Castner Glacier Ice Cave Exploring

Castner Glacier is the simplest glacier to reach coming from Fairbanks. Now that winter has arrived, the ice cave at the front of Castner Glacier is accessible again, and should remain accessible throughout winter. 

Upcoming Trip: December 11, 2021

• Participants must drive their own vehicles to and from the site.
• Meeting point: Fort Greely Visitor Center
• Meeting time: 9:30 a.m.
• Number of participants: Limited to a minimum of five (5) and a maximum of ten (10) registered participants. 
• Weather dependent - All outdoor activities may be canceled due to wind chill temperature below 0 degrees. 

Castner Glacier Ice Cave Exploring 

Ice caves start to freeze solid in late October, making them much safer to enter. Still, heavy snow usually hasn't accumulated on the lower glacier yet, making this a prime time to explore ice caves and catch them while they still glow without the need for snowshoes. We will visit the ice cave at the terminus of Castner Glacier and continue about a mile over the top of the glacier to another area with stunning ice caves and exposed ice. 

• Distance: 5 miles
• Elevation gain: 500 feet
• Trail type: Hiking
• Considerations: Includes travel over hills and uneven rocky terrain.

• Difficulty: Moderate* 

  • Participants can stop after the first ice cave for a shorter, easy hike.

To learn more about Castner Glacier, please visit: 

• http://stevenmileyphotography.com/winter-tours/castner-glacier-winter

Suggested Packing List for a Winter Day Hike

• Snowshoes will be provided by ODR
• Clothing and Footwear
  • Appropriate footwear (for most people this means waterproof boots)
  • Non-cotton insulating layers (think wool, fleece, down, and synthetics like Capilene)
  • Weatherproof outer layer
  • Hat, gloves, and face protection (appropriate for your activity level)
  • Extra socks
• Food and Drink
  • Snacks (or meals, depending on hike length)
  • Water (consider an insulated hydration reservoir and sleeve, or a thermos, if temperatures are below freezing)
• Comfort and Survival
  • Sunglasses if you’ll be around snow or ice
  • Headlamp and extra batteries
  • Navigation aid (guidebook, map/compass, GPS)
  • Backpack (usually ~25 liters gives you plenty of space for everything, including clothing layers)
  • Don’t forget your emergency kit!