Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Wrangell St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the U.S. At 13.2 million acres it is 6 times the size of Yellowstone. Four major mountain ranges can be found here; the Chugach, St. Elias, Alaska and Wrangells, containing six of North America's highest peaks. Wrangell St. Elias National Park along with Kluane Provincial Park in Canada which borders Wrangell St Elias, together form one of the largest protected areas in the world and is recognized as a World Heritage site.

From the official Wrangell St Elias National Park website:

This spectacular wilderness includes the continent's largest assemblage of glaciers, and the greatest collection of peaks above 16,000 feet, including Mount St. Elias (18,008'), the second highest peak in the United States

Our destination within the park is the old copper mining towns of McCarthy and Kennicott. The Kennecott mines (different spelling) were developed starting in 1907 and were, for awhile, the most productive copper mines in the U.S. Today they remain as a national historic landmark and an excellent example of early 20th century Alaskan history.

This is a unique, off the beaten path destination, that combines huge glaciers and mountains with impressive early American history.

We camp two nights (or stay at a local hotel or lodge- depending on the itinerary) near the Kennicott River at the end of unpaved McCarthy Road. Located nearby are the Kennicott and Root glaciers as well as the impressive Stairway Icefall.

We spend a full day taking advantage of the variety of activities available.

These activities can generally be arranged throughout your trip with some of the finest local adventure tour companies in the state. Your guide will make all of the arrangements. Optional activities are merely suggestions and do not include all of the possibilities. All activities may not be available at the time of your tour. Prices listed here are subject to change and do not include local taxes or fees.

If you have any questions about these activities please contact us.

Adventure tours located at Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Glacier Hiking with Crampons

Wrangell St. Elias National Park is one of the best places for glacier hiking in Alaska. The approach to the glacier begins with a walk through a historic ghost town and along the side of the vast Root Glacier below the base of the magnificent 5,000 foot Stairway Icefall. Donoho Peak and Mt Blackburn loom in the distance. Once equipped with crampons the hike continues onto the white and blue expanse of the glacier. The glacier comes to life while your guide describes its unique features.

Ice Climbing

Expert guides will show you “the ropes” of glacier climbing. This trip is like the above Glacier Hike but includes the opportunity to ice climb on the glacier as well. An introduction to the sport, basic skills and several techniques will be applied to explore a few ice cliffs. All ice climbing equipment is provided.

Flight Seeing

From the air you will be offered an entirely new perspective of this vast area. You will have the opportunity to witness a variety of natural wonders, including; 16,000 ft peaks, volcanoes, rivers, glacial expanses, alpine lakes, and dramatic waterfalls. Wildlife including Bear, Dall Sheep, Moose, Caribou, and Mt Goats may be seen.

Historic Mine Tours

Take a guided tour of Kennicott and learn about the area’s fascinating human history. The historic Copper mine of Kennecott (different spelling) was built in the early 1900’s and is a National Historic Landmark. Throughout the 2 ½ hour tour you will venture into the 14-story Mill Building and walk back in time. Your guide will provide you with a fully narrated tour; allowing you a glimpse into the history of this remote wilderness mine.

More Information

For more information about Wrangell St Elias National Park check out the following sites

National Park Service Site with good description of Wrangell St. Elias National Park
http://www.nps.gov/wrst/

Lots of links to good information about Wrangell St. Elias National Park
http://www.wrangell.st.elias.national-park.com/

Great photos of Wrangell St. Elias National Park
http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np.wrangell-stelias.html
http://www.wildnatureimages.com/Wrangell-St.%20Elias_National_Park.htm