Donoho Wilderness Sampler: 5 Days of backpacking from McCarthy, AK

This is arguably the best early and late season backpacking trip in Alaska, and it’s epic all season long (from early June through September). It’s hands down the most affordable way to experience the world-class backpacking Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is known for, as this trip does not involve an expensive charter flight (only a short van shuttle from McCarthy to Kennicott).

This route starts in Kennicott with a short stretch on the only official trail of the trip. The Root Glacier trail leads us down to the massive glacier after which it’s named. We then cross the Root Glacier beneath one of the world’s largest icefalls, check out a breathtaking waterfall, glacier features, and spend our first night camping at a stunning spot beneath prominent Donoho Peak overlooking the glacier we just traversed.

We spend the next day hiking alongside a series of beautiful alpine lakes to one of the most spectacular lakeside camping sites in Wrangell-St. Elias. We spend two nights in this amazing spot. Doing so gives us a full day to explore the area with light packs. Ambitious clients can make a guided summit attempt of Donoho Peak. Less challenging peakbagging options are also available (that still provide mind-blowing views) as well as plenty of casual, but sublime, hiking for less vertically-inclined clients.

After two nights at this camp we make an adventurous trek down another massive glacier, cross a challenging medial moraine, looping back to the Root Glacier, and then arrive at another fabulous campsite. 

We have a relaxing morning on day five and then make the short trek back to Kennicott where you can explore the historic mining area. You can then take the van shuttle back to McCarthy at your leisure, spending as much or as little time exploring Kennicott as you’d like.

This trip is ~15 miles with ~4000 vertical feet of ascending and descending. It can accommodate a range of experience and fitness levels as there are plenty of side trip options for more ambitious hikers that want further exploration. To participate on the standard route you’ll need to be mentally and physically prepared to average ~3 miles of hiking with a ~50 lb pack over rough terrain each day, although the way this trip is typically run there are some longer days and a rest day during which you can hang out at the lakeside camp relaxing or go for a hike with a light pack.

Again, this is your best bet for an early or late season Alaskan backpacking trip. As a low-elevation Wrangell-St. Elias trip in an area that receives less winter snowfall, it can be done in early June when much of the park is still buried in snow. Conversely, it can be done through September when the mid-upper elevations start getting fresh snowfall making many routes in the park more challenging. From mid-late August through September, Donoho reveals its full autumn glory with the mountain peaks capped in fresh snow and the tundra displaying its full palette of fall colors.

Rates:

• Private Solo (1 person): $3750
• Private Couple (2 people): $2000 each
• Private Group (3-6 people): $1300 each
• Non-Private Group (3-6 people): $1300 each

Itinerary:

• Pre-trip: Evening meeting in McCarthy for introductions, trip overview, personal gear check, and distribution of group gear and food (pre-packed in bear-resistant canisters).
• Day 1: Morning rendezvous in McCarthy for the van shuttle to Kennicott. Start trekking!
• Day 2-4: Trek, camp, eat, sleep, repeat in sublime wilderness.
• Day 5: Last day of trekking back to Kennicott. Explore Kennicott at your leisure. The van shuttle can take you back to McCarthy at regularly scheduled intervals throughout the day.

Trips can be shorter or longer depending on client needs and interests. Rates and itinerary above are based on a 5-day trip.