Wrangell St. Elias National Park & The Ruth Gorge Mountaineering

The Wrangell - St. Elias National Park is located on the Canadian / American border and just East of the Gulf of Alaska. This is America's largest and least developed National Park. The highly glaciated peaks are some of the loftiest in North America, with majestic Mt. Logan reaching 19,560 ft., and imposing Mt. Saint Elias topping out at 18,008 ft. The park also contains the Bagley Ice Field, the largest ice sheet outside of the polar regions.

The Ruth Gorge is contained within Denali National Park and the Alaska Range. The Ruth Gorge is well known for it's high quality alpine climbs at altitudes ranging from 7,000 - 11,000 feet. Therefore, a lengthy acclimatization period is not necessary. This allows our trips to be shorter and allows for the ability to attempt a number of different climbs, including the classic Ham and Eggs Couloir on the Moose's Tooth.

2013 Offerings

Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Mount Bona Expedition - The Mount Bona Expedition is designed for the mountaineer that wants practical skills climbing on high, glaciated mountains. The expedition is the perfect precursor to a Denali Expedition which many participants have in their sights for the following year. (12 days)

First Ascents Expedition - The First Ascents Expedition is designed for the mountaineer that wants practical skills climbing on rugged, glaciated mountains. Unclimbed peaks abound in the vast wilderness of the Wrangell St. Elias. (12 days)

*If our scheduled climbs do not fit your needs, we can also schedule private dates for groups of 2 or more.

Alaska Range: The Ruth Gorge

Ruth Gorge Training Seminar - This seminar is based in the Great Gorge, close to great routes like the Japanese Couloir on Mt. Barille. We cover glacier travel skills and techniques, as well as expedition camp construction and other topics that will prepare you well for future climbs. (7 days)

Moose's Tooth Expedition - This is the climb you've been training for! We climb the classic Ham and Eggs Coulouir (IV, 5.6, AI4) to the summit of one of the most sought after peaks in the Alaska Range. Truly a one-of-a-kind trip! (7 - 10 days)

*If our scheduled climbs do not fit your needs, we can also schedule private dates for 1 or more.

*Southwest Adventure Guides provides these services as a booking agent for an authorized permit holder in Denali National Park.