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Scheduled flights, flightseeing tours and backcountry flying in the Copper River Valley
CVAS

Wrangell Range Grand Traverse

Trip Details
Trip Type:
Point to Point
Duration:
10-14 days
Distance
89 miles
Difficulty
Very Challenging / Advanced

Rates shown are charter rates for the entire aircraft per flight, regardless of pax count. Rates are for one way flight between Gulkana and listed airstrip(s).

Airstrip 3-5 Pax *
Beaver
2-3 Pax *
Cessna 185
1-2 Pax *
Piper PA-12
Sheep Creek N/A N/A $750 for one passenger $200 for each additional passenger
Chelle Lake $900 N/A $350

*Passenger capacity of aircraft depends on total weight of passengers and cargo. Call us to find the best option for your group.

This monster challenge is a combination of all the routes touring around the Volcanic peaks. There are stunning views of some of the largest peaks in the park, Mt. Drum, Sandford, Wrangell and Zanetti, all between 14,000 and 16,000 feet.  There is a great possibility of seeing a wide variety of wildlife throughout the route.

The route begins at Sheep Creek with ascents through tussocky tundra.  The descent into the glacier is steep but is followed by great walking along the East side of Boulder Glacier. Great flat camping with views and good water sources at the top.  There is relatively easy walking up and over to Sanford Glacier with some steep ascents and descents to gain the Sanford Plateau. 

Great walking through wide open terrain with a steep descent to the Dadina River.  After some bushwacking and crossing the Nadina, the terrain is a treat with flowing alpine tundra where you can make great time.  A relatively easy descent to Chelle Lake for the pick up.

This is a route for very experienced Alaskan hikers or guided trips.  Confidence and experinece with glacier/moraine crossings, river crossings and route finding skills are imperative.

What a View !!! What a Pilot!
We took off from the grass strip next to the paved one and turned East toward the park. The first thing we did was go over some of the mud volcanos for a real good look. We then proceeded further East to Mount Drum and went up and down the glaciers there; taking pictures everywhere. We also saw Dahl sheep in their summer range on the sides of the mountains. We then flew up over a 8800 foot saddle to view some pinnacles and out on to the Wrangell glacier. Flying back to the strip (cement this time) we couldn't believe how many picture we each took. You have got to do this. Regards, OldeBear
OldeBear Hamden, Connecticut - 2015