Attractions and Places To See in the Saint Elias Mountains - Top 15

The Saint Elias Mountains are renowned for their immense concentration of glaciers and towering peaks. You can witness the vast Kaskawulsh Glacier, which is part of the larger Bagley Icefield, the largest nonpolar icefield in North America. Other notable features include the world's longest valley glacier, Nabesna Glacier, and the accessible Root Glacier, popular for hiking and ice climbing. The region is also home to numerous impressive mountains like Mount Logan, Mount Saint Elias, and active volcanoes such as Mount Wrangell.

Yes, the region has a rich human history. You can explore the well-preserved Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, an abandoned copper mining town from the early 20th century. Nearby, the quirky town of McCarthy served as its supply hub. Additionally, the Ahtna Cultural Center in Copper Center offers insights into the Indigenous Ahtna Athabascan people, who have inhabited the region for millennia, with sites like Nataeł Na' dating back approximately 13,000 years.

The Saint Elias Mountains offer extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. For example, explore routes like the Saint Elias Lake Trail or the Alsek River Valley Trail. Mountaineering, rafting, kayaking on rivers like the Copper and Chitina, and wildlife viewing are also popular. For more detailed hiking options, you can explore the Hiking in the Saint Elias Mountains guide.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Kathleen Lake (Mät’àtäna Män) is a beautiful spot for recreation and has a well-maintained campsite. The Spruce Beetle Trail is another family-friendly trail. The Thechàl Dhâl Visitor Centre also provides facilities and information suitable for families.

The region offers a variety of hiking experiences. The Auriol Trail leads through boreal forest and wetlands to a sub-alpine zone with views of the Auriol Range. For a more challenging ascent, consider the path to King's Throne, a basin below a summit known for its steep, unmarked terrain. Other trails include the Situk Lake Trail and Sheep Creek Trail. For easier options, check out the Easy hikes in the Saint Elias Mountains guide.

The best time to visit for hiking and general exploration is typically during the summer months when trails are more accessible and weather conditions are milder. However, be aware that even in spring, higher elevation trails like King's Throne can still have deep snow conditions. Summer also offers opportunities for activities like rafting and kayaking.

Given the immense scale and rugged terrain, flightseeing tours are a popular and highly recommended way to grasp the grandeur of the mountains, glaciers, and icefields. From above, you can truly appreciate features like the Hubbard Glacier, Alaska's longest tidewater glacier, and the Malaspina Glacier, North America's largest piedmont glacier.

The parks within the Saint Elias Mountains, such as Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and Kluane National Park and Reserve, are home to diverse wildlife. Visitors often have the chance to spot Dall sheep, mountain goats, caribou, moose, and both black and brown bears. Always be bear aware and follow park guidelines for wildlife viewing.

Yes, the McCarthy Road and Nabesna Road offer access into different parts of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, providing unique experiences and views. The McCarthy Road, a 60-mile dirt road, leads to McCarthy and Kennecott, featuring the notable Kuskulana Bridge. These roads allow you to explore the diverse landscapes and historical sites of the area.

The View of Ä’äy Chù (Slims River) Valley showcases the river's path from the Kaskawulsh Glacier to Kluane Lake. This river is significant because, due to glacial retreat, its flow direction dramatically changed in 2016, with most meltwater now flowing into the Kaskawulsh River and eventually the Pacific Ocean, an event linked to human-caused climate change.

The Thechàl Dhâl Visitor Centre is a good starting point for information. Additionally, towns like McCarthy, near Kennecott, offer accommodation, dining, and other services. Copper Center, located near the Ahtna Cultural Center, also provides visitor services.