Hiking to Root Glacier in Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska

Hiking to Root Glacier in Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska- Hiking the Root Glacier Trail in McCarthy, Alaska was one of our favorite things to do in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. This park is known for the Kennicott Mine Town and being the largest national park in the United States. It is hard to reach but so worth it. This article will be all you need to know about the Root Glacier hike, taking the options of taking a tour with a guide, or walking on it by yourself. Read here about the Root Glacier, how to get there, how hard the hike is, how long, where to stay and much more!

Stats

Length: 4 miles round trip (2 miles to the edge of the glacier)

Time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 435 feet

Trailhead: Kennecott Mine Town

Overview

When To Go

Where To Stay

How Hard Is The Hike?

Other Hikes in the Area

When To Go

Summer months would be the best time to go. You will need to travel along the McCarthy Road. Which is a 60 mile gravel road, known for potholes and tough terrain. If you go slow and watch for rough patches it is a manageable road. Just prepare to take your time.

Because of the clearance of the road and trails of snow it is recommended to go between the months of June and September. We went the first part of August and it was perfect for road and trail clearance, although I could do with it being a little cooler.

Where To Stay

The town of McCarthy or at the Kennecott Mine Town (Kennecott Glacier Lodge) would be the best place to stay. Due to the amount of time it takes to drive the McCarthy Road it would be hard to do it all in one day and enjoy it. The area has a few options of places to stay, although they are slim. If brave and looking for a day trip you can stay outside of McCarthy Road in Chitina, AK.

Camping

We were in our Million Mile Adventure campervan, so we camped right outside of McCarthy at Base Camp Kennicott. It was first come, first served but there were plenty of spots during prime tourism season, so I would not worry.

Kennicott Glacier Lodge

A popular place to stay would be right in the Kennecott Mill Town at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge. They offer dining and drinks and would be perfect as you would be close to the trailheads. And a great view!

McCarthy Town

This town was small but charming. Not a ton to do but perfect for a night or two visit. Check here for options in McCarthy and Chinita.

Booking.com

How Hard Is The Hike?

The trail to the base of the Root Glacier is considered moderate. It is mostly flat, the end leading down to the glacier had the biggest incline. A few hikers admired the views of the glacier from above instead of heading down. It is up to you how close you want to get.

You can walk out onto the glacier if you are sure footed and have good hiking shoes on. This is not for everyone but if you feel inclined to do so I would suggest it. It was so much fun and the ice cooled us down from the hot hike.

How To Get There

To complete this hike you will need to get to the Kennicott Mine Town. It is quite the task to get there but very possible.

First, you will need to drive the 60 mile McCarthy Road. If getting around by rental car, make sure they allow it. Some rentals have in their agreement that you cannot take their cars or campers on McCarthy Road. The road is known for potholes and tough terrain. If you go slow and watch for rough patches it is a manageable road. Just prepare to take your time.

At the end of the road you will stop at a campground and public parking.

From the campground and parking lot you will cross a footbridge. At the end of the foot bridge you have two options to get to the Kennecott Mine:

By walking 1 mile, about 15-20 minutes to the town of McCarthy from the foot bridge. In McCarthy you can catch the public bus (we caught it near the Potato restaurant). This bus will drive you up to the Kennecott Mine Town.
You can also get there by catching the bus at the other side of the foot bridge from the parking lot, straight to Kennicott, it might still pick up passenger in McCarthy

We walked to McCarthy first as the bus was often full and didn’t make it down to the foot bridge.

We then took the bus from McCarthy to the Kennicott Mine Town. Make sure you bring cash to pay the driver.

If staying at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge there is arranged transportation to the mine town and you can start the hike directly from the lodge.

Buses are on a schedule but they are loosely followed. Be prepared to wait and not be on a strict time schedule.

Should I Do A Tour?

One way to enjoy the Root Glacier is to do it by tour! We did not do this option as we were not sure of our timing. Root Glacier does not have to be hiked by tour. You can hike right up to the glacier! And if sure footed and with good shoes you can even walk out on the glacier a little bit on your own. Just make sure you are careful and watch for edges!

If looking for a tour there are two main tour groups to hike out onto the Root Glacier. I would check out Kennecott Wilderness Guides and St Elias Alpine Guides.

These tours will provide you with what you need to hike out onto the Root Glacier, crampons and picks. They offer full and half day hikes ranging from 4-8 hour tours of the glacier. On the tour you will see blue glacier pools, waterfalls and more.

The Route

Start

After arriving at the Kennicott Mine Town you will walk straight through the town. If taking the bus the bus will drop you off at the start of the town, across from the Kennicott Glacier Lodge. We peeped our heads in a few buildings but decided to tour it more in depth when we finished the hike. At the end of the town you will see some trail signs and the road will continue to a gravel-dirt path, this is the Root Glacier Trail.

This trail is not the most exciting in the beginning. It is mostly flat, with some brush and trees. Being flat makes the trail fairly easy and you are able to make up some time if in a hurry.

There are two creeks, one even with a small waterfall. There are wooden planks to cross. Make sure you are mindful of hikers coming the other way as they only fit one person!

The trail does split off. Follow the signs to the Root Glacier. The trail will start to head down to the left. Going straight will take you to some other hikes in the area, and the Erie Mine Trail.

The Glacier

Soon after this split you should be able to see Root Glacier in full view! Far to the right you could possibly see a glacier lagoon as well! The path does have some loose gravel, so watch your footing and stay on the trail. We saw some hikers that tried to short cut it and were losing their footing easily on the loose gravel.

Many hikers enjoyed the view from the top, taking in the entire glacier view. But we choose to hike all the way down to the glacier. The cool breeze from the glacier felt great!

We opted out for a tour but we braved it with a few others to walk a little bit out onto the ice! This comes with a warning to be VERY careful. Stay away from edges and be sure footed. I would suggest bringing hiking poles to help!

When ready to head back you will take the same trail back. Be sure to take a chance to check on the mine town, buildings and read about the history.

We were hungry and stopped to eat at the Potato in McCarthy! I highly recommend it!

Tips For The Hike

Leave No Trace

Make sure you practice Leave No Trace 7 principles to leave minimal impact on the trails.

Be Bear Aware

Make sure you are Bear Aware while in any part of Alaska. We carried bear spray while on any hike in Alaska. We did not see any moose or bear along this hike, I would be surprised if you did as this is a well trafficked hike. Stay alert, make noise, and seal food in containers. I also used a bear bell since we are usually pretty quiet hikers.

Watch For Weather

Make sure you keep in eye on the weather before heading out on this hike. Alaska’s weather is known to change with little notice.

Go Early

Going early will help you beat the crowds and the heat. Or in the evening!

What To Bring

Water– we each carried 2 liters of water in our hydration bladders with an additional collapsible water bottle.

Hiking Poles– If planning on hiking I do love using them for uphills and downhills, much easier on your knees. This trail didn’t have a huge incline but the poles were great if you plan on going out onto the glacier.

Layers– You never know what Alaska weather and high elevation hikes may bring you. Dress in thin layers and make sure you bring a raincoat as well.

Sunscreen– Sunscreen is essential. We got burnt on this hike because we didn’t reapply our sunscreen often enough.

Bear Spray– we each had our own, and I also attached a bear bell on to my backpack. When on the bus they will ask you to seal it in your backpack. Bear spray is probably not necessary if sticking to the main populated trails.

Bug Spray– Alaska summers are known for their bugs.

Hiking Shoes– Good sturdy hiking shoes are a must. I love my Ahnu’s.

Snacks/Food– This is a short hike but always packing snacks is a good idea, we packed items such as granola bars, jerky sticks, fruit strips and more.

Sunglasses/Hat– Again it is very bright at the top as it is a pretty wide open area. I would pack sunglasses and maybe even a hat if you are sensitive to the sun.