. </div>
622. <p>&nbsp;</p>
623. <div>
624. <div>
625. <p><em><br />
626. updated 06/2024</em></p>
627. <p><em>Other references: Dianne Milliard and the National Park Service</em></p>
628. </div>
629. </div>
630. <p>&nbsp;</p>
631. <p>&nbsp;</p>
632. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/mines-of-kennecott/">The Mines of Kennecott</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
633. ]]></content:encoded>
637. </item>
638. <item>
639. <title>Trip Report: Fan Glacier Basecamp Hiking Trip</title>
640. <link>https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/fan-glacier-hiking-trip-report/</link>
642. <dc:creator><![CDATA[St. Elias Guides]]></dc:creator>
643. <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2024 21:25:32 +0000</pubDate>
644. <category><![CDATA[Spotlight on Adventure]]></category>
645. <category><![CDATA[Trip Reports]]></category>
646. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.steliasguides.com/?p=30542</guid>
647.  
648. <description><![CDATA[<p>The Fan Glacier is one of our favorite places in Wrangell &#8211; St. Elias National Park. Nestled deep in the Chugach Mountains to the south of McCarthy and Kennecott, this beautiful valley is the perfect staging ground for long hikes, fabulous vistas, and even a day at the beach! Returning client Anne Anderson remembers her [&#8230;]</p>
649. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/fan-glacier-hiking-trip-report/">Trip Report: Fan Glacier Basecamp Hiking Trip</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
650. ]]></description>
651. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
652. <p>The Fan Glacier is one of our favorite places in Wrangell &#8211; St. Elias National Park. Nestled deep in the Chugach Mountains to the south of McCarthy and Kennecott, this beautiful valley is the perfect staging ground for long hikes, fabulous vistas, and even a day at the beach!</p>
653. <p>Returning client Anne Anderson remembers her early September backcountry hiking trip to the Fan Glacier.</p>
654. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30544" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fan-Glacier-Landscape-1024x768.jpg" alt="Colorful mountain landscape" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fan-Glacier-Landscape-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fan-Glacier-Landscape-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fan-Glacier-Landscape-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fan-Glacier-Landscape-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fan-Glacier-Landscape-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
655. </div>
656. <div>
657. <p><span id="more-30542"></span></p>
658. <div>
659. <p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve been to WSENP before, a few years back I visited the old mining town of Kennecott and hiked out to the Root Glacier. My guides were gushing about the backcountry of the Park and their recent trip to the Fan Glacier. A few years later, my sister said she wanted to explore Alaska and I knew right where to go!</p>
660. <p>We hike a lot at home in Colorado but camping in Alaska was definitely new and a little intimidating. The night before our trip, our guide Rachel checked our gear and eliminated unnecessary items while emphasising quick-drying layers and warmer jackets. We were glad she did! We were usually ready for puffy jackets by the time dinner rolled around! Rachel gave us each a &#8220;poop kit&#8221; and instructed us to each fill a gallon ziplock bag full of snacks. SEAG has a huge inventory of every possible nut, dried fruit, bar, and candy you can imagine! Back at our hotel, we repacked our bags one last time and went to bed giddy with excitement for the next day!</p>
661. <p>The next morning we were ready to fly out to the backcountry. Rachel met us at the hotel and took us to the airstrip where we boarded the great Beaver! This is the biggest plane the air taxi has, but it was by far the smallest plane either of us had ever been in! We were really nervous at first, but once we took off the views distracted us completely from any fear we had. Wow! The flight to the Fan Glacier was an experience in and of itself! The sights we saw from the air really put into perspective just how great this wilderness is.</p>
662. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30547" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-beaver-at-the-Fan-Glacier-1024x768.jpg" alt="Yellow airplane on sand with mountains in the background" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-beaver-at-the-Fan-Glacier-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-beaver-at-the-Fan-Glacier-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-beaver-at-the-Fan-Glacier-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-beaver-at-the-Fan-Glacier-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-beaver-at-the-Fan-Glacier-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
663. <p>We landed on the sand, unloaded and before we knew it, the plane was taking off and we were alone in the wild!!</p>
664. <p>Rachel found a great spot for us to set up our tents about 15 minutes away from where the plane landed. Once camp was made, we went out exploring. That first day we were just getting a lay of the land of this interesting place. Once covered by massive glaciers, this area has been exposed by glacial retreat leaving behind pristine sandy beaches and an overgrown rocky landscape dotted with clear-water pools. We ended up in some pretty thick bushes here and there but around every turn there was another beautiful little lake, each begging us to take a dip. We couldn&#8217;t resist! The water was cold but very refreshing and the sun dried us out quickly.</p>
665. <p>&nbsp;</p>
666. </div>
667. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30545" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Blue-pools-at-Fan-Glacier-1024x768.jpg" alt="A little lake surrounded by greenery with a mountain in the background" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Blue-pools-at-Fan-Glacier-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Blue-pools-at-Fan-Glacier-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Blue-pools-at-Fan-Glacier-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Blue-pools-at-Fan-Glacier-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Blue-pools-at-Fan-Glacier-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
668. <p>&nbsp;</p>
669. <div>
670. <p>It was Rachel&#8217;s first time here too! She didn&#8217;t admit it to us at first and I understand why. We were surprised to hear it and if we had known that at first we would&#8217;ve been nervous that she was unprepared. But later we learned that this is how SEAG guides are trained. They know exactly what to do in the backcountry and have a huge database of trip reports to go off of. With it being Rachel&#8217;s first time out here, she was just as excited as we were to discover what was around the bend and it was very special to be able to share that wonder with her throughout the trip!</p>
671. </div>
672. <p>That night we returned to our camp for dinner. Each night Rachel pulled out all the stops and treated us to culinary delights from all over the world! We were joking that we ate better in the backcountry than we do at home. This was doubly impressive since both my sister and I are gluten intolerant! The SEAG team had reassured us that our dietary restrictions wouldn&#8217;t be a problem and they really didn&#8217;t seem to stop Rachel from providing us delicious meals every day of the trip.</p>
673. <div>
674. <p>The next day was a little rainy to start but we put on our rain gear and started out on a hike anyway. After a little push through some brush, we followed a creek up a rocky drainage to the source of the creek &#8211; a glacier! Having been on the Root Glacier before, I knew this was technically a &#8220;small&#8221; glacier, but it still seemed pretty big to us! The ice was broken up and the water gushed out of it with impressive force. You could feel the cold coming off the ice even from where we stood 50ft away from the ice!</p>
675. <p>&nbsp;</p>
676. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30546" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Glacial-River-1024x768.jpg" alt="Muddy brown water spilling out of dirty glacial ice" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Glacial-River-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Glacial-River-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Glacial-River-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Glacial-River-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Glacial-River-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
677. <p>&nbsp;</p>
678. <p>Then we climbed a steep slope to get onto a ridge that we followed higher and higher until we finally turned around. The view took our breath away! The whole valley opened up before us and we could see the huge valley glaciers to the East and West and smaller glaciers spilling in from different directions. The fall colors were changing the foliage to yellow, orange, red, and deep purple and brought another dimension to the enormous mountains. We decided to eat lunch up here to really soak it in.</p>
679. </div>
680. <p>After lunch, we crossed a grassy bench and came down through the tundra to our camp. The tundra is made up of little plants, fungi, and lichens, all of which are beautiful and unique. Our eyes didn&#8217;t know where to look! Each step brought a whole new ecosystem of tiny plant life and every time we lifted our eyes we were hit by the magnificence of the massive Alaskan landscape.</p>
681. <p>&nbsp;</p>
682. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30548" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hiking-on-the-Fan-Glacier-tundra-1024x768.jpg" alt="Colorful tundra plants with glaciated mountains in the background" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hiking-on-the-Fan-Glacier-tundra-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hiking-on-the-Fan-Glacier-tundra-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hiking-on-the-Fan-Glacier-tundra-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hiking-on-the-Fan-Glacier-tundra-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hiking-on-the-Fan-Glacier-tundra-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
683. <p>&nbsp;</p>
684. <p>That night we had my favorite dinner of all &#8211; Sushi Party Bowls! You have to ask SEAG for the recipe! But that wasn&#8217;t our only treat that night&#8230;we had only been asleep for a few hours when we woke up to some scuffling outside the tent. Having seen a bunch of grizzly prints on the sands around our camp, we were immediately nervous that a curious brown bear was investigating our camp. But a second later, we heard Rachel&#8217;s voice, excitedly telling us to get out of our tents and look at the sky. The aurora borealis was lighting up the sky!! Green and purple lines danced around the night sky, lighting up the few clouds in the sky from behind. We watched for about half an hour until it started to fade away into darkness. We were not expecting to see them at all, but it was definitely a bucket list item to see the Northern Lights! We were very lucky for such a clear night and such a bright display!</p>
685. </div>
686. <p>The next morning we woke up early, and even though we hadn&#8217;t slept as long that night, we got ready quickly so we could fully take advantage of the day. We really wanted to get on the glacier, and Rachel set our expectation that it would be a really long day and we might not make it. But when there&#8217;s a will, there&#8217;s a way! The trek out to the ice took us through brush and over slippery rocks but eventually, we made it to the actual Fan Glacier! We put on our crampons and started up a grey slope of dirty ice. Pretty soon, we were up on top of the white ice.</p>
687. <p>&nbsp;</p>
688. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30551" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Glacial-ice-1024x768.jpg" alt="white and blue glacial ice forming an arch and curvy canyon" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Glacial-ice-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Glacial-ice-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Glacial-ice-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Glacial-ice-1536x1153.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Glacial-ice-2048x1537.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
689. <p>&nbsp;</p>
690. <p>I remembered back to my day on the Root Glacier a year before, but something about being the only ones out here made this experience even better! I even remembered how to strap on my crampons! We stepped over deep crevasses and filled our water bottles with fresh glacier water and went out searching for a blue pool. We didn&#8217;t end up finding one but saw all kinds of cool things while we searched like a cave/tunnel and also a deep moulin (hole in the ice).  It rained on and off that day and was generally overcast, but just like on the Root Glacier, it didn&#8217;t matter. The glacier looks cool in any light and even more spooky and alien when it&#8217;s not sunny.</p>
691. <p>Our last day we decided to sleep in, knowing it was going to be our beach day. It wasn&#8217;t very beachy at first with a little drizzle, but we were used to it by that time. We knew it wouldn&#8217;t be long until the clouds &#8220;burned off&#8221; and the sun came out. We took light packs and took off our shoes pretty much right away. The sand was fine and clean, just like on the best beaches I&#8217;ve been on. We followed the river and walked along the expansive beach area, following animal prints as we went. So many animal prints!! We enjoyed a relaxing picnic and even laid out in the sun, reading our books and just enjoying the stillness and solitude.</p>
692. <p>&nbsp;</p>
693. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30550" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fan-glacier-beach-area-1024x768.jpg" alt="sandy beach with animal prints and mountains in the background" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fan-glacier-beach-area-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fan-glacier-beach-area-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fan-glacier-beach-area-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fan-glacier-beach-area-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fan-glacier-beach-area-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
694. <p>&nbsp;</p>
695. <p>In the afternoon, Rachel checked in on our flight and we went back to pack up our camp. Austin, our pilot, was right on time. It was bittersweet leaving because we had fallen in love with this place but we were also so excited for another bush flight! It seemed like even more fall colors had come out in the last few days and we couldn&#8217;t get enough photos of the silver rivers cutting through the colorful mountains. Flying up toward McCarthy, we could see Mt. Blackburn and the Stairway Icefall rising up ahead. After touching down in McCarthy, Rachel took us to our hotel where we got our first shower in four days! We met up again later that evening to return all of SEAG&#8217;s gear and invited Rachel out to dinner at the infamous Potato.</p>
696. <p>&nbsp;</p>
697. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-30549" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fall-colors-in-Chugach-Mountains-1024x768.jpg" alt="Arial view of all colors in the mountains with a river cutting through the middle of them" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fall-colors-in-Chugach-Mountains-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fall-colors-in-Chugach-Mountains-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fall-colors-in-Chugach-Mountains-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fall-colors-in-Chugach-Mountains-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fall-colors-in-Chugach-Mountains-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
698. <p>I am a National Parks junkie and over the years I really thought I had seen it all, but this trip is one of the best I&#8217;ve ever done. I don&#8217;t think I appreciated the wilderness before this trip. Walking down a trail with a bunch of other people or camping at a premade campsite with an outhouse is just not the same. Out here we got to see nature in its truest form, completely untouched by humans. We know that we were 3 of maybe 30 people to have visited the Fan Glacier this year and to us it felt like we were the first ones to have ever been there! We felt like explorers!</p>
699. <p>We&#8217;re already planning our return trip, this time with our kids! Can&#8217;t wait!!&#8221;</p>
700. <p>&nbsp;</p>
701. <div>
702. <div>
703. <p><em>written by: Anne Anderson<br />
704. updated 06/2024</em></p>
705. </div>
706. </div>
707. <p>Inspired to go to the Fan Glacier? Check out this backcountry wonder on a <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/fan-glacier-fly-in/">Fly-in Day Trip</a> or on a <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/fan-glacier-basecamp-hiking/">4-Day Basecamp Hiking Trip</a>!</p>
708. <p>&nbsp;</p>
709. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/fan-glacier-hiking-trip-report/">Trip Report: Fan Glacier Basecamp Hiking Trip</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
710. ]]></content:encoded>
714. </item>
715. <item>
716. <title>Exploring Alaska&#8217;s Hidden Gems with St. Elias Alpine Guides&#8217; Custom Multi-day Trips</title>
717. <link>https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/exploring-alaskas-hidden-gems-with-st-elias-alpine-guides-custom-multi-day-trips/</link>
719. <dc:creator><![CDATA[St. Elias Guides]]></dc:creator>
720. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:27:02 +0000</pubDate>
721. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
722. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.steliasguides.com/?p=30540</guid>
723.  
724. <description><![CDATA[<p>Alaska&#8217;s untamed wilderness beckons adventurers from across the globe, offering a rugged landscape that promises challenge and reward. Amidst this vast expanse of natural beauty, St. Elias Alpine Guides stands as a beacon for those seeking to delve deep into the heart of Alaska&#8217;s hidden gems. Committed to personalized experiences and expert guidance, they open [&#8230;]</p>
725. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/exploring-alaskas-hidden-gems-with-st-elias-alpine-guides-custom-multi-day-trips/">Exploring Alaska&#8217;s Hidden Gems with St. Elias Alpine Guides&#8217; Custom Multi-day Trips</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
726. ]]></description>
727. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Alaska&#8217;s untamed wilderness beckons adventurers from across the globe, offering a rugged landscape that promises challenge and reward. Amidst this vast expanse of natural beauty, St. Elias Alpine Guides stands as a beacon for those seeking to delve deep into the heart of Alaska&#8217;s hidden gems. Committed to personalized experiences and expert guidance, they open doors to off-the-beaten-path destinations that define the essence of true adventure.</p>
728. <p><strong>Tailored Adventures with St. Elias Alpine Guides</strong></p>
729. <p>At the core of St. Elias Alpine Guides&#8217; ethos lies the belief that every journey should be as unique as the individual embarking upon it. Their custom multi-day trips in Alaska are meticulously crafted to cater to their client’s diverse interests and preferences. Whether you&#8217;re a seasoned backpacker yearning for remote trails or a thrill-seeker eager to conquer wild rivers, their experienced guides curate an itinerary that perfectly aligns with your aspirations.</p>
730. <p><strong>Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration</strong></p>
731. <p>Venturing into Alaska&#8217;s wilderness with St. Elias Alpine Guides means discovering hidden wonders that few have had the privilege to witness. From towering peaks to crystalline lakes nestled within pristine valleys, every step of the journey unveils a new marvel waiting to be explored. With expert guidance, travelers can immerse themselves in the landscape&#8217;s raw beauty, forging unforgettable memories along the trail less traveled.</p>
732. <p><strong>Customized Group Wilderness Tours</strong></p>
733. <p>Embarking on a customized group wilderness tour with St. Elias Alpine Guides offers camaraderie and adventure. Whether hiking through rugged terrain, paddling down remote rivers, or setting up camp beneath a star-studded sky, the shared experience fosters bonds that transcend the ordinary. With safety as their utmost priority, their guides ensure that each group member feels secure and supported throughout the journey.</p>
734. <p><strong>Types of Multi-Day Trips</strong></p>
735. <p>St. Elias Alpine Guides caters to various interests and skill levels, offering an array of multi-day trip options to suit every adventurer&#8217;s fancy:</p>
736. <ul>
737. <li><strong>Base Camp Hiking:</strong> Set up camp amidst breathtaking scenery and explore the trails at your own pace.</li>
738. <li><strong>Backpacking:</strong> Embark on a multi-day backpacking expedition, traversing rugged terrain and sleeping beneath the stars.</li>
739. <li><strong>Rafting Trips:</strong> Navigate wild rivers and experience the thrill of white-water rafting amidst Alaska&#8217;s pristine wilderness.</li>
740. <li><strong>Basecamp Hiking + Packrafting: </strong>Combine the best of both worlds with a hybrid adventure that includes hiking and packrafting excursions.</li>
741. <li><strong>Large Group Packages: </strong>Gather your friends and family for a customized group adventure that promises memories to last a lifetime.</li>
742. </ul>
743. <p><strong>Multi-Sport Itineraries</strong></p>
744. <p>For those who crave variety, St. Elias Alpine Guides offers multi-sport itineraries that blend hiking, rafting, and other outdoor pursuits into a seamless adventure. Whether scaling mountain peaks or paddling through remote waterways, each day brings a new thrill to savor and savor.</p>
745. <p><strong>Secure and Enjoyable Experience</strong></p>
746. <p>Above all, St. Elias Alpine Guides is committed to providing a secure and enjoyable experience for every adventurer who entrusts them with their journey. Their expertise and dedication to excellence ensure that every custom multi-day trip in Alaska is nothing short of extraordinary. So, lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare to discover Alaska&#8217;s hidden gems with St. Elias Alpine Guides as your trusted companion.</p>
747. <p>For more information about their packages, contact <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/"><u>St. Elias Alpine Guides</u></a> today.</p>
748. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/exploring-alaskas-hidden-gems-with-st-elias-alpine-guides-custom-multi-day-trips/">Exploring Alaska&#8217;s Hidden Gems with St. Elias Alpine Guides&#8217; Custom Multi-day Trips</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
749. ]]></content:encoded>
753. </item>
754. <item>
755. <title>Embark on a Backpacking Adventure in Alaska With St Elias Guides</title>
756. <link>https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/embark-on-a-backpacking-adventure-in-alaska-with-st-elias-guides/</link>
758. <dc:creator><![CDATA[St. Elias Guides]]></dc:creator>
759. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:26:15 +0000</pubDate>
760. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
761. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.steliasguides.com/?p=30538</guid>
762.  
763. <description><![CDATA[<p>Are you yearning for an adventure that pushes the boundaries of exploration and fills your soul with awe-inspiring landscapes? Look no further than the wilds of Alaska, where every corner holds a breathtaking vista waiting to be discovered. Who better to guide you through this untamed wilderness than St. Elias Alpine Guides, your ultimate partner [&#8230;]</p>
764. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/embark-on-a-backpacking-adventure-in-alaska-with-st-elias-guides/">Embark on a Backpacking Adventure in Alaska With St Elias Guides</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
765. ]]></description>
766. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Are you yearning for an adventure that pushes the boundaries of exploration and fills your soul with awe-inspiring landscapes? Look no further than the wilds of Alaska, where every corner holds a breathtaking vista waiting to be discovered. Who better to guide you through this untamed wilderness than St. Elias Alpine Guides, your ultimate partner for an unforgettable backpacking journey?</p>
767. <p>Alaska backpacking is a unique experience, offering unparalleled vistas, pristine landscapes, and a sense of isolation that&#8217;s challenging to find elsewhere. St. Elias Alpine Guides are seasoned experts in navigating these rugged terrains, ensuring your safety while maximizing your adventure.</p>
768. <p><strong>Choosing the Right Tour Operator &amp; Essentials/Gears for Alaska Backpacking Trip</strong></p>
769. <p>Choosing the right tour operator for your Alaska backpacking trip is crucial. With St. Elias Alpine Guides, you can rest assured you&#8217;re in capable hands. Their knowledgeable guides will lead you to the most stunning locations and provide valuable insights into the local flora, fauna, and history.</p>
770. <p>Before embarking on your journey, it&#8217;s essential to pack the right gear. St. Elias Alpine Guides can advise you on the essentials, ensuring you&#8217;re fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Their recommendations will help you stay comfortable and safe throughout your expedition, from sturdy hiking boots to waterproof layers.</p>
771. <p><strong>Tips for Safe and Successful Backpacking</strong></p>
772. <p>Safety is paramount when exploring the Alaskan wilderness. St. Elias Alpine Guides prioritizes your well-being, offering valuable tips for a successful and secure backpacking experience. From staying hydrated to understanding wildlife safety protocols, their expertise ensures a smooth journey from start to finish.</p>
773. <p><strong>What to Expect in Your Alaska Hiking Tour</strong></p>
774. <p>What can you expect from your Alaska hiking tour with St. Elias Alpine Guides? Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer beauty of your surroundings. From towering mountains to crystal-clear lakes, every step offers a new and unforgettable vista.</p>
775. <p><strong>Available Basecamp Hiking + Packrafting Tour Plans</strong></p>
776. <p>St. Elias Alpine Guides offers various tour plans to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer multi-day expeditions or basecamp hiking trips, there&#8217;s an option for everyone. Explore remote trails, camp under the stars, and immerse yourself in Alaska&#8217;s rugged beauty.</p>
777. <p><strong>Private vs. Alaska Large Group Excursions</strong></p>
778. <p>Private tours offer a personalized experience, allowing you to tailor your adventure to your interests and abilities. Alternatively, join a larger group excursion and forge new friendships as you explore the wilderness together.</p>
779. <p><strong>Tips For Staying Safe in Alaska Mountaineering &amp; Backpacking Trips</strong></p>
780. <p>Staying safe in Alaska mountaineering and backpacking trips is paramount. St. Elias Alpine Guides prioritizes safety above all else, providing expert guidance and support every step of the way. With their experienced team, you can confidently explore, knowing you&#8217;re in good hands.</p>
781. <p>Embark on a backpacking adventure in Alaska with St. Elias Alpine Guides and discover the true meaning of exploration. From epic landscapes to thrilling experiences, your journey awaits in the last frontier.</p>
782. <p>For more information about backpacking adventures, contact <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/"><u>St. Elias Alpine Guides</u></a> today.</p>
783. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/embark-on-a-backpacking-adventure-in-alaska-with-st-elias-guides/">Embark on a Backpacking Adventure in Alaska With St Elias Guides</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
784. ]]></content:encoded>
788. </item>
789. <item>
790. <title>Wilderness Recipe: Frederika Flapjacks</title>
791. <link>https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/wilderness-recipe-frederika-flapjacks/</link>
793. <dc:creator><![CDATA[St. Elias Guides]]></dc:creator>
794. <pubDate>Sat, 30 Mar 2024 22:01:04 +0000</pubDate>
795. <category><![CDATA[Wilderness Cooking]]></category>
796. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.steliasguides.com/?p=30308</guid>
797.  
798. <description><![CDATA[<p>We whipped up this recipe with a nod to the good old days, mixing a bit of that pioneer spirit with the kind of breakfast that fuels your inner explorer. Named after the jaw-dropping Frederika Mountain and its icy companion, the Frederika Glacier, these aren&#8217;t your run-of-the-mill pancakes! Our Frederika Flapjacks are the kind of [&#8230;]</p>
799. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/wilderness-recipe-frederika-flapjacks/">Wilderness Recipe: Frederika Flapjacks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
800. ]]></description>
801. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
802. <p>We whipped up this recipe with a nod to the good old days, mixing a bit of that pioneer spirit with the kind of breakfast that fuels your inner explorer. Named after the jaw-dropping Frederika Mountain and its icy companion, the Frederika Glacier, these aren&#8217;t your run-of-the-mill pancakes! Our Frederika Flapjacks are the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you&#8217;ve stepped back in time and joined the ranks of the hardy folks who navigated these parts in the late 1890s.</p>
803. <p>So, let’s dive into how to whip up your own stack of Frederika Flapjacks, and start your day with a slice of history and a hearty helping of adventure!</p>
804. </div>
805. <div>
806. <p><span id="more-30308"></span></p>
807. <div>
808. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-30320" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3145.jpg-1024x768.jpeg" alt="A pancake on a plate with a fork and another, half-made, on a pan" width="600" height="450" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3145.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3145.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3145.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3145.jpg-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3145.jpg.jpeg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></p>
809. <p>&nbsp;</p>
810. <h1>Fredericka Flapjacks</h1>
811. <p>&nbsp;</p>
812. <p><strong>Makes: </strong>6-7 pancakes</p>
813. </div>
814. <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p>
815. <ul>
816. <li>1 cup of your favorite pancake mix (ideally one that only requires water)</li>
817. <li>2/3 cup of water</li>
818. <li>1/2 cup of precooked bacon bits</li>
819. <li>1/2 stick of butter</li>
820. <li>Optional toppings: 1/2 cup of maple syrup, butter, honey</li>
821. </ul>
822. <p><strong>Cooking Equipment Needed:</strong> skillet or pot lid, spatula, optional big pot with insulator as a warmer</p>
823. <p><strong>Instructions: </strong>Combine the pancake mix with water and stir &#8211; a few lumps will remain, but try to get it as smooth as you can. You can do this in the same ziplock bag you brought the dry mix in to keep dishes lighter. Let the mix sit for a few minutes while you set yourself up to cook, get your butter stick handy, and get a covered pot and insulator prepped to keep cakes warm before serving. You can wrap the pot in a puffy jacket as a homemade insulator.</p>
824. <p>Generously butter your pan at the start and between cakes. If you&#8217;re using a lightweight aluminum pan or pot lid,  always hold the pan about 3” above your stove backcountry stove &#8211; the cakes are guaranteed to burn if you keep the pan right on the stove. If you&#8217;re using a castiron pan, you&#8217;ll be just fine right on the burner. Pour a 3-5” circle of batter onto the sizzling buttered pan and immediately sprinkle bacon bits all over the top. Once you see bubbles form and pop on the top of the cake, it’s ready to flip. They’ll only need a few minutes on each side to achieve that perfect golden brown color of doneness!</p>
825. <p>Keep your cakes warm until you are done cooking, or serve as you go!</p>
826. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-30318" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/views-crossing-frederika-glacier-1024x768.jpg" alt="Hiker looking very small in front of an enormous Frederika Mountain" width="600" height="450" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/views-crossing-frederika-glacier-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/views-crossing-frederika-glacier-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/views-crossing-frederika-glacier-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/views-crossing-frederika-glacier-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/views-crossing-frederika-glacier-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></p>
827. </div>
828. <p>&nbsp;</p>
829. <p>Charles Hayes, Mark Russel, and <strong>Frederik</strong> Schwatka were the first white explorers to enter our area back in the 1890s. They mapped the region and named many of the peaks, rivers, and glaciers (sometimes after themselves). Travel in their footsteps on our <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/doubtful-river-packrafting/">Nizina Lake Packrafting Basecamp</a>, <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/skolai-pass-basecamp-and-trekking/">Skolai Pass mini-Backpacking Trip</a>, our <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/upper-chitistone-goat-trail/">Upper Chitistone Goat Trail</a>, or our <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/source-to-sea/">Source to Sea River Expedition</a> and relive the rich history of the Wrangell Mountains!</p>
830. <div>
831. <p>&nbsp;</p>
832. <p><em>updated 04/2024</em></p>
833. </div>
834. <p>&nbsp;</p>
835. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/wilderness-recipe-frederika-flapjacks/">Wilderness Recipe: Frederika Flapjacks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
836. ]]></content:encoded>
840. </item>
841. <item>
842. <title>The Best Backpacking in Alaska is in the Wrangells</title>
843. <link>https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/best-backpacking-in-alaska/</link>
845. <dc:creator><![CDATA[St. Elias Guides]]></dc:creator>
846. <pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 2024 21:28:10 +0000</pubDate>
847. <category><![CDATA[Spotlight on Adventure]]></category>
848. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.steliasguides.com/?p=30228</guid>
849.  
850. <description><![CDATA[<p>With 13.2 million acres of National Park land to explore, Wrangell-St. Elias NP has nearly endless possibilities for epic backpacking routes. Remote, wild, and undeveloped, the Wrangells wilderness is the ultimate backcountry playground with the best backpacking in Alaska. For the backpacker who is looking to get off the beaten path and, in fact, leave [&#8230;]</p>
851. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/best-backpacking-in-alaska/">The Best Backpacking in Alaska is in the Wrangells</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
852. ]]></description>
853. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
854. <p>With 13.2 million acres of National Park land to explore, Wrangell-St. Elias NP has nearly endless possibilities for epic backpacking routes. Remote, wild, and undeveloped, the Wrangells wilderness is the ultimate backcountry playground with the best backpacking in Alaska. For the backpacker who is looking to get off the beaten path and, in fact, leave all paths and trails behind, an epic experience of some of the most unique terrain in the US awaits!</p>
855. </div>
856. <div>
857. <p><span id="more-30228"></span></p>
858. <div>
859. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-13286 size-full" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/backpacking-through-brush.jpg" alt="backpackers hiking past lake of icebergs" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/backpacking-through-brush.jpg 1000w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/backpacking-through-brush-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/backpacking-through-brush-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
860. <p>Navigating a trailless wilderness offers a level of engagement and adventure that surpasses simply following a marked path. It&#8217;s about forging your own route, connecting with nature in its rawest form, and discovering hidden gems along the way.</p>
861. <p>To get to the coolest places you&#8217;ll need to push your comfort zone and overcome challenges together as a group. From micro to macro, every inch of this landscape presents a moment of awe, a challenge to face, a curiosity to explore, forcing you to be present and creating memories to last.</p>
862. <p>Imagine waking up to the surreal beauty of a glacier beneath your tent, its icy expanse stretching as far as the eye can see. Basecamp Hiking and Backpacking trips provide the opportunity to explore and even camp on these magnificent natural wonders, providing a perspective on the landscape that few ever experience.</p>
863. <p>Valley glaciers of bright white ice are like &#8220;highways&#8221; in the backcountry connecting high passes with tundra meadows. Bright blue pools, sharp white fins, and deep crevasses crack their surface and make for a stunning trek through an other-worldly environment.</p>
864. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-28116 size-full" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Olga-loves-camping-under-the-Stairway-Icefall.jpg" alt="happy camper smiling in a tent at the edge of a glacier in alaska" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Olga-loves-camping-under-the-Stairway-Icefall.jpg 1000w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Olga-loves-camping-under-the-Stairway-Icefall-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Olga-loves-camping-under-the-Stairway-Icefall-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
865. <p>Accessing remote areas of the wilderness is made possible through bush planes, offering not just transportation but a stunning aerial tour of an otherwise inaccessible landscape. It&#8217;s a thrilling prelude to the adventure that awaits and a chance to behold the vastness of Wrangell &#8211; St. Elias National Park from above.</p>
866. <p>Not to mention, you&#8217;re getting even farther away from everyone else. Nothing makes you feel more &#8220;out there&#8221; than when that bush plane drops you off and you look around, realizing you&#8217;re the only ones out here for so many miles around!</p>
867. <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-29647 size-large" src="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/6-_DSC0021-1024x683.jpg" alt="Yellow bush plane taking off in front of a mountain" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/6-_DSC0021-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/6-_DSC0021-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/6-_DSC0021-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/6-_DSC0021-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.steliasguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/6-_DSC0021-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
868. </div>
869. <p>Unlike on the crowded trails of Denali National Park, you aren&#8217;t likely to see another soul for the entirety of your backcountry trip&#8230;well, a human soul, that is!</p>
870. <div>
871. <p>Our meticulously curated routes and destinations showcase the most breathtaking areas of WSENP, ensuring that every step of your journey is met with awe-inspiring vistas and unforgettable moments. Some routes get run once or twice a season, and some none at all. This means that you could be one of only about 15 people to visit any particular area if any have been there at all this season. Check out our <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/alaska-backpacking-hiking/">Backpacking Page </a>for more information on the best backpacking in Alaska!</p>
872. <p>Over the last 40 years of guiding trips out here, we&#8217;ve chosen what we believe to be the absolute best routes in the Park, but we know there&#8217;s more out there! We&#8217;re always excited to come up with a custom itinerary, trek into the unknown, and see what&#8217;s on the other side of the horizon with you! <a href="https://calendly.com/steliasguides-copperoar/30-min-phone-call?month=2024-03">Schedule a call</a> with our Expedition Coordinator to talk backpacking and plan a trip of a lifetime to the Wrangells!</p>
873. <p>&nbsp;</p>
874. <p><em>updated 03/2024</em></p>
875. </div>
876. </div>
877. <p>&nbsp;</p>
878. <p>The post <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/best-backpacking-in-alaska/">The Best Backpacking in Alaska is in the Wrangells</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.steliasguides.com">St. Elias Guides</a>.</p>
879. ]]></content:encoded>
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884. </channel>
885. </rss>
886.  

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