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: Mt. Wrangell Plateau to Nugget Creek


Distance: 49 miles

Difficulty: Very strenuous/advanced

Approx. hiking time: 7-10 days

Total elevation gain: +10,577, -13,341

Best season: Mid July - early September

Access: Bush flight - McCarthy, or Gulkana Mt. Wrangell Plateau

Maps: USGS Valdez C-2, D-1, McCarthy C-8, D-8

Challenges: Stream crossings, glacier crossings, serious route finding, extended bushwhacking, rock/moraine.


An extended journey that defines rugged, remote trekking in the Wrangells. This is an extremely demanding trip through dramatic terrain. This route will take you through some of the most impressive country in the Wrangell range – across glaciers, up and over three high ridges and through some very demanding and stunning terrain. The route features impressive views of Mt. Blackburn, Mt. Drum Mt. Wrangell and more.

Don't try this one on unless you have some solid Alaskan, backcountry experience.

Click on a thumbnail to enlarge.
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Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Mt. Wrangell Skyscraper Traverse Nugget Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Mt. Wrangell Skyscraper Traverse Nugget Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Mt. Wrangell Skyscraper Traverse Nugget Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Mt. Wrangell Skyscraper Traverse Nugget Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Mt. Wrangell Skyscraper Traverse Nugget Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Mt. Wrangell Skyscraper Traverse Nugget Creek
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Mt. Wrangell Skyscraper Traverse Nugget Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Mt. Wrangell Skyscraper Traverse Nugget Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Mt. Wrangell Skyscraper Traverse Nugget Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Mt. Wrangell Skyscraper Traverse Nugget Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Mt. Wrangell Skyscraper Traverse Nugget Creek Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Mt. Wrangell Skyscraper Traverse Nugget Creek

Elevation Profile

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 as part of a guided trek, click here for more information on the Mt. Wrangell/Skyscraper Traverse in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.