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| There’s no place like the Wrangell St. Elias, and there’s no more grand Alaska backpacking tour than the
Chitistone Goat Trail. The canyon divides the Wrangell & St. Elias mountain ranges, and this transition makes for some
of the most diverse landscapes in the park. From the lower reaches of Glacier Creek to the airy heights of Skolai
Pass, a backpack trip on the Chitistone Goat Trail is worthy of every adventurer’s life list. |
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From the bush plane, you’ll catch a glimpse of just how dynamic this environment is – with rivers of ice carving out the landscape and
a fresh carpet of tundra bringing the exposed earth to life.
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You’ll land on a gravel strip beside the old Radovan cabin, and your
guide will tell you some of the history involving this hardy frontiersman
of Alaska. Photo by Ray Bulson.
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Wildflowers explode in various portions of the trip, amplifying the
contrasts of this fabulous Alaska backpacking tour.
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As we work our way along the lower canyon, the University
Range towers overhead.
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We’ll keep our eyes open for Dall sheep and mountain goat – the
only trail maintenance crew for the Chitistone Goat Trail.
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Hopefully we’ll sight a Grizzly (preferably not too close!) wandering the valleys and gorging themselves on the bountiful berries of the high alpine.
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Owner Wayne Marrs rises above the lower canyon, headed for
the pass and hoping not to be mistaken for John Denver :-)
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The Chitistone Goat Trail is actually a series of animal trails that
cross rocky slopes of scree spilled from the cliffs above.
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Early morning mists blur the mountains down valley, as owner Gaia Marrs takes in the incredible views of Chitistone Falls. High alpine meadows
make great lunch spots, proper rest stops, and fantastic photo ops.
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This exhilarating portion of the Chitistone Goat Trail is also a big highlight of this incredible Alaska backpacking tour. Your guide will walk you through the steep cliffs and narrow paths that allow us to cross these colorful rock bands.
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Fall is a fantastic time for Alaska backpacking. Tour the glacial
erratics of Chitistone Pass on a carpet of sublime beauty; the
tundra ablaze with fall colors. |
Our last day takes us up the Russell Glacier, and if we’re lucky,
180 degree views Mt Bona, Mt Churchill and Mt Sulzer – a
breath-taking mountain ampitheater! |
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We hope you get a chance to join us for this amazing Alaska backpacking tour, across the Chitistone Goat Trail and deep into the heart of the Wrangell St. Elias National Park. We pride ourselves on our loyalty and dedication to our clients – who quickly become friends. We try hard to make every one of our adventures the best backpack trip ever. Please don’t hesitate to call or email us for more information, to plan your trip, or to discuss a custom itinerary tailored just for you. |
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