As wilderness guides and guests exploring Wrangell-St. Elias National Park — the largest national park in the United States — we’re surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks, expansive glaciers, and remote Alaskan backcountry. But before it became a national park, and before places like McCarthy and Kennicott became popular with adventure travelers, this land was — and still is — home to the Indigenous peoples of Alaska.
We live, work, and recreate on the traditional and present-day homelands of the Ahtna, Eyak, Tlingit, and Upper Tanana peoples.
Indigenous Heritage of Wrangell-St. Elias
The Original Stewards of the Land
Long before copper mines or backcountry expeditions, the Indigenous peoples of the Wrangell Mountains moved across this land with deep knowledge and connection. The Ahtna Athabascan people have lived in this region for thousands of years, navigating the rivers, glaciers, and forests that are still central to life in the Wrangell-St. Elias wilderness today.
If you’ve walked the Root Glacier, floated the Nizina River, or trekked through the alpine passes, you’ve followed in the footsteps of Indigenous travelers and caretakers.
A Complicated Past in McCarthy and Kennicott
When visiting Kennicott, many are captivated by the iconic copper mill and its remote mining history. But this chapter of Alaska’s past came at a cost. The industrialization of the area disrupted the lives of Indigenous communities, altering access to ancestral lands and reshaping traditional ways of life.
As backcountry guides and stewards of these experiences, we recognize that the story of this place includes both its beauty and its burden.
Exploring With Respect
Recreating Responsibly on Indigenous Land
At Kennicott Wilderness Guides, we believe in more than adventure — we believe in responsibility. That means respecting Leave No Trace principles, understanding whose land we travel on, and taking time to learn about the cultures and communities who continue to call this region home.
We encourage our guests to ask questions, seek out Indigenous voices, and reflect on the history behind the landscape. Exploring Wrangell-St. Elias National Park should be more than a photo opportunity — it’s a chance to connect with the richness and resilience of this land.
Resources to Learn More
