Root Glacier [Suggest Edits]

Description

Root Glacier runs along the mining town of Kennecott down to McCarthy at its toe. Wide open areas of non-crevassed glacier make for a great area for beginner-level mountaineering, and sport ice climbing. Guide services can be hired for glacier cave tours, mountaineering, and ice climbing.

Short Hike: There are no fees to enter Wrangell-St. Elias, but getting to Kennecott requires logistics (eg. variable parking fee at the end of McCarthy Road, $5 shuttle from McCarthy to Kennecott). While the park and roads are open year-round, McCarthy Road is not regularly maintained in the winter and Kennecott Visitor Center is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Family Friendly: Great area for introductory glacier travel and recreation.

Gem Type: Geologic Feature