Glacier Hike on Spencer Glacier

With Ascending Path Tours 

Tour Price: $250 (ages 13-70)

Available: 6/1 - 9/10 2012 1:30pm departure, Tour length is 7 hours

*Due to this year's heavy snowfall in the Kenai Mountains, the Glacier Discovery Train won't begin service south of Portage until June 1, 2012 or after. This date is subject to change, depending on the rate of snow melt.

Glacier Hike on Spencer Glacier - 7 miles roundtrip on flat graveled US Forest Service trails, past blue ice bergs, along a beautiful terminal lake and onto Spencer Glacier.

From Spencer Whistle Stop, hikers load onto a bus for a 1-mile drive to the edge of Spencer Lake. This is where the hike to the glacier begins. Groups of 5 or less hike a trail along Spencer Lake and enjoy outstanding views of the glacier and icebergs floating in the lake.

The total distance from the start of the hike to the edge of the glacier is about 2 miles of flat USFS maintained trails. The last mileage is rugged moraine walking & glacier hiking.

The 5 hours you spend hiking includes many photo & rest stops to learn about interesting local wildlife, history, ecology, and glaciology. At the glacier's edge, you will gear up with helmets and crampons; and learn more safety lessons and crampon practice.

Groups will travel onto the glacier ice itself and have about 2 hours to explore the amazing ice features (blue ice, crevasses, ice caves, etc.) with a skilled and experienced glacier guide. The maximum hiking mileage is up to 7 miles roundtrip.

Naturalist glacier guides will pace the trip & mileage to the group's fitness level & desires. Restroom facilities are available at Spencer Whistle Stop.

This is a strenuous activity for ages 13-70. No experience is necessary.

This trip operates in all weather conditions with one departure daily.

TRIP INCLUDES:

• *Deli lunch provided on board the Glacier Discovery Train;
• snacks and water provided on the hike;
• all glacier hiking gear;
• 5:1 ratio;
• friendly, skilled, naturalist hiking guide;
• bear protection; and
• interpretive natural history, ecology and glaciology discussions.

*vegetarian, & special dietary options available

WHAT DO I WEAR/BRING?

Cotton attire is Not recommended. Please wear comfortable, warm clothes, dressing in layers (fleece jacket, rain jacket/pants, gloves, wool/fleece hat, sunglasses, ball cap) hiking boots or walking shoes. A backpack, binoculars and camera are recommended.