Capital Mountain Traverse
The Capital Traverse is an approximately week-long trek through stunning alpine terrain around the north side of Mt. Sanford. The route crosses mostly debris-covered ice of two sizable glaciers but spends most of its time on tundra benches and rocky slopes. Except for the final few miles in the valley of the Copper River, the trip is mostly above brushline.
There are many great camps, most with stunning views of towering Mt. Sanford, and there are numerous opportunities for side trips and dayhikes. Along with other wildlife, caribou are common along the route, and you’ll frequently walk in their trails.
The 33 mile hike is best travelled from west to east, starting at the Windy Ridge strip and ending at the Copper River strip just downstream of the Copper Glacier. The glacier crossings are non-technical, and the two main river crossings (Sheep Creek and West Glacier Creek) are fairly straightforward, even at high water. There trip requires one steep descent of a loose rocky gully to reach the Copper River.
For experienced Alaskan hikers, the route is intermediate in difficulty. For hikers new to Alaska, the route-finding and glacier travel may be more demanding of advanced skills.
