St. Elias Alpine Guides specializes in custom wilderness expeditions for single adventurers and small groups. We do not operate scheduled trips, but instead offer you a once-in-a-lifetime experience, when and where you wish to go. We offer a one-to-one or two-to-one guide-client ratio which gives all participants, from beginner to expert, the opportunity to learn and explore at their own pace.

All St. Elias Alpine guides are American Mountain Guides Association Certified Guides or Professional Members. Although we have summited Mt. McKinley many times, we choose not to operate on the crowded slopes of Denali, rather we are specialists in true wilderness adventures. Our guides provide the unique chance for you alone to be the first person to set foot on a mountain top or a hidden alpine valley.

Most expeditions described below include transportation to and from the wilderness. All can be planned with a 2:1 or 1:1 guide:client ratio - Call or send an e-mail for more details.

Several of our trips start directly from McCarthy or Nabesna, while others require our flying in and out from small airstrips. Certain adventures are designed for the fledgling explorer like the Donoho Peak trip, while others like the Skolai/Nizina, experience in rugged, off-trail backpacking. At the beginning of every adventure the experienced guides will discuss and explain the route, safety and emergency procedures, menus, group equipment and your personal gear.

Donoho Peak Wilderness - 4 days
The Donoho Peak Wilderness trip takes backpacking a step beyond, and allows you to fully experience one of Alaska's true wonders - glaciers. It teaches basic wilderness skills and is an introduction to off-trail , Alaskan-style hiking and glacier trekking. The first two days are spent hiking from the ghost town of Kennecott, first alongside the Root Glacier and then crossing it to camp in the tundra below Donoho Peak. From this western edge of the Root Glacier we can take advantage of several options including: trying your hand at ice climbing, climbing 6,696 foot Donoho Peak, exploring a spectacular section of the Root Glacier, or simply hiking through the spruce forest to picnic alongside an alpine lake. Those with a desire to explore, learn and be in the outdoors are welcome. We can customize this trip to incorporate all levels of experience. However, to reach the summit of Donoho Peak, it is helpful to have previous backpacking experience. With the exception of climbing Donoho Peak we'll spend an average of 5-6 hours walking each day. This is one of our most popular trips.
June-September: $775/ person (2:1 client guide ratio)

Chitistone Canyon Expedition - 11 Days
Upper Chitistone Canyon Expedition - 4 days
The Chitistone Canyon adventure is one of the most spectacular backpacking expeditions in Alaska, if not the world. This superlative hike follows the "Goat Trail" so named by miners making their way to the gold fields of the Interior. This "trail" explores the only pass that bisects the magnificent Wrangell and St. Elias ranges. A short bush plane flight to Glacier Creek, the entrance to the Chitistone Canyon, is the beginning of ten days of hiking through spruce forests and deep canyons the color of the American Southwest.

The first days of the expedition are spent in the lower part of the canyon, where the terrain is relatively flat and allows for a gradual breaking in to the physical demands of the trip. As we climb into the alpine country, a day trip follows each day of moving camp, allowing for the exploration of the high tundra valleys and remote canyons alongside the trail. (The Upper Chitistone Canyon 4 day hike joins the route here by flying in by Super Cub). The end of the adventure is spent in silent awe as we cross pristine Chitistone Pass and finish by scrambling out amid glaciers onto the tundra of Skolai Valley. The Chitistone is a moderately difficult trip designed for experienced backpackers who want to go beyond the trail.
July-September: Upper Chitistone - $1500/ person;  Chitistone Canyon - $2175 (2:1 client guide ratio)

Skolai Pass Basecamp & Treking - 4 days
A Basecamp is established in Skolai Valley amid mysterious hills nestled near the terminus of the exotic 7-braided glaciers of Hole-in-the-Wall basin. Mountains surround us, alpine tundra blazes with the brilliant purple of dwarf Fireweed and the exquisite blue of alpine Forget-me-Nots in the summer, and the piercing red of bear berry and dwarf willow in autumn. From this remote site we can take a day and climb 1500 feet to Chitistone Pass, where we can look deep into the Yukon Territory to the north. Turning east we stare at the western edge of the St. Elias Range towered over by 16,421 foot Mt. Bona. Falling away to the west, the only path between the Wrangell Mountains and the great ice field ranges of the St. Elias, we glimpse the length of the Chitistone Canyon. Having a basecamp allows us to travel with light day packs and relish sauntering in the high country. People of all abilities are invited to visit this spectacular backcountry region. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to experience remote wilderness.
July-September: $1350/ person (2:1 client guide ratio)

Bonanza Ridge Traverse - 7 days
In a week, we complete a loop which begins and ends in McCarthy. We start by hiking north alongside the Root Glacier. This allows us to day hike to the base of the spectacular 7,000 foot Stairway Icefall. We'll climb the wild-flower covered slopes to the crest of Bonanza Ridge, where we spend time exploring the crags of this alpine crest. We then drop down into the McCarthy Creek drainage, following this stream through spruce forest back to McCarthy. At times the terrain is challenging, yet our hard work offers rewarding views of the St. Elias Mountains to the east, and the kingdom of mountains that make up the Wrangells to the west, reigned over by 16,390 foot Mt. Blackburn.

For your enjoyment, we recommend some previous backpacking experience prior to coming on this trip. In addition, medium physical conditioning will make the hills a challenge rather than something to merely endure. Each day an average of 6 hours are spent traveling.

Skolai Pass To The Nizina River - 13 Days
Our bush plane flight to Skolai Pass shadows our route; up the Nizina River Canyon, over the Nizina and Rohn Glaciers, skirting Rohn Ridge and crossing the Frederika Glacier, to finally land in the alpine tundra of Skolai Valley. Surrounded by hanging glaciers and alpine peaks, we cross fast flowing rivers, hike timeless glaciers, climb rocky ridges, and descend to the source of the Nizina River. Here we change from land to water travel, silently floating beneath towering rock walls weeping with thousand foot waterfalls. At our take-out we'll cache rafting gear and again don packs for the final day's hike into McCarthy. Previous backpacking experience is required, while no previous rafting experience is necessary.
July-August: $2600/ person (2:1 client guide ratio)

Chugach Range Explorations - 11 days
The Chugach Mountains, just north of the Bagley Icefield offer us unlimited choices of routes. Hundreds of glaciated mountains surround our small bush plane as it spirals in to land. Here there is no evidence of man. Game trails weave through the dense woods and above treeline, in tundra, curious grizzlies watch our progress. Unclimbed peaks, unexplored valleys and pure Alaska wilderness encircle our routes. Camps are alongside clear mountain streams, and on alpine ridges. We'll climb several mountain passes, traverse alpine valleys, and create our own routes of exploration. Opportunities exist to observe mountain goats, Dall sheep, and grizzly as well as to scramble to nearby summits for views into the expansive Bagley Icefield.

Chugach Range explorations span the difficulty spectrum from moderate to very challenging. Any expedition can be customized to a particular group's goals. Folks need to be in reasonable physical condition and motivated for the uncertain.
July-September: $2175/ person (2:1 client guide ratio)

Alpine Climbing Expedition - 8 days
Our Alpine Climbing Expedition is designed for backpackers who wish to incorporate some easy Alaskan summits in their adventure. The climbing is non-technical, but still offers the opportunity to learn and practice basic climbing skills and techniques. We rove the high country of the Chugach Mountains, its numerous summits offering a wide range of terrain types. We'll utilize bush aircraft to gain access to the area, then backpack into higher country using glaciers and moraines as our "trails". Rugged peaks in the six to seven thousand foot range, some of them still unclimbed, rim the nameless valleys that we explore. On clear days the possibility of awe inspiring views will awaken the climbing spirit in all of us as we scamper from peak to peak all the while looking for new vistas of the mountains and tundra beyond.
July-September: $1700/ person (2:1 client guide ratio)

"Mountains to the Sea" is the name of our Copper River Expedition, and there is no better phrase that encompasses the nature and the experience of our entire rafting program. On all trips, our rafts are loaded within yards of the ancient ice of glaciers that stretch into the distance, penetrating the very heart of this profound wilderness.

Our rafting program is not based upon wild whitewater, or fishing, but upon exploration. Exploration of glaciers, of wooded stream courses, of routes through mountain ranges draped with ocean mist, of deep, rock walled canyons, and wide open braided glacial valleys. We utilize the ease of water transport to carry fresh fruits, vegetables and breads for our meals, large tents and tarps for times of resting, and hopefully a gift of salmon for an evenings bar-b-que. On these, the quietest carriages, we float past fishing grizzlies, moose, and bald eagles. We camp next to crystal clear streams and enjoy driftwood campfires.

SEAG provides all the special gear that is needed to explore this immense Park by watercraft; professional rafts and oar rigs, safety equipment such as lifejackets, throw bags, and First Aid Kits. Dry bags to keep your personal gear completely protected, all camp gear such as tents, tarps, stoves and cook kits. And all food for the adventure, much of it fresh such as fruit, salads, eggs, smoked halibut, pancakes, and steak!

Rafting opens the path to adventure for all ages and physical conditioning. There are no beginners, no experts. Everyone is welcome to join, and even to jump in behind the oars and learn to pilot the raft themselves.

Chitina River - 3 Days
Loading our rafts a few hundred yards from the terminus of the Kennicott Glacier, we slide below the footbridge that accesses McCarthy, and directly into the boiling rapids of Class III whitewater. The waves crash around us for the next 40 minutes, with a few calm stretches in between allowing us to silently drink in the views of the Stairway icefall, Kennicott Glacier, and the verdant peaks of Bonanza Ridge as we glide away. The Kennicott gives way to the Nizina, which at first is broad and inviting, but quickly narrows into a rock walled channel. We careen around sharp turns avoiding whirlpools and undercuts as we float beneath towering cliffs and past beautiful sandy beaches. The final two days of our journey are spent rolling calmly on the immense Chitina river, past the salmon grounds of the Tebay, the bluffs of the Lakina, and the views of regal Mt. Blackburn, tallest of the Wrangells.
June-September: $675/ person (4:1 client guide ratio)

Mountains to the Sea - The Copper River Expedition - 13 Days
The Copper River Expedition is more than a raft trip, it is a true journey that follows the waters of the Wrangells from their icy source to their embrace with the salt laden waters of the Pacific Ocean. Mt. Blackburn (16,390 ft.) And its jagged sisters emblazon the horizon less than two dozen miles away from the put-in. We float the Kennicott, Nizina, and Chitina (as described above), and finally bisect the seemingly impenetrable Coastal Range carried by the magnificent Copper River. Time slows, we glide past deep spruce forests, and jagged, glacier studded peaks. We take time and walk wooded creek bottoms and explore the fantastic formations alongside the huge Miles Glacier.

Further down the Copper River, calving ice free-falls hundreds of feet into the river as we skirt the Childs Glacier. We end by silently floating through the Copper River Delta to join the tumultuous waters of the Gulf of Alaska near the fishing village of Cordova.
June-August: $2275/ person (4:1 client guide ratio)

Headwaters of the Chitina - 6 days
The Chitina River is born from the glaciers flanking the broad slopes of Mt. Logan (at 19,850 feet the second highest mountain in North America), the largest single mountain massif on earth. Our expedition starts on a small airstrip, carved from the terminal moraines of the Chitina Glacier. The scenery is rich. The river provides an undisturbed float down a huge, braided, glacial river. The upper Chitina is an ageless path between the two large mountain ranges - the Wrangell and St. Elias Mountains. Our tour follows this mighty river from its birthplace to it's confluence with the Copper River in six adventurous days.

The adjectives that can be used to describe the Wrangell and St. Elias Mountains create a long list of superlatives; the largest mountain range in North America, the most glaciated region outside of Greenland and Antarctica in the world, the largest National Park in the United States, a World Heritage Site (so named by the United Nations, an honor reserved for the Grand Canyon and the Great Pyramids of Egypt).

St. Elias Alpine Guides quit guiding on Denali 20 years ago because of over crowding. Today SEAG is the only mountaineering guide service not based on Mt. McKinley that offers a full range of programs, from a climbing school that includes ice climbing and glacier seminars, to general mountaineering courses, to first ascent expeditions, to high altitude mountaineering expeditions. The remoteness of peaks we explore guarantees solitude, beauty and a feeling of being "the first". Our expeditions are totally self sufficient. The nearest humans are nearly 100 miles away.

Education is the foundation to our climbing program. During our expeditions numerous topics are taught and practiced such as types, differences and specific uses of equipment, knots, rope use and management, crampon, ice axe, and crevasse rescue techniques, hazard evaluation, campsite selection, sanitation, menu planning hypothermia and frostbite, to name but a few.

SEAG offers trips that span the range of experience, from beginner to expert, from a 4 day ice climbing mini-seminar, to a try at the most difficult high mountain in Alaska, 18,008 foot Mt. St. Elias. SEAG provides most of the special climbing gear needed such as crampons, ice axes, ropes, snow shoes, snow and ice anchors, carabiners, etc., all of the group equipment such as tents, stoves, cook kits, and emergency and First Aid kits, all food, and on many expeditions the bush plane flights in and out. Participants are required to provide their personal gear which includes plastic climbing boots for some adventures, a harness and helmet, and sleeping bag, pad, pack and clothing.

SEAG is a strong supporter of professionalism in mountain guiding. The owner, Bob Jacobs, is an American Mountain Guides Certified Alpine Guide, as are several of the guides who work for this small personalized company.

Mt. Blackburn Expedition (16,390 Ft.) - 17 Days
Mt. Blackburn, the highest of the Wrangell Range, poses similar challenges to those of a mountain like Denali; arctic weather, high elevation, heavily glaciated, but offers more remoteness, more solitude, and less likelihood of altitude related illness. The climbing is varied, starting on skis or snowshoes, then caching them for the steeper climbing on the Northwest Ridge. There may be times we're climbing on fixed rope, or avoiding crevasse fields. This expedition begins with discussing menu planning and food preparation, and practicing self crevasse rescue techniques in the rafters of the Motherlode Powerhouse in McCarthy. Next we'll fly onto the Nabesna Glacier landing near the 8,000 foot contour, and then ferry loads establishing 2 or 3 camps as we ascend. Participants should have some mountaineering experience, perhaps a Rainier climb, or the Canadian Rockies. This is an Alaskan Grade 3 climb, and climbers should contact SEAG for a conditioning program.

First Ascents Expedition - 14 Days
Alpine glow bathes the sharp ice ridges in the distance with pink light that fades into a deep azure blue over the summit of Mt. St. Elias. The soft light explodes into colors off of ice crystals kicked into the air by boots, as they make the last few steps onto the very top of a remote summit, a place never before stood upon by humans. The magic of the Wrangell and St. Elias Ranges are the myriad of unexplored peaks and glaciers. There are only a few exotic places left on this earth where a climber can experience the deep awe struck by exploring mountains no one has ever set foot on. The first ascents expeditions are designed for climbers who want to weave exploration together with climbing, who want to climb in solitude and in true wilderness.These expeditions combine several days training on the local Root Glacier where skills are learned, practiced and honed. A wheel/ski equipped plane then flies the group into a remote basin where numerous peaks are chosen for their difficulty, their ease, or simply their beauty.

This adventure requires simply having a basic understanding of climbing, since many of the skills needed to climb safely and successfully are taught during the first days, and routes can be selected to accommodate a variety of abilities.
May-August: $2600/ person (2:1 client guide ratio)

General Mountaineering Course - 8 Days
Education is the prime directive for this mountaineering course. We will focus on learning the skills necessary to undertake full-scale Alaskan expeditions. This adventure incorporates teaching the primary techniques of: equipment selection and use, glacier travel technique, snow and ice climbing skills and crevasse rescue. Throughout the expedition participants learn about personal skill recognition, hazard assessment and judgment building. Toward the end we'll apply our skills on a "graduation climb". Good physical conditioning and personal motivation is required.
May-September: $1700/ person (2:1 client guide ratio)

One of the most unique and awe inspiring land forms in the world are glaciers, and the Wrangell/St. Elias National Park is the most glaciated region outside the Polar Caps on earth. Here a person has the opportunity to walk onto the timeless ice of immense alpine glaciers, safely and easily. There are rivers in every country, but no where else can you so safely explore the frozen source of these waters. A short hike from McCarthy, opens the world of the Root Glacier. You can simply walk for a half-day on this immense ribbon of ice and experience unique beauty in delicate formations, or fly-in and land on the ice surface in a Super Cub, and explore wildflower covered tundra alongside these great glaciers. 

We offer a full spectrum of day activities, so walk on a glacier, float a river from its glacial source, learn to ice climb, hike through time cleansed ruins of the Kennecott Mines, sit in silent awe on the top of an alpine ridge, or crash through streams on a mountain bike. There is a day adventure that fits every level of experience, age and physical condition.

SEAG supplies all the special gear for each trip such as crampons for half day glacier walks, ropes, ice axes, climbing equipment for full day ice climbing, emergency and First Aid kits for all outings, and experienced, trained guides. Participants need to bring an openness to the outdoors, a sense of adventure, and good rain gear.

GLACIER HIKES

Root Glacier - Walk with crampons on the Root Glacier and explore the mysterious and exquisite ice formations, cascading waterfalls, and unusual blue water pools common only to the ablation zone of glaciers.
4-6 Hours $50 per person

Ice Climbing - An introduction to ice climbing. Come experience the technical skills utilized in climbing the high peaks in a "classroom" setting with a 360 degree view of the surrounding peaks.
8-10 Hours $95 per person

Root Glacier Fly-In - Land on the ageless ice of the Root Glacier near the foot of Donoho Peak. Experience the realm of the glacier's ablation zone ablation deep blue-hued water pools, surface streams of crystal clear water and miniature canyons melting their way into the ice. Flying in, the 7,000 foot Stairway Icefall, off the tip of the aircraft's wing, is a sight to admire.
4-6 Hours $150 per person

Kennicott Glacier Fly-In - Land on a tiny dirt strip nestled alongside the Kennicott Glacier. Walk among dazzling alpine wildflowers. Cross the lateral moraine and explore unique glacial formations such as moulons, pressure ridges, and ogives beneath Mt. Blackburn lying less than a dozen miles away.
8-10 Hours $285 per person

Castle Mountain - Enjoy a full day's hike along alpine ridges and rock glaciers to the base of Castle Mountain where we can explore the time-cleansed ruins, weathered wood and relics of the high-grading days of the Kennecott Copper Mines.
Full Day $95 per person

Bonanza Mine - Take a leisurely hike up the old Bonanza Mine Road looking down on the glaciated valleys below. Once above the trees "North America's Mountain Kingdom" unfolds, and at the mine site the tram head, mine shaft entrance and other aspects of mining days can be seen.
Full Day $75 per person

Nikolai Pass Fly-In - Land in a high alpine pass within view of elusive Dall sheep. Explore in any direction the gentle rolling peaks and absorb the view of Chitistone Gorge and the immense St. Elias Range.
Full Day $285 per person

Three Rivers Fly-In - Splash through Class 3 rapids on the Kennecott river, navigate the deep, vertical-walled Nizina River canyon, and fly back to McCarthy over the fantastic formations of the Kennecott Glacier.
Full Day $225 per person (4 person min.)

Historical Tour - Step back in time, actually walk through the interior of the 14 story Mill Building and the immense Power House in Kennecott. We have the exclusive rights to explore inside the mine buildings! Walking among the silent sentinels, we'll feel what it was like to live and work in this remote wilderness.
2 Hours $25 per person