Klondike Rock Climbing & Rappelling Tour
Offered by Alaska Mountain Guides In Haines, Alaska
: $
About us
Skagway, our home, sits at the top of the Lynn Fjord and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the lush Tongass National Forest. This geography puts Skagway in a unique position to be a grand gateway to outdoor adventure! We specialize in guided trips that immerse you in the vast natural beauty of the area. Hiking, rafting, climbing, ziplining, and canoeing are some of the exciting activities that we offer based in Skagway. Many of our tours also utilize the fast ferry and travel to Haines, just 15 miles away. Haines offers visitors to Skagway a chance to get off the beaten path and explore remote, wildlife-rich areas.
What we'll do
Join Professional Mountain Guides for an exciting climbing adventure on the smooth granite walls of the White Pass. There are great climbs for all abilities and no experience is necessary for this tour.
Your excursion begins with a short interpretative drive through Downtown Skagway and up the Klondike Highway. From the Highway, we hike for a few moments to the base of majestic rock cliffs recently smoothed by retreating glaciers. Here we will don rock climbing shoes, helmets, and harnesses. After a climbing introduction from the guides, we will rope up and start climbing the clean granite.
There are more than a dozen routes to choose from. Some climbs are very easy and others offer more challenge. Each ends with a stunning aerial view of the Skagway River, The White Pass Yukon Route Railway, and the surrounding wilderness. Throughout the duration of the tour, participants will have the chance to climb many of the routes and try rappelling on the high cliffs. Professional mountain guides will share their knowledge and skills in all aspects of climbing. Many of them have guided Denali and around the world and enjoy sharing their stories of adventures in the mountains. Your safety and enjoyment are always their primary concern.
This adventure tour is perfect for those looking for their first climbing experience, or for experienced climbers looking for a challenge. No climbing is required and everyone will enjoy the cliffside snack and stunning views. Participants need to be able to hike for a few minutes over uneven terrain and should dress in warm clothing that allows for good flexibility.
* Timing:
(~10 minutes) – Your friendly tour guide will meet you near the Skagway Small Boat harbor sign and restrooms. Here they will take the opportunity to get to know you and provide answers to any questions that you might have about your upcoming excursion.
(~20 minutes) – We’ll depart from our meeting point by van for an interpretive driving tour of historic downtown Skagway on our way up the Klondike Highway to our private rock climbing and zip line site on Porcupine Mountain.
(~15 minutes) – From our private parking area, a short uphill walk along our forest nature trail will bring us to our base camp. Here, your expert guides will get you outfitted with state-of-the-art climbing equipment including a helmet, harness, and climbing shoes. Next, you’ll receive a thorough orientation and safety briefing for your upcoming climbing experience.
(~ 120 minutes) – You will spend the next two hours climbing on our over one dozen climbing routes. Each climber will have the opportunity to try out at least two climbs and a 70-foot rappel on a backup belay.
(~ 15 minutes) – Our adventure wraps up in our rough-cut timber kiosk for hot cocoa and trail mix snacks.
(~15 minutes) – A short walk back down the nature trail will bring us back to our private parking area. We’ll depart the trail for a scenic ride back through the Skagway Valley and back to town.
What to expect / what's provided
* Activity Level: Moderate.
* Min. Age: 6 years
* Min. Weight: 50 lbs. Max. Weight: 300 lbs. or 52" waist size
* Food: Trail mix snack, water and hot chocolate
* Provided Equipment: Climbing shoes, helmet, harness
* Recommended clothing: Layers for warmth, rain gear.
* Wheelchair access: No
* Medical Restrictions: This is a physical activity and it is the guest's responsibility to determine that they are physically and mentally able to participate in the activity.
*Liability Waiver Required
* FAQs
- Where will I meet my guide?
Your guide will meet you 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide will meet you at the end of the pier where your ship docks at. Otherwise, the meeting location is the Small Boat Harbor sign. CLICK HERE to see a map detailing these locations in Skagway. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Skagway and Haines Excursions".
- Who are my guides?
Your guides are experts in the industry. They are fun, well-trained, and passionate about guiding and sharing their expert knowledge about the history and natural wonders of Haines and Skagway, Alaska with you! Our staff undergo extensive training and hold current first-aid (mostly WFR and WEMT) certifications. Many of our guides also lead courses and guided expedition trips for us both in Alaska and throughout the world.
- Is there a bathroom?
Yes – restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing.
- What is an observer?
An observer will accompany the tour and "observe" the participants, usually from the base of the crag. However, an observer will not participate in the activity - simply watch and cheer others on!
- Do you cancel due to the weather?
Our tours embrace Southeast Alaska’s unpredictable weather. Our tours run rain or shine. If in a rare instance, the weather does cause us to cancel the tour you will be refunded in full and provided with assistance with finding an alternative activity for the day.
* Pricing is inclusive of the 5% Skagway Sales Tax
Cancellation Policy
Map