Gulkana Glacier Hike
9.4.2023
UAF Students: $40, Staff/Faculty: $50
Monday, September 4th:
7:00am - Meet at the OA office in the SRC. Gear up, and depart
11:00am - Arrive at trailhead (plenty of time to sleep in the car)
5:00pm - Return to truck, load up & head back
9:00pm - Arrive at OA and unpack
Trip description:
We are going to explore the Gulkana Glacier in the rugged Eastern Alaska Range. Mountain glaciers are plentiful in this area and act as highways in and out of the mountains. The terrain they leave behind is characterized by large, steep moraines (piles of loose, sharp rock) often with ice underneath which can be challenging and frustrating hiking terrain. Bring your sturdy (broken in) hiking boots, and a positive attitude. The views of this terrain are breathtaking and make the hike well worth it. Winter can come early in the mountains so we may encounter snow and wintery conditions.
Things to bring:
- Sturdy hiking boots or light winter boots
- Crampons (OA will provide)
- Two pairs of thick wool socks (we will be doing a creek crossing)
- Trekking Poles (Optional)
- Daypack - to carry food, water, and extra clothes for the day
- Synthetic base layers , top and bottom
- Fleece or wool sweater (NO COTTON)
- Water/wind proof rain jacket
- Water/wind proof pants (rain pants or light snow pants)
- Puffy Jacket
- Hat and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Water bottles (2 quart/liter)
- Lunch and snacks for a long day out
- $15 for an optional dinner stop
Bold Items supplied by Outdoor Adventures as a part of the trip.
Refund Policy:
Payment in full is required to sign up for a trip. A 100% refund is available if you notify the Outdoor Adventures Office of the cancellation more than two weeks (14 days) before the first day of the trip. Cancellation two weeks to 3 days (13 to 3 days) before the trip entitles the participant to a 50% refund. No refund is provided if the participant does not show up or cancels 2 days or less prior to the trip.
Safety and Risk Management:
Due to the nature of outdoor travel there are certain inherent risks in all of Outdoor Adventure’s trips. Acceptable risks include but are not limited to: hiking over rough uneven terrain with a heavy backpack on, hiking up and down steep inclines with muddy and loose footing, crossing creeks and swampy ground, walking on glacier ice with and without crampons on, and having wet feet and clothing. Conditions may include below freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, rain, sleet and high winds. Driving risks may include slick roads, poor visibility and wildlife. Alaska is a wild place - you need to take ultimate responsibility for your own safety as only you can. For your protection we require you to carry health insurance. You can purchase insurance for $2.60/day from the University (ask for details). All info is subject to change due to safety, weather, current conditions, etc.!
If you have any questions, please contact us or visit our office in the SRC.
907-474-6027