Deep inside Wrangell–St. Elias National Park lies one of Alaska’s most fascinating destinations: the abandoned Kennecott Copper Mine and the nearby Root Glacier. Together, they offer the perfect mix of history, adventure, and jaw-dropping scenery.
Kennecott tells the story of one of America’s richest copper strikes, while the Root Glacier lets you walk on ancient ice just minutes from town. Spending a day here feels like stepping into both the past and the raw wilderness of Alaska.
This guide explains how to visit Kennecott and Root Glacier in a single day, what to expect, and why it is worth the journey.
Getting to Kennecott
Visiting Kennecott is an adventure in itself. The mine and glacier are located inside Wrangell–St. Elias, America’s largest national park.
- Drive to McCarthy Road: From Chitina, you drive 60 miles on a rough gravel road. Flat tires are common, so carry a spare.
- Footbridge into McCarthy: Private vehicles cannot cross the Kennicott River bridge. Park at the designated lot and walk across the pedestrian bridge.
- Shuttle to Kennecott: From McCarthy, a shuttle bus runs the last 5 miles to Kennecott.
The journey takes effort, but the reward is worth it.
Exploring Kennecott Copper Mine
Kennecott was once a bustling mining town. Founded in the early 1900s, it produced some of the highest-grade copper ore ever discovered. By 1938, the ore was depleted, and the mine was abandoned almost overnight.
Today, the National Park Service manages the site as a National Historic Landmark. Many of the original buildings still stand, making it one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Alaska.
Highlights of Kennecott
- The Mill Building: A towering 14-story red structure built into the hillside. Guided tours let you walk inside, where machinery and ore chutes remain.
- General Store and Post Office: Preserved as they looked in the 1930s.
- Power Plant and Hospital: Other structures that show how self-sufficient the town was.
- Walking the town: Wooden boardwalks connect the buildings, with interpretive signs explaining the history.
Guided Tours
St. Elias Alpine Guides and the National Park Service both offer tours of the mill and town. These give you access to the interiors of buildings that are otherwise closed for safety reasons.
Tours usually last 2–3 hours and are highly recommended for understanding the scale of the operation.
Hiking to the Root Glacier
Just outside Kennecott, a well-marked trail leads to Root Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska.
- Distance: About 2 miles one way from town to the glacier’s edge
- Trail: Easy to moderate, with gradual elevation gain
- Scenery: Views of Mount Blackburn, the Stairway Icefall, and the massive Kennicott Glacier nearby
Once you reach the glacier, you can walk right onto the ice. Many visitors stop at the edge, but guided glacier hikes take you safely onto crevasses, blue melt pools, and streams flowing across the ice.
Guided Glacier Hikes
Several outfitters in Kennecott offer half- or full-day glacier hikes. They provide crampons, helmets, and instruction for walking on ice.
Highlights of guided tours include:
- Exploring crevasses and moulins (deep water-filled holes)
- Drinking pure glacier water
- Learning about glacial geology and climate change impacts
It is one of the easiest places in Alaska to safely experience a glacier up close.
Combining History and Adventure
The best way to spend a day in Kennecott is to split time between the ghost town and the glacier.
- Morning: Take a guided tour of the Kennecott Mill and historic buildings. Learn about the town’s rise and fall.
- Afternoon: Hike to Root Glacier for a guided walk on the ice.
- Evening: Return to McCarthy for dinner and, if staying overnight, enjoy the quiet charm of the tiny town.
This combination gives you both cultural history and outdoor adventure in a single day.
What to Bring
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
- Layers for unpredictable Alaskan weather
- Snacks and plenty of water
- Crampons if going on the glacier (provided by guides)
- Camera for both the ghost town and glacier landscapes
Where to Stay
- In McCarthy: Small lodges, cabins, and B&Bs
- Camping: Options near McCarthy and along the McCarthy Road
- Nearby towns: Chitina and Copper Center offer additional lodging, though farther away
Many travelers choose to stay overnight in McCarthy to break up the long drive.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June–September): Roads are open, weather is mild, and tours operate daily.
- Shoulder seasons (May and early October): Less crowded but with unpredictable weather and limited services.
- Winter: Access is very limited, with extreme cold and snow.
For most visitors, July and August are ideal for both history tours and glacier hikes.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Kennecott and Root Glacier
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fascinating ghost town with preserved buildings | Remote and difficult to reach |
| Opportunity to hike on a glacier | Road to McCarthy is rough and can damage cars |
| Combination of history and adventure | Limited services, food, and lodging |
| Fewer crowds than Alaska’s major parks | Requires time and planning to access |
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Drive the McCarthy Road, cross the footbridge, stay overnight in McCarthy
Day 2: Morning tour of Kennecott Mine, afternoon glacier hike, evening return to McCarthy
Day 3: Explore local trails or take a flightseeing tour over Wrangell–St. Elias before departing
This itinerary makes the long journey worthwhile and lets you fully experience the area.
Conclusion
A day at the Kennecott Copper Mine and Root Glacier is one of the most unique experiences in Alaska. The ghost town offers a glimpse into the state’s mining history, while the glacier puts you face-to-face with one of nature’s most powerful forces.
It takes effort to reach, but that is part of the adventure. Few places let you walk through a preserved mining town in the morning and onto a glacier in the afternoon. For travelers seeking both culture and wilderness, Kennecott and Root Glacier deliver an unforgettable day.
FAQs
How do you get to Kennecott Copper Mine?
Drive the McCarthy Road to the footbridge, then take a shuttle into Kennecott. The road is rough, so allow plenty of time.
Do you need a guide to see the mine?
Yes, if you want to enter the mill building or other structures. Guided tours are highly recommended.
Is it safe to walk on Root Glacier without a guide?
You can walk on the edge of the glacier, but for exploring crevasses and deeper areas, a guided hike is safest.
Can you visit Kennecott in a day trip?
Yes, but most people recommend staying overnight in McCarthy to make the long drive worthwhile.
When is the best time to visit Root Glacier?
Summer months (June to September) provide the best conditions for hiking and tours.
