Glaciers, Grizzlies and Giant Backpacks

Glaciers, Grizzlies and Giant Backpacks

If you’re looking for remote hiking amid spectacular mountain ranges, a trek through Kluane National Park is just the ticket. This is a wilderness park where you’re supposed to work hard to get from A to B--there are no developed roads or visitor facilities inside the park. You’ll ford icy rivers and scale mountain passes, and you’ll view grizzly bears, moose and Dall sheep in their element.

The six to 10-day hike to the toe of the massive Donjek Glacier is one of these epic journeys. The 96-kilometre (60-mi.) advanced wilderness trek requires map and compass abilities and good trail-finding skills. The route takes you from the Alaska Highway to the sprawling glacier by way of Hoge Pass and the Donjek River. Tackle the route with your own group of experienced hikers, or join one of several wilderness operators who guide trips to the Donjek.