Planning a trip to Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, and wondering what hikes are out there? You’re in the right place. Even though it’s the largest (and arguably wildest) national park in the United States, Wrangell–St. Elias offers hiking trails for every skill level (not just hardcore mountaineers).
Scattered between its historic mining towns, glacier-carved valleys, and remote backcountry are routes ranging from short, easy walks to full-day climbs. Below, we’ve rounded up the 9 best hikes in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, plus tips on when to visit, what to pack, and more.
🐻 Stay Bear Aware! Before hiking in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, become familiar with bear safety practices, among which include packing away food, making noise, and carrying bear spray for emergency use.
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ℹ️ About Hiking in Wrangell-St. Elias
With more than 13.2 million acres of wilderness, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park can feel overwhelming at first. Luckily, when it comes to hiking, most trails are concentrated in two main regions:
- McCarthy/Kennecott: This area in the south is the most popular and accessible, offering historic mining sites, glacier views, and well-marked day hikes.
- Nabesna Road: This area in the north is where you’ll find fewer visitors and a more remote feel, with rugged routes, big mountain scenery, and excellent wildlife viewing.
Outside of these two zones, most of the park is true backcountry and requires flight access or multi-day expeditions, so we recommend day hikers to focus on the McCarthy/Kennecott and Nabesna areas.
💡What About the Yakutat Coast? The coastal section of the park near Yakutat is stunning but extremely remote and only accessible by plane or boat, which is why this guide focuses on hikes in the more easily accessible McCarthy/Kennecott and Nabesna areas.
1. Root Glacier Trail
Within walking distance from the town of Kennicott, the Root Glacier Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Wrangell–St. Elias (quickly becoming one of our top hikes in Alaska). This 5.7-mile (9.2-km) out-and-back takes about 2.5–3 hours with 840 ft (256 m) of elevation gain, winding through alpine terrain before dropping you right off at the base of Root Glacier.
Once you reach the glacier, you’re free to explore as much as you like. We hiked across the ice, peeked into blue crevasses, and soaked in the mountain views. The microspikes we brought were game changers for traction, but you can also rent crampons (similar to microspikes) and boots through a local outfitter like St. Elias Alpine Guides. If you’re new to glacier hiking, this same company offers guided hikes of Root Glacier, though we found this glacier to be very beginner-friendly glacier hike.
Dogs are allowed on the trail, but the sharp ice was a bit tough on our dog, Ollie’s paws, so we recommend bringing dog booties. The trail itself isn’t too difficult. As long as you take it slowly, trust your instincts, and avoid stepping in puddles (you can’t always tell how deep the cravasses are), you’ll do great.
🎒 Great Backpacking Area! There are backpacking sites with food lockers on this trail if you want to stay overnight. If we return, we’d love to do this and catch the sunset or sunrise over the glacier.
Distance: 5.7 miles (9.2 km)
Elevation Gain: 840 feet (256 m)
Estimated Time: 2.5-3 hours
Type: Out-and-back
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2. West Kennecott Glacier Trail
West Kennecott Glacier Trail is a relatively easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) out-and-back hike in this same McCarthy/Kennecott area of the park. Taking just 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, this is a great chill hike to do after breakfast, especially if you’re staying at the nearby Glacier View Campground. Although you won’t get onto Root Glacier itself, this trail gets you close enough so that you can see it in the distance, dropping you off right at the Kennecott River before turning back.
Distance: 2.1 miles (3.4 km)
Elevation Gain: 384 feet (117 m)
Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours
Type: Out-and-back
3. Bonanza Mine Trail
Another trail that can be accessed right from Kennicott is the Bonanza Mine Trail. This 8.5-mile (13.5-km) out-and-back trail takes about 7 to 8 hours to hike. Its length, as well as steep elevation gain of 3,930 feet (1,198 m), bumps this hike up to a very strenuous trail.
That being said, those who push through are rewarded with sweeping views of the Wrangell Mountains, alpine wildflowers in summer, and the chance to explore the ruins of the Bonanza Mine.
ℹ️ Use Trekking Poles! We highly recommend using trekking poles on this trail to help you manage the uneven terrain, steep sections, and overall distance better.
Distance: 8.4 miles (13.5 km)
Elevation Gain: 3,930 feet (1,198 m)
Estimated Time: 7-7.5 hours
Type: Out-and-back
4. Crystalline Hills Trail
Crystalline Hills Trail is a 2.8-mile (4.5-km) loop also just off McCarthy Road that winds through dense forest before circling along the base of the rugged Crystalline Hills. Along the way, there are plenty of spots where you can scramble up for sweeping views of the Chitina River Valley, Moose Lake, and the distant Chugach Mountains.
If you’re craving more adventure, the route can be extended by climbing higher into the Crystalline Hills for ridge exploration or remote camping. It’s a great route if you’re looking for a short trail that has the option to go even further, or to go remote camping!
Distance: 2.8 miles (4.5 km)
Elevation Gain: 702 feet (214 m)
Estimated Time: 1.5-2 hours
Type: Loop
5. Caribou Creek Trail
Now getting into the trails in the northern section of the park, our favorite trail off of Nabesna Road was the Caribou Creek Trail. This 7-mile (11.4-km) out-and-back trail with 1,115 feet (340 m) of elevation gain takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.
This trail wasn’t too technical, although there were a few creek crossings that kept things interesting. Keep an eye out for wild blueberry bushes towards the beginning of the trail that you can pick as you walk!
If you hike off-trail towards the end, summiting the ridge just beyond the pit toilet, you get some incredible views of Mount Blackburn (the highest peak in the park). At the turnaround point, you’ll reach the Caribou Creek Cabin, a public use cabin where you can step inside and make a warm fire before turning back if you’re cold.
This was hands-down our favorite trail that we did in the Nabesna Region of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Because of the creek crossings, we recommend packing an extra pair of dry socks just in case your feet get wet!
Distance: 7 miles (11.4 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,115 feet (340 m)
Estimated Time: 3.5-4 hours
Type: Out-and-back
6. Skookum Volcano Trail
Skookum Volcano Trail is a 4.2-mile (6.8-km) challenging out-and-back that typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours and leads you through a dramatic valley shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Jagged ash-formed peaks and tan-gray rocks make this one of the most unique landscapes in the Nabesna area. The first mile through the forest is fairly easy, but things ramp up once you reach the rocky creek bed.
There are several creek crossings and slippery rocks, so sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles go a long way on a route like this. The trail can fade in the creek section, but rock cairns are known to mark the way. Some hikers turn around early because of the terrain, but if you push to the pass, the sweeping mountain views at the end are said to be absolutely worth it!
🗺️ Download the Map! Fellow hikers recommend downloading the AllTrails map of this route before setting out as you’ll probably lose internet connection once on trail.
Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,410 feet (430 m)
Estimated Time: 2.5-3 hours
Type: Out-and-back
With offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning features, make the most of every outside adventure with AllTrails Plus. Get 7 days of AllTrails Plus for free!
7. Rambler Mine Trail
Rambler Mine Trail is a short but rewarding 1.7-mile (2.7-km) moderate out-and-back off Nabesna Road, beginning near Devils Mountain Lodge. The trail climbs steadily through spruce and alder forest before popping out at the abandoned Rambler Mine, where you can explore the old ruins to your heart’s content! An unmaintained path continues past the mine if you want to climb higher for even better views before turning back.
Distance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)
Elevation Gain: 528 feet (161 m)
Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours
Type: Out-and-back
8. Trail Creek to Lost Creek Loop
Trail Creek to Lost Creek Loop is a challenging 24-mile (38.3-km) route off of Nabesna Road that typically takes 11–12 hours as a day hike or 2–3 days as a backpacking trip. Those who take it on are rewarded with glacier views, wide valleys, and plenty of off-the-beaten-path exploration.
Expect multiple creek crossings (usually no more than calf-deep) and long stretches of rugged terrain. Before starting, stop at the Slana Visitor Center for the latest conditions and safety info. Although it’s a stunning, unforgettable loop, keep in mind that it is best suited for experienced hikers and backpackers ready to take on a multi-day adventure in the Alaskan wilderness.
Distance: 24 miles (38.3 km)
Elevation Gain: 3,835 feet (1,169 m)
Estimated Time: 11-12 hours
Type: Loop
9. Boreal Forest Loop and Valdez Trail
Last but not least, we have the Boreal Forest Loop and Valdez Trail. This trail is an easy 1.2-mile (1.9-km) walk located right outside of the Copper Center Visitor Center. While technically just outside the national park boundary, it’s a great add-on since most visitors stop here anyway. This short loop winds through a peaceful boreal forest with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Distance: 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
Elevation Gain: 128 feet (39 m)
Estimated Time: 0.5-1 hour
Type: Loop
With offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning features, make the most of every outside adventure with AllTrails Plus. Get 7 days of AllTrails Plus for free!
🗺️ Map of Best Trails in Wrangell-St. Elias Park
How to use this map: We have saved the locations from this guide on this map. You can save this map to your Google Maps by pressing the star icon. In your Google Maps, click the menu icon and then Saved Maps, where this map will appear.
🥾 Guided Hikes in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Suppose you’re interested in overnight backpacking or even a day hike, but don’t want to go solo. In that case, local outfitters like St. Elias Alpine Guides or Kennicott Wilderness Guides can guide you safely through the park. For a full list of commercial visitor services, check out this NPS directory, where you can filter by “Hiking/Walking Tours” or “Backpacking/Camping Overnight” to find the right experience for you!
🌤️ When To Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
The most popular time to visit Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is summer (June through August) when the days are long, most services are open, and roads and trails are fully accessible. This is the ideal time for hiking, glacier trekking, kayaking, flightseeing, and exploring McCarthy and Kennecott. Expect the warmest temperatures of the year and the most reliable conditions—but also the most visitors.
- Winter (October to April): Winter transforms the park into a remote, frozen, and mostly inaccessible place. Nearly all services are closed, and access to McCarthy and Kennecott requires careful planning.
- Summer (June to August): The summer is the sweet spot for most travelers. This is when adventure opportunities are at their peak and the park is at its most welcoming.
- Shoulder Seasons (May & Sept): The last half of May and the first half of September experience fewer visitors, while still offering doable weather conditions. The other half of these months, there’s usually snow on the ground.
🎒 Packing Essentials for Wrangell-St. Elias
Below, we’ve outlined all the hiking gear we recommend if you plan on hitting the trails in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. In this first section, we’ve highlighted specific pieces that you might need to purchase or rent if it’s your first time visiting the area.
Alaskan Hiking Essentials
- Tire Tools – If you plan on driving McCarthy and/or Nabesna Road, we recommend this deflator, this inflator, and a tire repair kit.
- Bear Spray – Park officials recommend hiking with bear spray for emergency use, as well as becoming familiar with bear safety practices.
- Microspikes – Microspikes can be attached to the bottom of your hiking shoes to improve traction when hiking over snow and/or ice. If you’re planning to hike in areas with ice and snow in the summer or at any point in the winter, microspikes will become your best friend.
- Hiking poles – Especially on long, high-elevation hikes, a solid pair of hiking poles really helps take the pressure off of joints.
Sun Protection
Hiking Essentials
Safety Essentials
📰 Related Articles
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- More Coming Soon!
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