Comet Heli Hiking & Rafting Tour
This will be your best full-day adventure in Alaska!
This trip is PRIVATE per booking party for the helicopter and hiking portion of the tour. Get lifted up into the beautiful alpine of the Chugach National Forest in an Alpine Air R44 helicopter. View cirque glaciers, hanging glaciers, rock glaciers, retreating mountain glaciers, and more. Land 2,000 feet high next to Comet Glacier and work your way hiking downhill to Spencer Glacier Lake for a rafting iceberg tour. Jump on the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train at the end of the day for a return to Girdwood at 5:45 PM.
- Customized trip to your adventure level
- 20-minute glacier flight over the Chugach and Kenai Mountains
- 3- to 7-mile hike down to Spencer Glacier
- 4-mile glacier rafting trip
- Train ride on the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train
A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Tour start location is dependent upon winter snowpack and spring weather.
Tour Details
- Typically, we aim for an 8:40 AM helicopter departure from the Alpine Air hangar at the Girdwood Airport.
- Transportation from Anchorage is available for an additional $125 per person. Please email us to book.
- The rafting portion of this tour may be a shared experience if fewer than 3 guests book this trip. We keep the rafting portion private for groups with more than 4 guests.
- Additional scenic flight time is available for an additional cost. Please call or email us to discuss.
- A catered sack lunch is provided (sandwich, fruit/veggies, dessert, and beverages). Vegetarian and other dietary requests are welcome; please notify us in advance.
- Placer River float is a Class I to II (with high water), mellow, braided river with no big rapids. Most guests will not get splashed. If you are concerned about getting splashed, request a spot in the raft that is NOT “splashy” when speaking to your guide.
- Rubber boots, rain ponchos (if raining), and Personal Flotation Devices (life vests) are provided for all guests.
- Alpine Air helicopter max weight per seat is 290 lbs. An additional $200 charge may apply for the party if an R66 helicopter is required.
- There are restrooms on the train and at the Spencer Whistle Stop. No restrooms once on the hike (backcountry options only)
- All guests are required to sign a release of liability.
Full Itinerary
Departure times are dependent on Alpine Air helicopter charter availability and guest request. Flight delays are possible (but rare) up to 12:00 PM.
- 8:00 AM – Meet at the Chugach Adventures Office (1553 Alyeska Highway, Girdwood, AK 99587)
- 8:40 AM – Alpine Air Helicopter Departure
- 9:10 AM – Comet Glacier Heli Landing into Spencer Bench Alpine
- 9:15 AM – 1:30 PM – Hike to Spencer Lake (6+ Miles and Mostly Downhill)
- 3-Mile Alpine Hike through Snow (in June/July), Alpine Lakes and Creeks, No Trails
- 3-Mile Hike Down US Forest Service Spencer Bench Cabin Trail
- For a Shorter Hike, Land Closer to the Spencer Bench Trail and Spencer Glacier Overlook
- Catered Lunch and Hot Drinks Provided Along the Hike
- 2:00 – 4:30 PM – Explore the Icebergs on Spencer Lake and Raft Up to the Spencer Glacier Terminus Face
- 4:45 PM – Board the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery Train to Portage Train Depot
- 5:15 PM – Board Shuttle Van
- 5:45 PM – Arrival in Girdwood by Chugach Adventures’ Shuttle Van
- 6:45 PM – Arrival in Anchorage (for Anchorage guests)
What to Bring
- Hiking boots with good tread
- Warm, waterproof clothes and layers
- Warm socks
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Raincoat and pants
- Binoculars
- Camera (note: we cannot guarantee it won’t get wet)
- Trekking poles and snowshoes (provided if needed)
Please let us know what you have and what you will need to get fully outfitted and prepared for the trip.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made 10 days or more in advance are 90% refundable. Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable.
Alaska Railroad Cancellation Policy and Change Fee: All paid bookings are subject to a 10% change fee for the railroad portion of the trip cost if a date or name change is requested within 30 days.
Call us at 907-783-1860 with any questions.
“This is my absolute dream day, and I love sharing it with people visiting Alaska. The incredible aspect of the surrounding glacier valleys and stellar views of Spencer Glacier, along with the rafting trip floating around icebergs, make this an extremely unique and memorable trip. If you have a passion for natural beauty, want a true full day of adventure, and desire an authentic engagement with wild surroundings, then this is the perfect experience for you.”
– Erin Henszey, Former Trip Leader from Fairbanks, AK
