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: Pyramid Peak Traverse (Canyon Creek to May Creek)


Distance: 25 miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

Approx. hiking time: 6-8 days

Total elevation gain: +6812, -9114

Best season: July - early September

Access: Bush flight - McCarthy to Canyon Creek

Maps: USGS McCarthy B-4, B-5

Challenges: Boulder fields, route finding, stream crossings


A 6 to 8 day trip through dramatic terrain that features a traverse around the base of Pyramid Peak. The slopes in this region are especialy lush and green, contrasting with areas of exposed black scree and snow at higher elevatoins. There are some outstanding views from high ridges on the route. As a bonus you get a bit of history as you pass through an old gold mining district including Chititu camp - a former mining settlement. There are some challenging sections alternating with more moderate terrain.

Click on a thumbnail to enlarge.
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Pyramid Peak Canyon Creek    
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 a guided trek, click here for more information on the Pyramid Peak Traverse in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.