Hiking Trip: Gulkana Glacier

Hike Gulkana Glacier with ODR and Steven Miley!

Gulkana Glacier is one of the easiest glacier hiking experiences you can find in Alaska!

Hiking Trip: Gulkana Glacier

• August 7 - Register by August 3
• Meeting Time: 9:30 a.m.
• Location: Fort Greely Visitor Center
• Limited to: Minimum 4 people. Maximum 10 people.
• The trip is weather dependent.

Additional details:

• Participants must drive their own vehicles to and from the site (Gulkana Glacier). 
• Participants joining these hiking trips should be in good physical shape and should expect different levels of physical exertion at times.

Gulkana Glacier

An easy 2.5-mile hike along a rocky creek will bring us to the toe of Gulkana Glacier. From there, we'll cross the glacier outwash (bring a spare pair of water crossing shoes) and begin ascending the glacier. Down low, we'll pick our way through rocky terrain for a bit, but once we reach bare ice, the hiking will be easy and the incline moderate. We'll explore above the Gabriel Icefall as far as we can until we reach the snow line. 

Those seeking a shorter, easier hike can turn around at the toe of the glacier or wait below the Gabriel Icefall. 

• Distance: 10 miles
• Elevation gain: 2000 feet
• Trail type: Hiking
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Considerations: Road to trailhead requires moderately high clearance.

To learn more about Gulkana Glacier, please visit: 

• https://www.salchadeltaswcd.org/gulkana-glacier/
• http://stevenmileyphotography.com/summer-hikes/gulkana-glacier

Suggested Outdoor Gear and Clothing for a hiking trip

• These items should be on your hiking checklist: Hiking backpack, Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers), Hiking boots or shoes, Plenty of food and water and First-aid kit.

• Visit the link below to see a comprehensive checklist. The list includes many more items than you'll likely need, though you can adapt it to your hiking trips needs.
  • https://www.rei.com/dam/ea_day_hiking_printable_checklist.pdf