The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Root Glacier Trail in Wrangell-St. Elias

Hiking Root Glacier Trail is one of the most unforgettable adventures in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. This easy-to-moderate trail takes you from the historic town of Kennecott to the edge of a stunning blue-and-white glacier. Along the way, you’ll pass wildflowers, scenic views, and old mining ruins. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know: how to get to the trailhead, what to bring, what to expect, and when to go. Whether you’re planning your first glacier hike or just want to admire it from a distance, this trail should be on your Alaska itinerary. Let’s dive in.

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

Our Experiences Hiking the Root Glacier

Chris and I had the chance to hike the Root Glacier Trail in different months and under different conditions. One of our favorite visits was in early September. The fall colors lit up the valley, and the air was crisp and clear. The views were stunning—especially with golden foliage surrounding the ice.

But we’ve also done this trail in late May. That time, it was muddy, and snow still covered parts of the trail. Some sections were slippery, and many other areas of the Wrangell-St.Elias National Park weren’t even accessible yet.

So we’ve experienced both the beauty and the challenges of this hike—and we’re here to share all the details. For us, the Root Glacier Trail is one of the best things to do in McCarthy. We love it because it gives you options. You can hike to the glacier and explore it on your own—or you can join a guided glacier tour.

It’s not like the Matanuska Glacier, where a guide is required just to access the ice. And it’s not like the hikes in Juneau, where you can see Mendenhall Glacier but not actually step onto it.

In Seward, you can walk near Exit Glacier, but the ice has receded quite a bit, and it’s harder to reach now. Portage Glacier near Whittier offers great views, but it’s seen only from a boat or overlook.

That’s why we enjoy Root Glacier so much. It’s scenic, exciting, and accessible. Whether you want to simply admire it or walk right on it, this trail makes it possible—and it’s one of the easiest glaciers to reach among those found in Alaska’s national parks.

Getting to the Trailhead

The Root Glacier Trail begins near the historic Kennecott Mill Town, located deep inside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. You can combine this hike with visiting famous Kennecott Copper Mine. But reaching the trailhead takes some planning.

First, you need to get to the remote town of McCarthy. There’s no direct road to Kennecott, so visitors must take McCarthy Road—a 60-mile gravel route that starts in Chitina. It’s a rough and slow drive, but it leads to one of Alaska’s most rewarding destinations.

At the end of McCarthy Road, you’ll find a footbridge across the Kennicott River. This is where all private vehicles must stop.

From the footbridge, you can either walk about half a mile to the center of McCarthy town or take a local shuttle. To continue to Kennecott and the trailhead, you’ll need to hop on a shuttle from McCarthy. These vans run regularly in summer and take about 20 minutes to reach the trail start.

You can also walk from the town of McCarthy to the trailhead, but keep in mind it’s a long and tiring route—about 4.5 miles one way to the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark. The walk is uphill, and the gravel road is rough, often full of potholes. That’s why the best option is to take the shuttle bus either right after crossing the footbridge or from McCarthy. It saves time and energy for the actual hike.

The trailhead itself is easy to find. It begins just past the last buildings in the Kennecott Mill Town.

Agnes’ Advice: If you’d rather not drive the McCarthy Road, take a look at my guide on how to get to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. I share practical tips and alternative ways to reach the park without tackling the long gravel road. If you want to explore other parts of this park, read: Guide to Nabesna Road and Things to do in Copper Center.

The Root Glacier Trail Overview

• Distance: 4.4 miles round trip (not including time spent exploring on the glacier itself)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Ascent: Approximately 380 feet
• Time Required: 2 to 4 hours depending on pace and time spent at the glacier

The Root Glacier Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. It’s scenic, moderate, and gives you access to a real glacier—something rare and unforgettable.

The trail is about 4.4 miles round-trip from Kennecott to the edge of the glacier. The path is well-marked and easy to follow, though parts are rocky and uneven. Most hikers take 2 to 4 hours to complete the hike, depending on pace, weather, and how much time they spend exploring the ice.

There’s a gradual elevation gain of about 380 feet, but the slope is mild and steady. You don’t need technical gear just to hike to the glacier. However, if you plan to walk on the ice, you’ll need proper equipment like crampons—and ideally, a guide.

The trail starts in the Kennecott Mill area, passes through spruce forest, crosses two creeks on small footbridges, and ends with amazing views of Root Glacier. Along the way, you’ll see mountains, valleys, and even the towering Stairway Icefall in the distance.

It’s not a difficult hike, but it’s remote. There’s no cell service, no water refill stations, and no shelter. Be sure to carry everything you need and allow time for the return. This trail offers one of Alaska’s best glacier experiences—with just a bit of effort and good shoes.

Hiking the Root Glacier Trail

The Root Glacier Trail begins just beyond the Kennecott Mill Town. You’ll follow a well-marked path that starts wide and easy, winding through brush and open spruce forest. The views begin early—watch for Mount Blackburn and the dramatic Stairway Icefall appearing in the distance as you hike.

About halfway in, you’ll reach Jumbo Creek, the largest stream on the trail. It flows down from the mountains and can run high in early summer. Thankfully, there’s a sturdy footbridge that makes the crossing easy and safe. This is a great spot to take a short break.

Before Jumbo Creek, you may also cross a smaller, unnamed seasonal stream. It’s usually shallow and also has a basic footbridge during the main hiking season.

As you move beyond Jumbo Creek, the landscape becomes more open. The glacier soon comes into view, and the terrain gets slightly rougher. The trail turns rocky in places, especially near the glacier’s edge. Watch your step and take your time.

At the end of the maintained trail, you’ll stand just a few steps away from the Root Glacier. This is where many hikers stop to take photos and enjoy the ice. If you’re equipped and experienced—or with a guide—you can walk onto the glacier itself.

Take in the views on your way back. The return hike often feels like a completely different experience with the lighting change and new angles. It’s an out-and-back trail, so you’ll retrace your steps to Kennecott, but the scenery never gets old.

Exploring the Root Glacier

Reaching the edge of the Root Glacier is exciting—but stepping onto the ice is the real highlight of this hike. This is one of the few places in Alaska where you can safely walk on a glacier without taking a helicopter or expensive tour, though proper preparation is key.

The best way to explore the Root Glacier safely—and get the most from the experience—is by joining a guided glacier hike. Guides provide all the gear you need, like crampons and helmets, and teach you how to walk safely on the ice. Most importantly, they know the glacier. They can lead you to incredible features like deep crevasses, bright blue meltwater pools, ice caves, and moulins—while keeping you away from hazards.

Two trusted operators offer guided Root Glacier hikes directly from Kennecott and one from McCarthy:

Kennicott Wilderness Guides

• Based in: Kennecott (short walk from visitor kiosk)
• Website: kennicottguides.com
• Tour options:
  • Half-Day Root Glacier Hike
  • Full-Day Glacier Exploration
• What’s included: Crampons, helmet, optional trekking poles
• Style: Small groups, naturalist insights, relaxed pace
• Booking: Online; fills fast in peak season

St. Elias Alpine Guides

• Based in: Kennecott Mill site (next to the mill ruins)
• Website: steliasguides.com
• Tour options:
  • Half-Day Glacier Hike (4 hours) – most popular
  • Full-Day Glacier Hike – deeper into the glacier
  • Ice Climbing and Ice Cave Exploration custom trips available
• What’s included: Crampons, helmets, safety gear, trained glacier guide
• Season: Mid-May to mid-September
• Booking: Online; recommended in advance during summer

McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters

• Based in: McCarthy
• Website: raftthewrangells.com
• Tour option: Private Half-Day Glacier Hike – fully customized, private experience
• What’s included: Guide, crampons, safety instruction, and optional transportation from McCarthy
• Style: Private tours tailored to your pace and interests
• Booking: Required in advance; great for families, photographers, or small groups

If you hike independently

If you decide to hike on your own, it’s possible—but you need to be cautious. You can walk up to the glacier without a guide. And with proper gear, like crampons, you can step onto the ice near the edge. But glacier terrain is unpredictable. Cracks, slippery surfaces, and thin ice can all be dangerous.

• You can reach the glacier without a guide
• Crampons are highly recommended for walking on ice
• Stay near the edge of the glacier—avoid crevasses, melt channels, and steep areas
• Be extra cautious if it’s rainy or warm—ice becomes slippery and unstable

What to Bring

The Root Glacier Trail may be moderate, but it’s remote, rugged, and weather can change fast. Be prepared. Check out our detailed Alaska Packing List. Here’s what you should pack for a safe and comfortable hike:

Clothing:

• Layers: Bring moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof jacket
• Gloves and hat: Even in summer, glacier air is cold
• Extra socks: Wet feet can ruin your hike
• Gaiters (optional): Helpful for muddy conditions early or late in the season

Footwear:

• Hiking boots: Waterproof, sturdy, with good ankle support
• Crampons or microspikes: If you plan to walk on the glacier (can be rented in Kennecott)

Gear:

• Backpack: Small daypack for your essentials
• Trekking poles: Helpful on rocky terrain or glacier approach
• Sunglasses: Glacier glare is strong, even on cloudy days
• Sunscreen and lip balm: UV exposure is higher on the ice
• Reusable water bottle: Carry at least 1–2 liters per person
• Snacks or lunch: No services on the trail or at the glacier
• Map or downloaded GPS track: Cell service is unreliable

Other Essentials:

• Bear spray: Required in Wrangell-St. Elias—carry it and know how to use it. Check out our Bear Safety Tips.
• First aid kit: Just in case
• Camera: The glacier and surrounding views are stunning

This is a wild and beautiful place, but services are limited. Carry what you need and leave no trace. Be ready for both sunshine and storms—this is Alaska, after all.

Best Time to Hike

The best time to hike the Root Glacier Trail is from mid-May through mid-September. This is when the trail is fully accessible, shuttle services are running, and local outfitters offer guided glacier hikes.

• Late May to Early June: Trail may still be muddy with lingering snow patches. Fewer visitors, but cooler temps and limited services.
• Mid-June to August: Ideal conditions. The trail is dry, glacier access is easy, and all services are running. This is the peak hiking season, so expect more people.
• Early to Mid-September: Fewer crowds and beautiful fall colors. Days are shorter, and weather can shift quickly. Some services begin to wind down.

Final Thoughts

The Root Glacier Trail is one of the best and most rewarding hikes in Alaska. It’s scenic, not too difficult, and ends with something truly special—a chance to walk on a real glacier. You don’t need a helicopter ride or multi-day expedition. Just good shoes, some preparation, and a sense of adventure.

We’ve hiked this trail in different seasons, in different weather, and it always amazes us. Whether you explore on your own or join a guided tour, the experience stays with you. The views, the fresh mountain air, the sound of moving water under your feet—it’s unforgettable.

If you’re heading to McCarthy or Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, don’t skip this trail. It’s a highlight of the area and a must for anyone who loves nature, glaciers, and wild places. Root Glacier is one of those places that make the long drive worth it.

Do You Like It? Pin It For Later!