Top Things to do in Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve
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The 5 Best Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers in Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve, Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve
This is the countries largest national park and remains mostly undeveloped, but does offer some interesting hikes.
1. Kennicott Wilderness Guides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 169 reviews
We are a small group of dedicated, knowledgeable guides enthusiastic about the beauty and diversity of Wrangell-St.Elias National Park. We offer 1/2 and full day glacier hikes. Beginning to advanced Ice Climbing instruction, packrafting courses and adventures, as well as basecamping & backpacking trips. We also offer customized full service package trips as well!
2. St. Elias Alpine Guides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 770 reviews
Explore Alaska's largest national park with the local experts, based in Wrangell-St. Elias since 1978. We offer half and full-day glacier hikes, ice-climbing, alpine hikes, fly-in hikes and rafting! We also feature wilderness adventures such as trekking, backpacking, rafting, skiing and mountaineering courses & expeditions. Our professional, personable guides love to share their in-depth knowledge of this magnificent wilderness! *We are OPEN and operating for the 2020 season! All of our regular day trips are available and we look forward to sharing the restorative nature of the Wrangells with you! We recommend bringing a face mask and your own hand sanitizer when visiting the area and making advanced reservations. You can read more about our Covid-19 response and recommendations on our website under the "Resources" tab.
3. McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 202 reviews
McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters was founded in 2010 in the spirit of exploring the great rivers located in Wrangell St. Elias National Park. With over 13 million acres of federally protected land, Wrangell St. Elias is the largest park in the United States. In Alaska, Adventure is the name of the game! With more wilderness than any other state in the America, an Alaska raft trip can create memories for a lifetime. We offer trips for all skill levels, including some of the finest scenic rivers and undiscovered whitewater stretches in the world. McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters is excited to help you with your Alaska plans, our knowledgeable and friendly staff are happy to help you with each step of your travel planning process. Please contact us at any time to discuss your Alaska Raft Trip or any other parts of your Alaska adventure.
4. Wrangell Mountain Air
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 220 reviews
Wrangell Mountain Air is based at McCarthy in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. We offer day trips and 3 scheduled flight daily from Chitina (at the end of the paved road) to McCarthy-Kennicott, flightseeing tours in the best of Wrangell-St. Elias and fly-in backpacking, basecamping and rafting. There are a range of accommodations and activities available at McCarthy-Kennecott, so plan on spending a day or two to enjoy the feel of remote Alaskan towns.
5. Root Glacier Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By GetLostinNature
After you visit the historic mine, keep walking for about 2 miles and you will reach a 1/2 mile descent down to Root Glacier. From there you can venture out onto the glacier. The 2 mile part of the hike is pretty much woods on a mountain, there is a restroom part of the way through. You can camp out here as well. You pass across a beautiful waterfall which is a nice place to take a moment to cool off, as it gets warm hiking this trail. Once you reach the 1/2 mile descent part of the hike it's hiking on rocks/gravel so watch your step as they can slide a little but as long as you watch your step, it is an easily navigated trail. The views from the glacier are amazing. Take some time here to enjoy yourself before heading back up 1/2 mile to your 2 mile hike back to the mine. We had the Kennicott shuttle take us to the parks footbridge. They drop you off at the park for about 5 hours and then you have to meet them back at the footbridge around 4:30pm to get picked up. This 5 hours gave us just enough time to explore the mine, visit a couple shops, hike the root glacier trail, have a snack, visit McCarthy and have an ice cream there and then hike back to the footbridge.
