Wrangell-St. Elias is America’s largest national park. At over 13 million acres, it is more than 6 times the size of Yellowstone. 14 of the continents tallest mountains slice a jagged line across the sky, and many glaciers cut their way from high atop mountains and through deep valleys below. This is an epic journey. This is the mountain kingdom of North America.
Once in Wrangell-St. Elias, we will will explore the ruins of Kennecott mines, a short walk from our backcountry lodge. These mines have stood empty since 1938, when copper become scarce (after nearly $200 million worth was processed). The mining structures have since deteriorated, some even to the point of collapse. Others have been chosen by Friends of Kennicott and the National Park Service to be rehabilitated so that future generations will have access to this valuable piece of American history.
Below the mines lie Root Glacier, and our professional glacier guides will take our group onto the ice itself for a full day hike. At times you will here the glacier creak and groan beneath your feet, as it reshapes the ground deep below. Depending on conditions we may explore an enormous cavern beneath Root and Kennicott Glaciers formed by a waterfall cascading off Donoho Peak. Another option is to visit the 7,000 foot Stairway Icefall, and glowing blue pools of meltwater, ice canyons and mysterious moulins - areas where water has eaten vertical shafts deep into the glaciers bowels. An optional hike on the final full day in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park can take you to either Erie Mine or old Jumbo Bunkhouse, which gives un-paralleled views of the Kennecott Valley, the high alpine, and Castle Rock. This hike will be strenuous and mostly uphill, but the views make this excursion worthwhile if you’re feeling up to it.

Transportation (included from Anchorage). Includes private van transportation from Anchorage to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and back again.Lodging (included). Beginning night of day 1 through night of day 4. Our lodging will be at the all-inclusive backcountry Kennicott Glacier Lodge. Each room is double occupancy, with 2 queen beds.

Meals, once at the lodge, are all included. Breakfast is buffet style, served from 7-10 am. Lunch is from noon-3 pm. And dinner is served at 7 pm. The fare is known as “wilderness gourmet”. On days that we are hiking through the lunch hour, packed lunches will be prepared by the lodge - you will be well fed.
Meals & snacks on the road to and from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park are not included and will be the responsibility of each participant.

Meals will be a great time to share stories and pick the brains of both of your guides, as well as fellow participants. Use this time to get to know each other, share all the great photographs you’ve taken, and just have a good time. Our tours are not only about photography, but also about making friends and building relationships.

Itinerary (subject to change)

Day 1
6 AM Meet in Anchorage (meeting point to be determined) for introductions and orientation.
7 AM This morning we will begin our drive to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. We will grab a quick bite to eat on the road. As we make our way into the National Park, we will stop to photograph as subjects present themselves. After check-in we will meet at the main lodge for dinner and discuss the next days adventure.

Day 2-3
For these two days, our group will be split in two. The first group will spend the day hiking Root Glacier, the other group will explore the ruins of Kennecott and the surrounding area. On day 3, the groups will switch.

Day 4
Optional guided hike up to Jumbo Bunkhouse - strenuous rating. Those that chose to stay in the Kennecott area can explore the ruins and diverse landscapes near the lodge.

Day 5
After a hearty breakfast we will check-out and begin the drive back to Anchorage, stopping along the way to photograph whatever presents itself. An optional dinner at Glacier Brew House for an “Epilogue Dinner” (price not included) will be an excellent way to cap off this adventure and share stories with your fellow participants and new friends. Tonight's lodging is not included in the cost of the tour.

Requirements & Recommendations
All participants must be in Anchorage the day prior to the tour.
Any emergency evacuation needs are not included in the cost of the tour and will be the responsibility of each participant.
It is recommended that connecting flights are scheduled for the day after the final day of the tour to allow for unforeseen delays.
This tour is geared towards physically able people. The hikes will be strenuous and, as in all adventure activities, have an element of danger associated with them. Both your photography guides have a great deal of outdoor experience, and your glacier guides are professionals. While photography is the focus of all of our tours, your safety is our number 1 concern.