Alaska·United States
Photo: National Park Service, Alaska Region · Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Wrangell-St. Elias is bigger than Switzerland, with more glaciers and more high peaks than anywhere else in North America. From the abandoned copper-mining town of Kennecott you can walk straight out onto the Root Glacier, while bush planes open up remote routes such as the Goat Trail over Chitistone Pass.
In season: Jun–Aug · Peak: Jul
Easy glacier walking and steep day hikes near Kennecott, then committing trail-free routes with river crossings, scree and bears beyond. Weather in the St. Elias mountains changes fast.
Walking onto ice from the old copper mine town of Kennecott
Up to the mine ruins above Kennecott, the accessible day
The classic route through the largest park in the US, bush plane in
Drive the McCarthy Road or fly to McCarthy, then walk or shuttle to Kennecott. Hire crampons or a glacier guide for the Root Glacier, hike the Bonanza Mine trail, and charter a bush plane for the Goat Trail once you are confident off trail.
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