If you’re searching for the ultimate Alaska adventure travel experience, look no further than Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Covering over 13 million acres—larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined—this remote wilderness remains one of the best-kept secrets for explorers seeking glacier hikes, alpine trekking, and off-the-grid adventures.
So, why should Wrangell-St. Elias be at the top of your adventure list?
Why Choose Wrangell-St. Elias?
The Largest National Park in the United States
Adventure knows no bounds in Wrangell-St. Elias, the largest national park in the United States, where the wilderness stretches as far as the eye can see. From the towering 16,390-foot Mount Blackburn to the sprawling Nabesna Glacier, this park offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in North America.
Visitors can trek across ancient ice, explore abandoned mines, or take a bush plane deep into the heart of the park for a true wilderness experience.
One of the Best Glacier Hiking Destinations in Alaska
Unlike other national parks where glaciers are only visible from a distance, Wrangell-St. Elias lets you hike directly on these frozen giants. The Root Glacier, located just outside Kennicott, is one of the most accessible and stunning places to experience Alaska glacier hiking.
Picture yourself:
Walking on ancient blue ice
Peering into deep crevasses
Drinking pure glacier water from a glacial stream
Whether you’re a first-time hiker or an experienced adventurer, a guided glacier hike with Kennicott Wilderness Guides (KWG) ensures you can explore safely while learning about the fascinating history and geology of these icy landscapes.
A Hidden Gem for Remote Alpine Adventures
While Denali and Glacier Bay often steal the spotlight, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park remains one of the best-kept secrets for those seeking solitude, adventure, and truly wild landscapes. With rugged peaks, vast glaciers, and endless alpine ridgelines, this park offers some of the best hiking in Alaska, much of it on trails so remote they don’t even have official names.
Most visitors begin with the Root Glacier Trail, and for good reason—walking on ancient blue ice, peering into deep crevasses, and feeling the sheer scale of Alaska’s glaciers is an experience like no other. But for those eager to go beyond, Wrangell-St. Elias is an explorer’s dream. Perhaps you’ve heard of the Goat Trail, a legendary backcountry route, or the steep alpine hikes leading to historic, abandoned mines. Yet some of the most breathtaking terrain remains completely unmarked, offering adventurous travelers the rare chance to forge their own path in one of Alaska’s last true wildernesses.
A Journey Back in Time: Kennicott Ghost Town
Not all adventures in Wrangell-St. Elias require trekking deep into the wilderness. The historic town of Kennicott, once a booming copper mining hub, now stands as a well-preserved glimpse into Alaska’s rugged past. With its striking red mill buildings, century-old artifacts, and breathtaking mountain backdrop, Kennicott is more than just a ghost town—it’s a portal to another era.
Visitors can explore self-guided exhibits, wander through the town’s historic structures, and soak in the stories of the miners who once called this remote valley home. At Kennicott Wilderness Guides, we bring history to life as we walk toward the glacier, sharing local stories and insight into the town’s past. Whether you’re here for the rich history, the stunning landscapes, or the adventure that awaits beyond town, Kennicott is a place where the past and present collide in the most unforgettable way.
Plan Your Wrangell-St. Elias Adventure with KWG
If you’re looking for an unforgettable Alaska adventure, Kennicott Wilderness Guides is here to help. We’ve been guiding travelers in Wrangell-St. Elias since 1995, offering everything from glacier hikes and alpine treks to custom backcountry expeditions.
Ready to explore the Heart of the Wrangells? Check out our guided trips and start planning your adventure today!
At Kennicott Wilderness Guides, the Wrangells are more than just a place we work—they’re a place we’ve come to know and love over decades of exploration. Every trail we’ve hiked and every historic site we’ve explored with guests has shaped the way we experience this stunning landscape. We’re excited to share that passion with you through this blog, From the Heart of the Wrangells. Stay tuned for more stories, tips, and inspiration as we continue to explore the wild beauty of Wrangell-St. Elias together.
