Top Things to do in Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve
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Top 10 Things to do 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. Mount Blackburn
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Mountain near the small town of McCarthy.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Rambler Mine Trail
6. Kennecott Copper Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
A massive copper mine which closed in 1938.
Reviewed By GetLostinNature
Even if you are not someone who is that interested in History, you will still enjoy visiting the mine. There is just something about it. It pulls you in. The contrast of the old weathered red buildings against the panoramic mountain backdrop just takes your breath away. There is also more to do there than just tour the mine, you can take a guided tour, or tour some areas yourself with a map, there are hiking trails here, one which leads to Root Glacier which you can venture out onto. There are a couple of places to get a snack or bite to eat. They have a few gift shops here as well and adventure tour companies. I recommend using Kennicott Shuttle to get you here, they are prompt and friendly and it saves you from flat tires etc. on your vehicle. McCarthy is just 6ish miles up the road, and they have a little general store with an ice cream shop inside!
7. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By GetLostinNature
The visitors Center is located on the left along the Richardson Highway just outside of Glennallen on the way to Chitina if you are headed towards Valdez. It's convenient that you don't have to venture down into the depths of the park to get to the visitors center and get information. I recommend using Kennicott Shuttle to get you into the park. Save your own tires and wear and tear on your vehicle!
8. 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.
9. Nabesna Road
10. Nugget Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Popular, but remote, mountain biking trail.
