5 Satisfying Hikes You Should Take at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Exploring the Alaska tundra is an amazing experience

There are few places in the world as wild and unspoiled as Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Established in 1980, the park is also a nature preserve and stands as the largest land mass that is managed by the U.S National Park Service at over 13 million acres and accounts for more than 15% of all National Park land. 

While you might not notice a difference between the park and the preserve, the biggest distinction is that hunting and trapping are allowed in the preserve, but not in the park.

The park's highlight is Mount St. Elias which, at 18,008 feet, is the second highest peak in both the United States and Canada. The park also contains many active and inactive volcanoes.

Being in Alaska means there are a ton of incredible sights to see, many of which can be experienced on the hiking trails that interlace the park. Here are five of the best hikes that you can take while visiting Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

West Kennecott Glacier Trail

Looking for a good way to start your hiking adventures without being too strenuous? The relaxing West Kennecott Glacier trail is the perfect place.

The trail takes you to the base of a large glacier and is flat almost the entire way, perfect for young kids or those with bad knees. Just watch out for the rock scramble near the trail's end because the rocks can be slippery during the rainy seasons.

Total Distance: 2.42 Miles

Elevation Gain: 442 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking, Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Bug spray is recommended on this trail
• Waterproof footwear is recommended due to a creek crossing
• Rock scrambling is a part of this trail

Skookum Volcano Trail

The jagged peaks of a long-lost volcanic eruption will greet you on this spectacular trail. The name Skookum translates to "powerful" or "mighty," and that's the sense you will get from this dormant volcano.

Not for those seeking a relaxing stroll, this trail is one of the most challenging in the park. It is, however, perfect for adventurous souls who want to experience a mix of woods and tundra while getting a chance to see the thousands of years old rocks that were once volcanic ash.

Total Distance: 4.22 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1345 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Bug spray is recommended on this trail
• Bears are frequently spotted on this trail, bear spray is recommended
• This trail is considered fairly rocky, bring proper hiking footwear

The Goat Trail

Looking for the adventure of a lifetime that will put all of your hiking skills to the test? Then look no further than The Goat Trail.

This trail is recommended for experienced hikers only as it is considered one of the most difficult trails in the park. 

This unmaintained trail will take you through some of the most rugged and remote terrain in the park. However, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and many of the park's wild animals.

Total Distance: 39.8 Miles

Elevation Gain: 8841 Feet

Difficulty: Extreme - Hiking, Backpacking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• This trail is only recommended for those with good physical fitness and experience hiking
• This is a multi-day hike and overnight camping materials will be required
• Bears are frequently spotted on this trail, so bring along your bear spray
• Proper  footwear is required for this rocky trail

Bonanza Mine Trail

Wildflowers, history and a great workout await those who take on the Bonanza Mine Trail, but the rolling mountains make this a very strenuous hike. 

This trail will take you through some of the most beautiful terrain in the park while also giving you a chance to learn about the park’s history.

Named after a former gold and silver mine that operated in the early 1900s, you’ll get a glimpse of buildings and mining equipment from that time period along the trail. The wildflowers that bloom in the area are also a sight to behold.

Total Distance: 8.32 Miles

Elevation Gain: 3943 Feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Bug spray is recommended on this trail
• Sunscreen is recommended as there is little shade on this trail
• This trail is very steep and contains gravel sections, good hiking footwear is recommended

Root Glacier Trail

Want to experience the majesty of a glacier but still experience a truly challenging hike? 

The Root Glacier Trail will take you right up to the face of the Root Glacier where you can get an up-close look at its ice formations.

Keep in mind that this is still a hike and not a walk in the park, so you will need to be prepared for several uphill sections. While the trail can have its difficult sections, it’s well worth it when you get to stand on top of a glacier.

Total Distance: 5.71 Miles

Elevation Gain: 793 Feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Bears are frequently spotted on this trail, so bring along your bear spray
• The glacier is very slippery, shoe spikes are recommended if you are going to explore it
• This trail is very steep and continues gravel sections, good hiking footwear is recommended

So there you have it, five of the most satisfying hikes that you can take at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or something a little more relaxed, there's sure to be a trail on this list that's perfect for you. So get out there and explore all that this park has to offer!