Hiking Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias

National Park and Preserve

by Greg Fensterman

A companion site to the book published by Falcon Guides®

Backcountry Trek: Hanagita Peak Traverse


Distance: 45 miles

Difficulty: Very strenuous

Approx. hiking time: 7-9 days

Total elevation gain: +7922, -9584

Best season: July - early September

Access: Bush flight from McCarthy to Steamboat Hills

Maps: USGS McCarthy A-7, A-8, B-7, B-8

Challenges: Difficult stream crossings, extended bushwhacking, serious route finding.


A rugged and challenging 7-9 day trip that travels through diverse terrain - a highlight is the Hanagita Peak valley. Recommended only for experienced backcountry travelers who feel confident crossing very swift streams and possess excellent navigation and route finding skills.

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Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Hanagita Peak        
FusionCharts

Even detailed route descriptions such as those found in the book are not a substitute for skills and experience. If you would like to do this route but don't feel that you are ready to tackle the Alaskan wilderness on your own, consider a guided trek.

If you are interested in doing this route or one like it as part of a guided trek, click here for more information on the guided backpacking treks in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.