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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.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, the largest national park in the U.S., offers vast wilderness with incredible mountain ranges, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. Hiking in this park can range from easy, short walks to challenging, multi-day adventures. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park:
1. Root Glacier Trail
Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip (with options to extend)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This trail starts in Kennecott and takes you to the stunning Root Glacier, where you can explore the glacier’s surface and enjoy impressive views of the surrounding mountains. The trail offers opportunities for glacier hiking or ice climbing if you join a guided tour.
2. Bonanza Mine Trail
Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km) round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: This trail offers steep elevation gains but rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Kennicott Glacier and the remnants of the old Bonanza Mine. The mine's ruins, set high in the mountains, provide a fascinating glimpse into the area's mining history.
3. Erie Mine Trail
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7 km) round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: This challenging trail also starts in Kennecott and leads to the Erie Mine bunkhouse. It provides expansive views of glaciers, mountains, and valleys. Though the trail is strenuous, the dramatic alpine scenery and historic buildings make it worth the effort.
4. Skolai Pass Trail
Distance: Variable, often 14 miles (22.5 km) round trip for day hikes
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: One of the most remote and scenic areas in the park, this trail takes you through alpine tundra, with views of hanging glaciers and towering peaks. You can either hike part of the trail as a day hike or opt for a multi-day backpacking adventure.
5. Iceberg Lake Trail
Distance: 7 miles (11.3 km) round trip (by bush plane access)
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: A remote and incredibly scenic hike to Iceberg Lake, accessible via bush plane. This trail takes you through tundra meadows with views of alpine lakes, towering peaks, and glacial valleys.
6. Goat Trail (Skolai Pass to Wolverine)
Distance: 22 miles (35.4 km) one way
Difficulty: Strenuous (requires multi-day backpacking)
Highlights: A challenging and remote backpacking route, the Goat Trail leads through Skolai Pass, offering incredible views of glaciers and alpine scenery. This trail is for experienced hikers and usually requires a bush plane drop-off.
7. Caribou Creek Trail
Distance: 7 miles (11.3 km) round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Located near Nabesna, this trail follows Caribou Creek through a picturesque valley, offering chances to see wildlife such as Dall sheep and caribou. The trail ends near a scenic mountain ridge.
8. Nabesna Road Trail
Distance: Variable (multiple short trails along the road)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Nabesna Road offers access to a variety of trails, including the Kettle Lake Trail and the Rambler Mine Trail, which are relatively easy and take you through scenic tundra and forested areas. These are great for day hikes and provide views of the surrounding mountains.
9. Lakina River Trail
Distance: 12 miles (19.3 km) round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This trail takes you through the boreal forest and across the Lakina River with impressive views of the Chugach and Wrangell Mountains. It is a great area for wildlife viewing and provides access to the backcountry.
10. McCarthy Road Trails (Kennicott River and Fireweed Mountain)
Distance: Variable (short trails)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Near McCarthy, these shorter trails offer easy access to the wilderness, with views of the Kennicott River and Fireweed Mountain. Ideal for those who want a less strenuous but still rewarding hiking experience.
Additional Notes:
Safety: Many of these trails are remote, and the weather can change quickly. It is essential to be prepared with the proper gear and, in some cases, arrange for bush plane access.
Wildlife: Be aware of wildlife, including bears, and take precautions when hiking in the backcountry. Carry bear spray and make noise to avoid surprising animals.
Glacier Hiking: Trails like Root Glacier offer unique opportunities for guided glacier hikes, where you can explore ice formations, crevasses, and even ice caves.
Wrangell-St. Elias is a vast and rugged wilderness that offers a truly wild hiking experience, with opportunities for solitude and incredible natural beauty.
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
