Top 8 Natural Monuments in Wrangell-Saint Elias National Preserve

Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve is renowned for its immense scale, featuring four major mountain ranges and nine of the sixteen highest peaks in the United States, including Mount St. Elias and the active volcano Mount Wrangell. It also boasts the greatest concentration of glaciers in North America, with over 150 glaciers covering 33% of the park, such as the vast Malaspina Glacier and the lengthy Nabesna Glacier.

Visitors frequently explore the area around Root Glacier Trail and Erie Mine Trail Junction, which provides access to the Root Glacier. Another favorite is the View of Kennicott Glacier from Kennicott Mine, offering stunning perspectives of the glacier. The View of Stairway Icefall, located at the end of the Erie Mine Trail, is also highly appreciated for its expansive views of Root Glacier and the dramatic icefall.

The diverse ecosystems of Wrangell-St. Elias support abundant wildlife. You might spot Dall sheep and mountain goats on craggy peaks, caribou in the Wrangell Mountains, and moose in lower elevations. Bears are also present throughout the park. Coastal areas may offer sightings of marine mammals like sea lions and harbor seals.

Yes, the preserve offers incredible opportunities for glacier exploration. The Root Glacier is relatively accessible from Kennecott, providing options for guided ice hiking and exploring crevasses and ice caves. Flightseeing tours are also popular for unparalleled aerial views of the massive glacial formations like the Malaspina Glacier and the Stairway Icefall.

The best time to visit is generally during the summer months, from late May to early September, when temperatures are milder, and most facilities and roads (like McCarthy Road and Nabesna Road) are open. During this period, the Kennicott Mine area is accessible, and conditions are more favorable for hiking, glacier tours, and flightseeing.

Beyond exploring the monuments themselves, the preserve offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy options like the Root Glacier Trail and more challenging routes like the Bonanza Mine Trail. Running trails are also available, such as the Erie Mine Trail. Rafting and packrafting are popular activities on the park's glacial rivers.

Yes, the Root Glacier Trail is considered an easy hike, providing access to the glacier's base. The West Kennecott Glacier Trail and the Boreal Forest Trail are also good options for those seeking less strenuous routes.

Access to many natural monuments is limited due to the preserve's remote nature. While some areas are accessible via McCarthy Road and Nabesna Road, many wonders require backcountry expeditions or flightseeing tours. For any backcountry travel, permits are required. It's advisable to check the official NPS website for current regulations and permit requirements before your visit: nps.gov/wrst.

The preserve is a geological marvel, characterized by the convergence of four major mountain ranges and the presence of active volcanoes like Mount Wrangell. It also hosts North America's largest subpolar icefield, the Bagley Icefield, and numerous dynamic glaciers, including piedmont and valley glaciers. These features showcase ongoing geological processes and immense natural forces.

Yes, the preserve offers a blend of natural and historical attractions. For instance, the Kennicott Mine, a historical copper mining town, is located near the Kennicott Glacier and offers guided tours during the summer. The Erie Mine Trail also leads to the remains of the Erie Mine and bunkhouse, providing a historical context to the natural landscape.

When hiking on or near glaciers like the Root Glacier, extreme caution is advised. The National Park Service recommends using crampons or other traction devices if you intend to walk on the ice. Be aware that river crossings may be necessary depending on the season. Always stay alert for wildlife, especially bears, as trails can be used by them. Consider hiring a guided tour for glacier exploration for safety and insight.

The Root Glacier is significant because it's one of the most accessible glaciers in the preserve, allowing visitors to experience a massive ice formation firsthand. It offers opportunities for guided ice hiking and exploring unique glacial features. The nearby Stairway Icefall, a fast-moving portion of the glacier, adds to its dramatic appeal.