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wrangell st. elias NATIONAL PARK
Wrangell-St Elias National Park founded on December 2, 1980 is located in the southeast of Alaska. Wrangell-St Elias is not only the largest national park in the United States, but one of the largest protected wilderness areas in the world. The park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed since 1979. It stretches tightly towards the Canadian border and includes nine of the highest mountains on the continent.
On its territory there is a high-mountain volcanic massif Wrangell Mountains, which in the east adjoins the ridge of St. Elijah. It is named after Admiral F.P. Wrangel.
The highest peak, Mount Saint Elijah, is 18,000 feet high. It is only partially located on the territory of Alaska, the second part of it lies already in Canada. The first conquest of this mountain took place on July 31, 1897. The next conquest of the summit of Saint Elijah took place almost half a century later - only in 1946, by an expedition led by Di Molenar.
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A quarter of the park's territory is covered with absolute glaciers, forests and rivers, the rest of the territory is covered with mountains.
Hubbard Glacier is the largest glacier in Alaska. Hubbard is a growing glacier - over the past hundred years it has continued to expand and move towards the bay, and today it has an impressive size. The part of the glacier abutting against the bay is 340 feet high and 5.5 miles wide in summer and 9.3 miles in winter. The bay's ice is estimated to be 400 years old, roughly how long it would take to descend Mount Logan and reach the ocean. In the summer, huge icebergs break off from Hubbard, sometimes reaching the height of a 10-storey building, which poses a danger to ships in the region. At the same time, this impressive sight makes the glacier a popular destination for tourist cruises.
The longest local glacier is called Nabesna Glacier and covers an area of 509 square miles.
Got it! Here’s a list of some of the best hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park, with a focus on the standout options for exploring the park’s diverse and stunning landscapes:
Best Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park
Cascade Canyon Trail
Distance: 9.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Highlights: This trail starts at Jenny Lake and leads you through the picturesque Cascade Canyon. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Teton Range and the chance to see wildlife. It’s a moderately challenging hike that offers beautiful canyon scenery.
Paintbrush Canyon to Cascade Canyon Loop
Distance: 19 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
Highlights: This strenuous loop combines Paintbrush Canyon and Cascade Canyon. The hike includes varied terrain like alpine meadows, rugged ridges, and offers panoramic views of the Tetons. It’s a challenging but rewarding hike.
Jenny Lake Loop Trail
Distance: 7.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Highlights: This easy trail circles Jenny Lake, providing stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. You can also use the boat shuttle to cross the lake and access Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, which are additional highlights.
Delta Lake Trail
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Highlights: A short but steep hike that leads to Delta Lake. Known for its vibrant turquoise color, the lake offers fantastic views of the Tetons. This hike is challenging due to its steep ascent but is very rewarding.
Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop
Distance: 10 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Highlights: This moderate loop trail passes by Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake, offering beautiful views of the Teton Range and surrounding terrain. It’s a great hike for a mix of forest and lake scenery.
Middle Teton Trail
Distance: 12 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
Highlights: A strenuous hike leading to the summit of Middle Teton. The trail involves some scrambling but rewards hikers with expansive views of the Tetons and the surrounding valleys. It’s ideal for those seeking a challenging climb.
Lakeshore Trail
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Highlights: This easy trail runs along the western shore of Jenny Lake, offering serene views of the lake and the Tetons. It’s a perfect choice for a more leisurely hike.
Static Peak Divide Trail
Distance: 13 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 4,000 feet
Highlights: A strenuous trail providing incredible views from Static Peak Divide. The trail includes rugged terrain and steep ascents, but the expansive vistas of the Tetons and Jackson Hole Valley make it worth the effort.
These trails offer a range of experiences from easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain ascents, each showcasing the stunning beauty of Grand Teton National Park. Whether you’re looking for a short day hike or a more strenuous adventure, there’s something in the park to suit every level of hiker.
Official name - Wrangell-St Elias National Park
Mailing Address: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
PO Box 439
Mile 106.8 Richardson Highway
Copper Center, AK 99573
Area: 13,175,799 acres
Coordinates: 61°26′06″N 142°57′13″W
Established - December 2, 1980
Attendance - 79,450 people per year
