This traverse is truly one of our 'higher' backpacking trips, in that the lowest elevation of the trip is at 4,100 feet! We land at the airstrip on the high Chitistone Plateau and take in the towering cliffs nearby as well as the distant 16,000 foot mountains that soar in the distance. From here we'll hike along the dreamy flowers and grasses of the plateau.

After a couple of tricky and exciting traverses on the exposed scree slopes of the "Goat Trail" we'll descend down into the upper Chitistone valley, where the glaciers are up-close and personal. This area is known for its raw and awesome power! After a slight elevation gain we'll be at the top of Chitisone Pass, looking out over the braided channels of Skolai Creek and the massive tongue of Russel Glacier and its adjacent lake with floating icebergs. One more steep descent to go to our airstrip along Skolai Creek....pat yourself on the back, you've just seen some of the most amazing country that the Wrangell mountains have to offer!