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Of the 5,000 square miles of glacial ice in Wrangell-St. Elias, the Root Glacier is the most accessible. A moderate 1 ½ mile walk from the historic mining town of Kennecott along the Root Glacier Trail leads you onto the glacier. Be aware that glaciers can be dangerous. It is recommended to wear crampons or ice spikes on your shoes and go with an experienced guide.
There are countless backpacking trips that can be done in Wrangell-St. Elias. Most of the routes listed here are generally "known" and can be found in hiking books and in magazine articles. Other routes can be found through local guide services and air taxis. There are no maintained or marked routes in the park.
Approximately 1.5 miles after leaving Kennecott, the trail reaches the Root Glacier access trail. (Primitive campsites, along with an outhouse and food lockers, are available in this area.) To access the glacier, turn left at the sign and follow the trail as it winds down the moraine to the toe of the glacier. This trail crosses Amazon Creek, which is a seasonal stream. Depending on recent rainfall or spring melt, you may need to cross this stream.
Hazards: The Root Glacier can be very slippery and dangerous. Crampons are strongly recommended. Avoid walking along the edge of Root Glacier as rotting ice and swift, cold water are potentially dangerous. Bears are present along the entire route. For maximum safety, travel in groups, be noisy when you are walking, and never give any food to a bear.
Notes: If you are camping at the Jumbo Creek Camping Area or Donaho Basin, it is required that your food is stored in the bear-resistant food boxes or your own Bear Resistant Food Container (BRFC).
First need to visit the visitor center to get information about this place before visiting this place. Or visit online national park website.
Road from Chitina to McCarthy is 2.5 hrs drive (one way) on unpaved road. Then you need to take shuttle to go to Kennecott where the trail actually starts. The shuttle runs only up to 7pm (if I’m not wrong). Or you can hike from McCarthy itself with additional miles. Not sure about accessibility during winter.
Lots of mosquitoes and very limited facilities. Prepare with repellents, enough food and water.
Very nice trail to the glacier. Not very long, the last part with the descent to the glacier is a bit steeper.
The glacier offers easy access, not very steep and no deep crevasses. Crampons are highly recommended
