For this adventure we'll fly into Skolai Creek and follow a historic miners' route, dubbed the "Goat Trail." This route was traversed by those hardy souls on their way from McCarthy to Chisana in search of gold. Once a relatively well traveled route, this path has been reclaimed by the wilderness and is more of a "route" than a "trail" for much of its length.

From Skolai we'll head up the steep Chitistone Pass into the Chitistone River Valley, entering some of the most stunning terrain and scenery this park has to offer. The reward for navigating a couple tricky traverses around some high cliffs is a descent below Chitistone Falls.

We cross the Chitistone River, or above the headwaters on the Chitistone Glacier, and hike downstream between the river and the mountains towering to our left. There are amazing views of the St. Elias Mountains and University Range, as well as optional hikes into side canyons for additional views and perspectives.

This is one of the most challenging backpacking trips that you'll find anywhere. Rough terrain and difficult creek and river crossings make this an outing that is suitable only for the fit and adventurous.