The Glacier Hike In Alaska That's Everything You’ve Ever Dreamed Of
By Courtney|Published October 10, 2016
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Courtney
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Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
Glaciers in any form are absolutely incredible to witness in person, but this specific glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is like something straight out of a dream. The towering mountains in the distance make way for some of the most breathtakingly beautiful glacial pools in all of Alaska. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy soaking in stellar natural beauty as far as your eyes can see. Or break a sweat by doing some alpine climbing on the sculptured ice. It’s impossible not to be completely mesmerized by this enchanting hike in the last frontier.
Fall is one of the most wonderful times of the year in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and the Root Glacier Trail is the cream of the crop when it comes to epic hikes.
Along the trail you'll experience breathtaking views of the Kennicott and Root Glaciers in the distance as well as the towering Wrangell Mountains. The flora and fauna along the way is pretty incredible as well!
As far as day hikes go, it's hard to top this spectacular route. Many hikers enjoy occasionally seeing bears in the distance as well as other wildlife.
Once you arrive at the glacier you'll have a hard time coming back down to reality because it truly feels like an out of body experience. The massive frozen landmass sitting right in front of your eyes is guaranteed to give you the chills (because of the beauty, not the temperature). 😉
As you hike around you'll notice deep glacial pools that look like they drop down into the far unknown. It is eerie and incredible at the same time. Be sure to watch your step because if you fall in, there is no coming back out.
The cliff faces and sculpted ice are reminiscent of something straight out of a dream. You will quite literally be speechless for many parts of this hike simply because the natural beauty will keep your jaw dropping from start to finish.
If you are interested in ice climbing, we definitely recommend finding a local guide company to take you up to safely enjoy this incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. St. Elias Alpine Guides is a very knowledgeable and credible company that is a great option. They will get you fitted with crampons and will handle the necessary gear so you can just enjoy the adventure and soak in the sights.
Lunch with a view, unlike anything you've ever experienced before. This special spot has got to be the best place in the last frontier to enjoy a picnic for two. Warning: every date after this date will just be sub-par. This takes the cake from now until eternity.
You might even have the opportunity to check out some ice caves while at Root Glacier. Be aware that these caves are constantly melting so you need to be cautious and enter at your own risk.
If you want to keep going after reaching Root Glacier, head up to view the old Erie Mine. This hike involves some straight upwards inclines and some rock scrambling, so it is best suited for the experienced hikers in the crowd. If you're looking for a good adrenaline rush, you'll love this adventure!
