Taking a break at the feet of Pyramid Peak.
Featured Trips: Our More Challenging Treks
This month we're highlighting three of our more challenging treks. The first two, Pyramid Peak and Seven Pass treks, are perfect for those seeking a strenuous, sometimes challenging adventure. While the third, the Wrangell/Skyscraper Traverse is for those hardy souls willing to put in some extra effort to get into some of the most remote country in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Pyramid Peak Traverse
This is a wonderful trek in so many ways, and a personal favorite of mine. The terrain is just amazing and you'll know that you're in for a real adventure as we fly, one at a time in a super-cub, into the remote, little-used airstrip on Canyon Creek.
Over the course of seven days we go up and over three different ridges. When we crest the first, high above Canyon Creek, we are treated to fabulous vistas of the snow capped peaks in University range. Another ridge presents us with the twin summits of Pyramid Peak itself. And the final ridge on the shoulder of Andrus Peak provides the grand finale of a sweeping panorama of peaks near and far.
But we don't have to hump up steep ridges every day. One of the aspects of this trek that a lot of folks appreciate is that the terrain allows for a staggered itinerary with tougher days being followed by shorter or easier days. And we usually take a layover day near Pyramid Peak when we take a day hike, sans backpacks, for an up close view.
On our last day hiking to May Creek, we get a special treat - a bit of history with our wilderness. We pass down Rex Creek and make a lunch stop at Chititu Camp - a former gold mining settlement. There are still some structures standing and we take some time after lunch to explore the ruins and relics of this former outpost which is being reclaimed by the wilderness.
Seven Pass Route
A perennial favorite, the Iceberg Lake to Bremner trip, also known as the Seven Pass Route, never ceases to impress.
At 8 days this is one of our longest treks and a great choice if you want to take the time for a more immersive wilderness experience.
The wide variety of terrain is one of the key features of this trek. We cross two glaciers in the first half of the trek which is always a highlight. The hiking terrain varies from glaciers to rocky passes to lush green valleys and sometimes even a bit of snow in the high passes. Every camp is in a different setting than the one before.
We've had pretty good luck with spotting bears on this route and I have personally sighted elusive wolverines on at least three occasions along this trek. There are some days that will leave you glad to hit camp but we've also built in some leeway towards the middle of the trip. Sometimes we take a layover day and do some day hiking and others we just break it up into a couple of short days to let us recharge while keeping on the move. The guide works with the group to make an itinerary that works for everyone.
This route also features some amazing ridge top views, especially the final pass which offers a view of distant, snow covered summits
Heading for the high country on the Wrangell/Skyscraper trek
Mt. Wrangell/Skyscraper Traverse
If the Pyramid and Seven Pass treks are in the strenuous category then this one is a notch above. The Wrangell/Skyscraper is the most remote route we offer and indeed is one of the most remote and rugged treks you could do in the Wrangells, - and it's a Trek Alaska exclusive.
We pioneered this incredible route three years ago and to date only six people other than myself, have journeyed through this spectacular country.
We begin on the gently undulating plateau at the feet of Mt. Wrangell. When the conditions are right we can be treated to a fantastic sunset view. From here we drop down onto Long Glacier for a sometimes challenging crossing of a dramatic landscape of ice.
The rewards of this trek are jaw dropping views of some of the most impressive peaks in the Wrangell range and the satisfaction of traveling through country that only a handful of people have ever seen.
But you will have to earn that satisfaction by meeting the challenges that this route dishes out. There are some steep uphill grunts up demanding slopes, a couple of challenging river crossings and two bushwhacks that are definitely beyond the casual realm.
If you are in good physical condition, have some prior backpacking experience and a strong spirit of adventure, then this is the finest trek we can offer you.
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Of course we also have treks in the more moderate range for those wanting an adventure, but not too strenuous Next month we'll focus on those options, and there are some really good ones.
Till then.. happy trails!
Greg Fensterman
Trip Matrix
info@trekalaska.com -
http://www.TrekAlaska.com - 907.350.3710
Trek Alaska
PO Box 771862
Eagle River, AK 99577
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