Chitina Off The Beaten Path

Go iceclimbing or glacier walking near McCarthy in the Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Photo: That's me climbing on the Root Glacier in August 1996. For more see St. Elias This park is an isolated wilderness of 13.2 million acres - that's 6x the size of Yellowstone! This region contains more than 100 major glaciers and has the largest concentration of mountain peaks over 14,500 feet in North America. Nine of North America's 16 highest peaks are here. This trip into the park is really only recommended for those with a sense of adventure. The road conditions can be quite an ordeal and if your camping, you're provided with the bare minimum.

Hiking along the Root Glacier Trail. Glacier access from trail. Watch out for bears. Hike up to the satellite mines for great views.