Wrangell-St. Elias America’s Largest National Park rises from the ocean all the way up to 18,008 ft. The park is one of the most inspiring national parks in the USA. It is a must visit for climbers and adventure seekers. It is home for some of the nation’s highest mountains and glaciers. It gives great opportunities for hikers and photographers. Here we have mentioned the top places to visit in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Kennecott Copper Mine
Kennecott is an abandoned mining camp in the Copper River Census Area in Alaska. This was the center of activity for several copper mines. The mine is located beside the Kennicott Glacier. Kennecott is an historic landmark in the park It formed the foundation for the Kennecott Copper Corporation. Hiking to the mine gives you a great experience to explore the historic mine. It has impressive structures that represent technological innovation.
It is located approximately 8 hours from Anchorage. From Anchorage, you need to drive east on the Glenn Highway, south on the Richardson Highway, then east on the Edgerton Highway , then continue east on the McCarthy Road.
Root Glacier Trail
Wrangell-St. Elias has 5,000 square miles of glacial ice, the most accessible glacier is the Root Glacier. To reach the glacier you need to walk a moderate 1 ½ mile trail. The trail goes through the historic mining town of Kennecott along the Root Glacier Trail.
You can access Kennecott from McCarthy which is an extra 4.5 miles. The trail gives you an adventurous experience. The trail rewards you with breathtaking views. The trail is rated as moderate difficulty, you can complete the trail within 6 hours.
Nabesna Road
If you want to go for a drive in Wrangell-St. Elias, the 42 mile Nebesna Road is perfect. It’s known for its tremendous views. The Wrangell, Mentasta and Nutzotin Mountains create a majestic panorama, characterized by some of the highest mountains in North America. Nabesna Road is one of two that allows access to Alaska’s largest national park, the Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve.
Nabesna Road is located on the north side of the park. Nabesna Road was not built to access the park. It was constructed in 1933, which was before Wrangell-St. Elias was established. The road was built to access the mine and transport the ore and gold.
Mount Blackburn
Mount Blackburn is the highest peak in the Wrangell Mountains of Alaska. It is the fifth highest peak in the United States. It is the destination for climbers and adventure seekers. The mountain is covered almost entirely by icefields and glaciers. It is the source of ice for the Kennicott Glacier, which flows southeast over 20 miles.
The mountain also contributes a large volume of ice to the north-flowing Nabesna Glacier and the Kuskulana Glacier system. Hike to Mount Blackburn rewards you with breathtaking views which are worth the hike.
Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier is 76 miles long, 7 miles wide and 600 feet tall. The glacier travels over 90 miles from its source in the Yukon Territory. It is one of the few glaciers in Alaska that is still advancing. It is one of the park’s attractive features. Unlike most glaciers, Hubbard is thickening and extending. Other glaciers face melting by increasing temperatures. But experts say Hubbard reacts in an opposite way to climate change. You can not access Hubbard by car, the only way to see the glacier is by boat or by air. There are several cruise ship companies include the Hubbard Glacier on their Alaska cruise itineraries.