Be sure to check out our 2 Week Alaska Itinerary and the Alaska page for other ideas around the best things to do in Wrangell St Elias National Park!
*Last updated March 20, 2024
Best Things to Do in Wrangell St Elias National Park
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How Long to Stay at Wrangell St Elias National Park
We stayed about 4 days and 3 nights in Wrangell St Elias National Park. If you are going to Kennecott (and you should!) it is a long, bumpy, unpaved road that takes a few hours, so it is best to do more than just a single day. If you are just looking to see the park and do some short hikes, you could probably get away with just two days.
Wrangell St Elias National Park
Wrangell St Elias NP is the largest national park in the United States.
Kennecott is a prime location to visit in Wrangell St Elias NP, but getting there can be tricky. Visit the NPS Wrangell St Elias directions site for more information on how to access Kennecott. Be aware that it is only accessible via wash-boarded dirt road converted from old railway. Additionally, know how to change a flat, especially if you are travelling in an RV.
Once you arrive at the Kennecott River, it is a 5 mile hike into the town of Kennecott. During the summer, there is a shuttle you can pay to take you from the bridge to town.
Kennecott Mine
Kennecott mine is in Kennicott, part of Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Additionally, I can’t figure out why you see the spelling different ways, sometimes it is “Kennecott” and sometimes it is “Kennicott”. Please send me an email if you know!
The old Kennecott Mine is a large mine built into the hillside. Also, the NPS Kennecott Visitor Center is located by the mine.
From the base of the Kennecott Mine is both the Jumbo Mine Trail and Bonanza Mine Trail. We choose to hike the Bonanza Mine trail, which is detailed next.
Bonanza Mine Trail
Bonanza mine trail is a 4.5 mile hike one-way, mostly uphill. We decided to hike up and camp at the top. Also, it is a lot colder up there, so make sure you pack appropriately! For instance, we did not bring gloves, so we wore extra socks to keep our hands warm.
Up at the peak, the clouds were rolling in, which gave the old mine building an eerie, ghost-like appearance. Please be careful exploring the old mine as I wouldn’t want to rely on the floor in a lot of spots.
Also, we saw a cute little woodchuck up at the top. He was definitely interested in checking out our packs, but sorry little buddy, no food for you!
Ice Climbing
Ice climbing in Wrangell St Elias NP was a lot of fun and it is really not that hard. Additionally, if you can climb a ladder, then you can do basic ice climbing! We did a guided tour of Root Glacier with Kennicott Wilderness Guides.
The guide started us off with an easy 45 degree grade for the first climb. Secondly, we went up a steeper face around 60 feet tall. Lastly, the guide lowered the climber into a crevasse and you could hear the water rushing below! My wife who is afraid of heights didn’t make it too far down on this one.
Independence Mine
It is not close, but you will go near Independence Mine State Historic Park on the drive from Anchorage to Wrangell St Elias. However, it was fun to explore and see the old mines in the area.
Also Consider Nearby
Be sure to check out our 2 week Alaska itinerary! Also, consider kayaking through a glacier field out of Valdez. Finally, visit this site’s main Alaska region page for more options.