Wrangell–St. Elias & Kennecott
The largest national park in the US — bigger than Switzerland. Base at the historic Kennecott copper mill, hike out onto the Root Glacier in crampons, and disappear into a roadless mountain wilderness of ice and peaks.
Weather
Spring averages 0–10°C, summer 12–22°C, autumn 2–10°C, and winter −20 to −5°C in Wrangell–St. Elias. This summer trip accesses Kennecott when the McCarthy Road is open. Glacial microclimates bring sudden fog and rain. Root Glacier hikes need stable weather for crampon conditions.
Activities
Explore the historic Kennecott copper mill town and hike onto Root Glacier with crampons and a guide. Climb the Bonanza Mine trail for views over the Wrangell Mountains. Backcountry day hikes extend into America's largest national park.
Culture
McCarthy and Kennecott are roadless communities reached by a rough 60-mile gravel road and footbridge. The park is bigger than Switzerland with barely any infrastructure. Self-reliance and bear awareness are essential; rangers give safety briefings.
Natural history
Wrangell–St. Elias contains nine of North America's sixteen highest peaks and the continent's largest subpolar icefield. Kennecott mined copper here until 1938; the mill is a National Historic Landmark. Grizzlies and moose inhabit the valleys.
Local food
McCarthy's Potato restaurant and Golden Saloon serve hearty post-hike meals in a town with no mains electricity. Pack lunches for glacier days. Anchorage restocks supplies before the long drive in.
Fun fact
Wrangell–St. Elias is the largest US national park at 13.2 million acres — you could fit Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland inside it with room to spare.
- Fly into: Anchorage (ANC)
- Day 1: Drive the McCarthy Road
- Day 2: Kennecott mill town history walk
- Day 3: Root Glacier ice hike
- Day 4: Bonanza Mine trail climb
- Day 5–6: Backcountry day + return
- Est. total: ~$3,000